In the fall of 1999, Hurricane Floyd brought one of the greatest natural disasters in North Carolina history to the eastern part of the state. Polkville Baptist immediately began sending teams on weekends to help clean out flooded homes.
Seeing the impact of their work caused the participating members to want to do even more. This resulted in the church deciding to "adopt" a home, but they needed a way to raise money for the home's renovation. A rodeo was the answer. The church held its first rodeo in April of 2000, and the tradition has continued through the years as the church sent disaster relief teams to needed areas and mission teams to other states and countries to help with construction projects. Proceeds from each year's rodeo also go to support mission projects in the local community.
"Rodeo Polkville" is now held each year on the third weekend in June. It is sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association.
This year the church is presenting its 20th annual Rodeo Polkville on Friday, June 21, and Saturday, June 22, 2019, starting at 6 p.m. each night.
"Rodeo Polkville is always great, clean family fun," says Polkville Baptist Church Minister Will Davis. "We do this because our church is passionate about missions. We love to serve the Lord and serve others. Whether it be disaster relief or local, national or international missions, we are sharing the good news of Jesus Christ as we participate in the mission of God. We look forward to folks supporting our efforts by coming to Rodeo Polkville."
Events at the rodeo include bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Other festivities include inflatable games, a mechanical bull, food and vendors, plus balloons and a bubble gum drop for the kids.
Tickets can be purchased at participating stores or at the gate. Tickets purchased in advance are $10 for adults (ages 12 and older), while gate admission adult tickets are $12. Children ages 11 and under are admitted free of charge.
Rodeo Polkville takes place at Mintz Arena at Polkville Baptist Church, 4214 Polkville Road, Shelby. More than 4,000 people attended the 2018 rodeo.
For more information, visit www.RodeoPolkville.com or email rodeopolkville@polkvillebaptist.com.

By April Hoyle Shauf, Special to Community First Media