Get ready for the 59th Annual Dixie National Rodeo, the largest annual rodeo east of the Mississippi River. Join cowboys and cowgirls from all over Mississippi and the mid-south for thrilling rodeo competitions, livestock shows, and a parade.
The 59th Annual Dixie National Rodeo: The Greatest Show on Dirt
( Credit to: Clarionledger )
Cowboys and cowgirls from all over Mississippi and the mid-south are gearing up for the 59th Annual Dixie National Rodeo, an event that has earned the title of 'The Greatest Show on Dirt'. This rodeo, which takes place at the Mississippi Coliseum, is the largest annual rodeo east of the Mississippi River. Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, Andy Gipson, has aptly described it as such.
The Dixie National Rodeo is just one part of a series of events that will captivate attendees. Alongside the rodeo competitions, there will be livestock shows, the Miss Dixie National Rodeo Pageant, and the Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions. The sale provides an opportunity for Mississippi 4-H and FFA youth to showcase and auction off their livestock, including cattle, goats, sheep, and swine. Since 1970, this sales event has raised over $8.9 million and has also provided scholarships to deserving participants. The scholarship program, which started in 1993, has awarded over $1.1 million to 4-H and FFA youth.
Thrilling Rodeo Competitions and Musical Entertainment
The rodeo performances will kick off on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Mississippi Coliseum. Attendees will witness a thrilling display of traditional rodeo competitions, including tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, steer roping, saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, bull riding, and barrel racing. The excitement doesn't end there - musical entertainment by Conner Smith & Colin Stough will also be part of the experience. Moreover, there will be a special recognition of the men and women who serve in Mississippi law enforcement, adding an extra touch of honor to the event.
As the weekend continues, the rodeo action will continue on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. with the musical guest Tracy Byrd. Additional rodeo performances will take place on Sunday, February 11, at 2 p.m. featuring Chris Cagle, on Wednesday, February 14, at 7 p.m. featuring Megan Moroney, on Thursday, February 15, at 7 p.m. featuring Sammy Kershaw, on Friday, February 16, at 7 p.m. featuring Corey Kent, and on Saturday, February 17, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. featuring Parmalee.
A Colorful Parade and Special Events
On Saturday morning, the annual Dixie National Parade will take place, starting at the corner of Mississippi and Jefferson Street. The parade will feature the famous Dixie National Wagon Train, along with the Mississippi Fire Academy Elite Honor Guard, antique cars, rodeo queens, decorative floats, mounted horses, and marching bands. The parade will pass through downtown Jackson, including the State Capitol, offering a picturesque and vibrant spectacle for all to enjoy. An awards ceremony will follow the parade, recognizing the best marching group, best motorized club, best float, best riding club, and the overall best individual or group.
Aside from the rodeo, there are several other special events scheduled to enhance the experience. Rodeo Days, taking place from February 9-11, will combine rodeo action with Western shopping. Kid's Day on February 13 will feature a morning rodeo geared towards children, including Dusty the rodeo clown, rodeo queens, barrel racing, and gift bags. Retro Night on February 15 will be a costume contest with a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to Cavender's Boot City. The Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo, taking place from February 16-18, will showcase everything for the outdoors, from fishing equipment to ATVs, tractors, and farm equipment.
Supporting Agriculture and Rural Life
Southern AgCredit, a lending cooperative providing financial services tailored to agriculture and rural life, is the chief sponsor for the 2024 livestock show and rodeo. The event will be managed by officials such as Announcer Andy Stewart, Production Manager Jacob Moorhead, Time Keeper Taylor McNair, Secretary Donna Austin, Sound Manager Randy Mayer, Bull Fighters Cade Parks and Austin Rudloff, Rodeo Clown Dusty Myers, and Special Entertainers Ryder and Bobby Kerr.
Tickets for each rodeo performance range from $20 to $45 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster via the dixienational.org website or at the Coliseum ticket office.