Rodeo to aid burn victims
The third annual Rodeo Nights returns to Columbia County on Friday and Saturday.
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It will include world-class cowboys and cowgirls competing in a nationally recognized event to benefit burn victims and their families.
Rodeo Nights is the second largest annual fundraising event benefiting The Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation. Last year, the rodeo raised $33,000 to help burn victims at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital, said Tina Seeger, a director of development for the foundation.
The foundation helps burn victims pay for garments, medications and transportation needs and helps their families with the costs of meals and lodging.
The rodeo returns to the Columbia County Fairgrounds after winning the Best New Rodeo in the United States award in January by its sanctioning body, the International Professional Rodeo Association. It is also the first rodeo since the January death of the burn foundation's executive director, Charles DeVaney.
"That definitely was a significant loss for us," Seeger said of the death of Augusta's former mayor. "Charles was very active in every aspect of our organization."
Seeger said the foundation has yet to name a successor.
"We're dedicating this event to his memory this year," Seeger said. A moment of silence will be held before each event.
Gates open each night at 6 p.m. and the rodeo begins at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.ticketweb.com, area Georgia Bank and Trust locations; Boots, Bridles and Britches in Grovetown; and B&V Western Wear.
Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children. Tickets at the gate are $12 for adults and $8 for children. For more information, call (800) 650-2876 or visit www.theburncenter.org.
If You Go
What: Third annual Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation Rodeo Nights
When: Friday and Saturday, gates open at 6 p.m., rodeo begins at 8 p.m.
Where: Columbia County Fairgrounds on Columbia Road
Cost: Advance tickets $10 adult/ $6 child; gate tickets $12 adult/ $8 child
For more information: (800) 650-2876 or www.theburncenter.org