Saddle up and get ready for this weekend’s Blythewood rodeo
Time for all buckaroos to get all-fired up for the 6th Annual Blythewood DOKO Rodeo.
The three-day IPRA Championship Rodeo starts Friday at Blythewood Community Park, exit 27 off I-77.
It’s a championship, professional, eight-event rodeo including bull riding and barrel racing.
Related: See a video from last year’s rodeo
“The sport of rodeo itself makes it a fun event as most folks have not seen a live rodeo,” said Kristi Coggins, rodeo spokesperson. “Rain or shine the show goes on and that can make things very interesting.”
In addition to the events, folks are entertained by the rodeo clown, and The Grand Entry which features paint horses, patriotic tributes and contestants. Miss Rodeo South Carolina will be there tonight and Saturday, and Miss Rodeo USA on Sunday.
“A calf scramble, pony rides, a mechanical bull, inflatables, great food and fun vendors make it a family event for all ages,” Coggins said.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and the rodeo starts at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 1 p.m. Sunday, with the rodeo starting at 3 p.m. Sunday is Family Fun Day, with a free hot dog for buckaroos 12 and younger.
The rodeo features five current reigning world champions in their respective events and three past world champions. The Blythewood rodeo is one of the highest prize money stops on the east coast and awards trophy buckles to event winners.
Ken Treadway Rodeo Company provides livestock for the event, which includes world champion bucking bulls and broncs.
The name “Doko” was used for the rodeo because it was the original name of the Town of Blythewood. It means watering place, and was the steam engine refill station for water and fuel between Columbia and Charlotte. The town was named Blythewood in 1877.
The Blythewood DOKO Rodeo makes donations to several organizations, including local associations of 4-H, Future Farmers of America, South Carolina High School Rodeo and Plant it Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for kids ages 6-12. Kids five and under get in free.
Lezlie Patterson, Special to The State