Cowboys and cowgirls rode their horses and buggies through downtown Athens Saturday to officially kick off the 26th annual Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo that is set for Friday and Saturday at the Sheriff’s Arena off Alabama 99.

Sheriff Mike Blakely led the parade of horses, ponies and some mules that circled the Limestone County Courthouse Square. Hundreds of riders took part in the parade.

Billed as “the largest outdoor rodeo east of the Mississippi,” the rodeo will give out more than $50,000 in prize money.

This year’s rodeo grand marshal is Limestone County Emergency Management Agency Director Spencer Black,. who is retiring this year after more than 30 years on the job.

The parade, which started at the arena, featured queen contestants, cowgirls and cowboys of all ages on horseback, along with a number of buggies and wagons.

The rodeo competition includes bareback bronc riding, calf roping, break-away roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, saddle bronc riding and cowgirl barrel racing.

Other entertainment will include a children’s calf scramble and chuck wagon races. Professional rodeo clowns will also be on hand to entertain.

A highlight of this year’s event is the crowning of Miss Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Queen. This year’s winner will be announced Saturday. Kristin Scott, the reigning 2007 Rodeo Queen, was recently crowned Miss Rodeo USA 2008.

Below are the events to follow during rodeo week:

• Monday, May 12 – Preston’s Rodeo Kickoff, Kids Day, horseback rides, 5 p.m., Preston’s Western & Outdoor Wear, U.S. 72 East.

• Tuesday, May 13 – Limestone County Courthouse Square live band, line dancing and western fashion show, 7 p.m.

• Thursday, May 15 – All team-roping contestants will compete during the designated slack; admission $5. Gates open at 6 p.m.; slack begins at 7 p.m.

• Friday, May 16 – Exceptional Rodeo from 10 a.m.-1p.m. for the mentally or physically challenged. There will be rodeo clowns, hay rides, horseback rides at the Sheriff’s Arena; Gates open at 6 p.m. with pony rides for kids ages 10 and under on the first night of the rodeo.

• Saturday, May 17 – Gates open at 6 p.m. with pony rides for kids ages 10 and under on the final night of the rodeo. Opening ceremonies begin at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children age 12 and under. Gate tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under.