CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office hosted its annual rodeo sponsor dinner on Tuesday night at Cotton Creek Warehouse, ahead of this weekend’s Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Jimmy Arrington Memorial Rodeo. According to the CCSO, Tuesday’s rodeo dinner drew one of the biggest attendance numbers to date.
According to Sheriff Matt Gentry, the 2024 dinner saw more than 700 attendees. This year’s event exceeded that by nearly 100. They also raised over $125,000.
“The rodeo is an important event not just for the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office, but for our entire community,” Gentry said. “Seeing this year’s record number of rodeo sponsors is truly humbling. Their continued support helps provide essential equipment for the sheriff’s office year after year, and it also allows us to give back to our communities and our schools. We are truly blessed to have a community that stands behind us so strongly.”
The sponsor dinner is an intro-event to the Jimmy Arrington Memorial Rodeo, which is held annually at the Cullman County Agricultural Trade Center in Vinemont.
Local business owner Alexis Holmes shared that the rodeo is dear to her heart.
“I truly love supporting the sheriff’s office in attending this enjoyable event each year,” Holmes said. “Supporting my family who is in law enforcement and this rodeo has always been special to me.”
Community member and business owner Mandy Leonardi said the common goal among everyone at the rodeo dinner is simple: give back.
“Giving back to our community is something we deeply value — it’s a reminder that we’re all stronger when we lift each other up,” Leonardi said. “Supporting the Special Needs Rodeo is love in action; this is where love, inclusion and joy ride together. We will continue to support this cause for years to come.”
The Special Needs Rodeo will take place Thursday, Dec. 11, when more than 1,000 special needs children who attend Cullman County-area schools, the Margaret Jean Jones Center and the Cullman County Child Development Center will be treated to a “mini rodeo.”
The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Jimmy Arrington Memorial Rodeo is held every December. The rodeo is dedicated to the memory of former Cullman County Lt. Jimmy Arrington who helped start the event.
According to the CCSO, the rodeo will provide fun, family entertainment, including bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding and more. Proceeds from the rodeo help purchase equipment for the CCSO, such as vest carriers, tasers and additional safety equipment. Money from the event also goes to area schools.
The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Jimmy Arrington Memorial will take place Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13. Gates open at 5 p.m. both days, with the kids’ scramble at 7, and the rodeo performance at 7:30.
Tickets are cash only at the door. Adults are $10; children/students $8; kids 6 and younger get in free. An ATM will be available on-site.
For more information, visit www.cullmansheriff.org/sheriffs-rodeo or www.facebook.com/cullman.sheriff.
The Cullman County Agricultural Trade Center is located at 17645 U.S. Highway 31.
