The Childress County Old Settlers Rodeo kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. at the Mashburn Event Center. Celebrating its 133rd anniversary, this year’s event will have two nights of rodeo performances with kids events, the parade, the rodeo queen contest and a dance on Saturday night at the Elks Lodge.

One of the highlights of this year’s event is the Hardin Simmons Six White Horses Drill Team, which will perform both nights and ride in the parade on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Kevin Martin, the Childress County Old Settlers Rodeo Association President, says this is the first time in over 10 years that the team will perform at the Childress County Rodeo. The Rodeo Association committee has worked since the end of February to secure the Six White Horses Drill Team for this weekend’s event and their performances will be ones to remember.

While the rodeo is seeing close to 250 contestants, two Childress locals will represent their hometown in the Friday night performance. Sawyer Vest will compete in the calf roping and Tori Huddleston will be in the slack for barrel racing. When asked about the importance of having locals in the event, Martin said it’s good to keep the tradition alive and have the next generation take hold of the reins. Performances for both nights will start with kids events at 6 p.m., followed by rodeo performances at 8 p.m. Tickets are 10 dollars and children 5 years old and under get in for free.

Along with being a fun-filled weekend, the rodeo also gives back to the community that supports it. Donations will be made to Meals on Wheels, Childress We Can Care, Childress Blue Crew and CASA, as well as scholarships for high school seniors. The full schedule of events this weekend and more information is located on the Childress County Old Settlers Rodeo Association Facebook page.