Plans are being finalized for the fourth annual Family Connection Rodeo, to be held Friday, March 15, and Saturday, March 16, at the Commodore Industrial Park.

“This is a family-friendly event,” said Family Connection Coordinator Ronnie Burke, who noted that the gates open at 6 p.m. both evenings.

Southwest Georgia Farm Credit will have a concession stand selling hamburgers, hot dogs, and more, so families can get their suppers and participate in youth friendly activities before the rodeo events begin at 7:30 p.m.

Professionals from the Cowboy Association of Waycross, Ga., will perform such rodeo feats as barrel racing, calf roping, bull riding, break-aways, team roping and other rodeo associated events.

All proceeds from the rodeo will assist Decatur County Family Connection programs. There is a special emphasis on the “backpack program,” which feeds more than 100 elementary-school students each week, by sending them home with healthy foods for the weekends. It also helps support the abstinence program at the Performance Learning Center, and a food bank. No proceeds are used for administrative costs, which are covered by the state.

Tickets are available from The Headquarters Salon, the Chamber of Commerce, the Bainbridge Convention and Visitors Bureau, and both locations of First Port City Bank. Admission is $10 if purchased in advance. At the gate, the cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children.

Burke said earlier this week that it is not too late to become a sponsor of the event. The categories range from $100 sponsorships, up to the “platinum level” at $5,000.

For more information, or to become a sponsor, contact Burke by calling (229) 309-9032 or emailing rcburke@windstream.net