The city of Auburn is full of traditions. Many of them surrounding the university or university related events. Of all those traditions, one of the most unusual and infamous is the rodeo.

Put on every spring by the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Alpha Psi Fraternity, the rodeo, for some, is one of the most looked forward to events in the Auburn area.

The rodeo helps Auburn University’s College of Veterinary medicine to raise money. Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine is the oldest in the south and has won multiple awards for its successes. The program is well renowned for it’s medical advances and continues to progress.

The rodeo is a way for the community to get involved with this successful program and help contribute to that success.

“This event is a classic Auburn tradition,“ said senior business major Bo Meador. “I’ve enjoyed the rodeo for the past three years and am going again this year.“
Mostly, the rodeo is the first or second weekend in April. The event is located down South College Street, behind Good Ole’ Boys restaurant, away from the university. On the day of the event the open field fills with trucks and flatbeds all crowding around the barn where the rituals will take place.

All of the typical rodeo exposes are viewed in the center of the barn. Bull riding, greased pig chasing and lassoing are all a part of the this experience. The day comes to a close with a concert put on by well-known country bands.

People line the truck beds and gathering around the barn as the performers begin to play into the night.

“It’s great to be able to laugh at yourself and fully embrace our southern image,“ said Meador.

The affair is an all day event.

“I don’t mind paying for my ticket because I know I’ll get my money’s worth,“ said Meador. “Plus the proceed help advance the Vet program which is something that Auburn is known for.“

This year’s rodeo will be held on Saturday, April 4, and will have a live performance by country artist John Anderson. Advance tickets are $15 and are available on campus and Chevron Store 17 on South College Street and Chevron Store 18 on Dean Road. Tickets at the gate are $20. Gates open at 8 a.m.

“If you haven’t experienced the rodeo you haven’t truly experienced Auburn,” said Meador. “You have to go at least once.“



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