One year ago, folks who knew and loved the Red Gate Rodeo were holding their breath to see if the Union County Rodeo could fill the void. They were not disappointed, and Union County Rodeo will ride again this weekend, July 21 and 22, at 874 Hickory Star Road.

Dr. Jared Graves, veterinarian at Union County Animal Hospital, was approached by Wes and John Stalans of Spur'n S Rodeo Company last year about hosting the rodeo when the new owners of the Red Gate Farm property declined. Graves agreed to host the rodeo on a Hickory Star Road farm that has been in his family since 1882.

"(The Stalans) didn't want to see Union County lose its rodeo," said Graves. "It's the largest tourism event in Union County according to the Chamber of Commerce."

Graves and his helpers got to work, putting in road access and electricity. The 2016 rodeo was well-received, Graves said, attracting 6,500 people over two nights.

"I didn't hear anything negative last year," he said.

This year, with the infrastructure in place, Graves' work has focused on keeping the site bushhogged and advertising the event. Folks can expect all their favorites, including "mutton busting" for the kids, the wild cow-milking contest, and the traditional rodeo events. The pre-show festival will also be there, with food and merchandise vendors, music, and activities for the kids.

Graves is staying true to his commitment to keeping the rodeo alcohol-free and family-friendly, too.

"We really focus on being a family attraction," he said. "We want it to be a family event where the clown tells good, clean jokes."

Jaxx Drive-Thru is the main sponsor of this year's rodeo, and Ray Varner Ford is sponsoring the bull-riding. The full rodeo will be presented each night. Festival gates open at 6 p.m., and the rodeo starts at 8 p.m. For more information, visit the Union County Rodeo Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/unioncountyrodeo.