The City of Martin and UTM are in full swing gearing up for the 46th annual UTM Rodeo.
Local businesses have joined together to sponsor additional events during Rodeo Week such as a window decorating contest.
“We are excited to bring part of the rodeo to historic downtown Martin. It is great to see the community and small businesses show their support of their university and the UTM rodeo team,” said Brad Thompson, City of Martin’s director of Community Development.
The Rodeo Week window decorating contest consisted of 12 businesses in historic downtown Martin community decorating windows, doors, and store fronts. The decorations included pictures from past rodeos, saddles, hay and even a jail house storefront.
The contest was judged on Monday, April 7; Christie’s Photography won first, Vicki’s Designer Touch was awarded second and St. Charles Florist won third. The contestants were judged on five categories with 10 points, with a total possible score of 50. The categories included creativity, theme, presentation, rodeo spirit and overall appearance.
Businesses that participated were: Christie’s Photography, Monograms and More, Live Oak, State Farm Insurance, Vicki’s Designer Touch, St. Charles, The Shoe Shack, The Sideline, Looking Glass Coffee, Kirkland’s Antiques, Gifts,Interiors, and Lighting, Moms 2B Maternity, and Cowert, Sargent, Reesee CPA.
Each year, rodeo week is officially kicked-off with the annual crawfish boil at the American Legion in Martin. This will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9. The cost is $10 per person or $25 per family.
“There is just something special about Martin’s UTM rodeo week. The week is kicked off with the crawfish supper which is more like family reunion ,then 3 nights of action packed rodeo and then a scholarship auction that helps keep these great cowboys and cowgirls continuing their education. Most of all though is the continued great support of the community. We will never be able to express the appreciation and gratitude for all they do not only during this week but throughout the entire year,” Katie Brooks said. Brooks serves on the Rodeo Booster Club.
Thompson hopes that people will show support on Saturday as well for the scholarship auction and free community barbecue. This is the first year that the barbecue will be moved out of the university and made a community event.
“We want everyone to come out Saturday, April 12 to Festival Park in downtown Martin to enjoy live music, free barbecue and participate in the live auction. It is sure to be a great time,” Thompson said.
