FarmHouse fraternity will host its philanthropic rodeo Sept. 17 in the field beside Good Ol' Boys restaurant on Sandhill Road, the same location where the Alpha Psi Rodeo is held.
Will Bryan, FarmHouse's rodeo chair, is in charge of planning and coordinating the event.
He has coordinated with the city, secured corporate sponsors and worked with an agent to get an entertainer.
"It is going to pretty much be the same as last year," Bryan said. "We're having rodeo events such as calf roping, bull and bronco riding and a wild horse chase."
Ten to 12 teams are expected to compete in the rodeo this year.
The winning team will receive individual belt buckles.
Another exciting aspect about the rodeo is the concert following the rodeo activities.
Hunter Long will be opening for Nashville country artist David Nail.
Nail's song "Red Light" was nominated this year for single of the year by the Academy of Country Music.
"I'm looking forward to, after the rodeo events are over, listening to David Nail," Bryan said. "It's fun when the night is going great. It's just a great time to relax and enjoy the night."
All of the proceeds from ticket and T-shirt sales will be donated to Storybook Farm.
Storybook Farm is a nonprofit organization in the Auburn-Opelika area that uses equestrian-assisted activities as a form of therapy for children.
Dena Little, founder and executive director of Storybook, began the organization in 2002, and with the help of the community and the University, it has become a free haven for children.
"It is basically a place for children who have things in their lives--mental handicaps, physical and mental abuse, autism--to come and learn about the horse and experience life on a farm," Little said. "And thanks to events such as FarmHouse's rodeo, which help raise money for us, we have become successful."
A few years ago, a FarmHouse brother became interested in Storybook Farm and got connected with Little.
"He believed in the ministry," Little said. "He wanted to take it to another level, and that is when they started hosting the rodeo and supporting us."
Since the rodeo began five years ago, more than $40,000 has been raised and donated to Storybook Farm, Little said.
Everyone is welcome to attend the rodeo, but Bryan said the event is primarily geared toward college students.
"My favorite part last year, and what I am looking forward to most was the music," said Grace Miller, sophomore in nutrition. "I am going to try to get there earlier this year, so I can see more of the actual rodeo. I heard it was a lot of fun."
No alcohol will be sold at the event, but wristbands will be given out at the gate to those 21 and older.
Coolers are welcome, but no glass bottles will be permitted. There will also be food for sale.
Little is excited about the event, but expressed that her only concern is safety.
"Some of the events are crazy and dangerous," Little said. "I just hope everyone stays safe. Although, I suppose it is in the nature of a college boy to be crazy."
Tickets are $12 ahead of time and $15 at the door.
They can be purchased at Niffer's Place, Locos, on campus or online at www.fhrodeo.com/tickets.
The locations for buying tickets on campus are on the Haley Center concourse and at the science center concourse between Lupton and Owen Hall dorms.
Times are subject to change, but the tentative schedule is gates will open at 6 p.m., rodeo events will start at 7 p.m., and the opening act will play at 8:30 p.m.
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