Get ready, Franklin! It’s almost time for another unforgettable year at the Franklin Rodeo, one of the longest running family events in Middle Tennessee, and one of the largest rodeos east of the Mississippi! Started in 1949 by the Franklin Noon Rotary Club as a fundraiser, this rodeo continues to bring over 18,000 excited fans together year after year.
With tons of wild activities, like bronc riding, steer wrestling, bull riding and so much more, Franklin Rodeo offers a week of festivities perfect for any rodeo fan!
The Parade
Kicking things off on May 11, the 2019 Franklin Rodeo Parade will take over downtown Franklin, TN with floats, horses, clowns, and more! A 70-year-old tradition that kicks off the annual Franklin Rodeo, this parade is the perfect celebration of all things rodeo. In past years, the parade has featured a full bill of participants, including horseback riders and local marching bands. They’d traverse the parade route on various forms of transportation, from tractors and trucks, to bicycles, horses, and even a bull. And this year is on track to be even bigger and more exciting than ever!
The “Experience”
On May 15, a full-on down-in-the-dirt rodeo kick-off party awaits all those who come out! Attendees can experience the cowboy’s view of rodeo life at this free rodeo party. Get an up-close look at some of the stock “behind the chutes,” get cowboy autographs, eat from the Food Truck Corral, and stop by a variety of vendor booths to get your hands on some great rodeo merchandise. And even get your kiddos involved in activities designed just for them, like roping, stick horsing, and more. Check out the official event page for all the details!
The Rodeo
As the main event, the 70th annual Franklin Rodeo will take place May 16-18. Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, it features the seven classic rodeo events each night. Kids, too, can take part in the fun with mutton bustin’ and the calf scramble. Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey will show ya’ how it’s done as he rides his trusty dog, Boogie, and herds sheep into a pen. Cowboy wannabes can take part as a Pony Hop racer in an adults only, no holds barred, bouncing barrel race! Check out all the events Franklin Rodeo has in store this May!
Be sure to wrangle your tickets for the Franklin Rodeo before it’s too late!