A Fun Time at the Exceptional Kids Rodeo

Helping Our Neighbors Outreach sponsored Exceptional Kids Rodeo today at Long View Ranch, located in Mosheim. My kids all had a great time! The event was entirely free of charge with so many friendly volunteers and many surrounding businesses donating items. Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison and State Representative David Hawk even came out to show their support. What an amazing community we have!

My kiddos and I started out with delicious SnoBalls. The older boys and I enjoyed the SnoBalls, while the youngest had fun just running around us and playing with his cowboy hat we received at registration.

While waiting for the rodeo to start, there were tons of games set up and a bounce house. The kids each had fun playing the games repeatedly, moving down to the next one before the next family could line up. My oldest was bopping to the music while playing the games. The biggest hits were the clown ball toss and the spraying the ping pong balls off the tops of water bottles.

Then it was rodeo time! The Triple T Bulls and Bull Riders and Outlaws Association taught the kids how to lasso and there was a kiddie bull ride made from a barrel. My youngest enjoyed the bull ride so much he kept trying to get back on. He had a blast!

Afterward they brought out the horses, sponsored by Hidden Meadow Farms, for rides. Both my oldest and my youngest enjoyed riding the horses. It was nice to see that it was handicapped accessible as well and a young girl in a wheelchair was also able to enjoy a horseback ride.

I loved how the event was spaced out over many hours so that people were able to come at different times. So many times an event takes place over a short period of time and it makes an event very crowded, which isn’t always the best when dealing with special needs children. By spreading it out it also makes it easier to go when it fits into your schedule. The activities were also spread out so there was always something fun going on.

The Jonesborough Fire Department Chaplain smoked 80 pounds of meat donated by Food City, while KFC and Fatz Cafe provided the sides. Sadly, my little one was tired out and we had to go before the meal was served but it is always better to leave on a high note then after he is overtired.

Thank you so much to everyone that was a part of this great event! We look forward to your next one!

Thank you also to the Bledsoe family who helped make this event happen in honor of their son who was recently killed in a car accident. He had two special needs nephews and had a heart for special needs children.

Additional business sponsors included: Cover Your Six Customs, Creekside Vinyl, Healing Touch Massage, Heritage Bank, Hillside Estates and More, Hy-Tech Entertainment, and Superior Window.

And a special thank you to Stephanie Corder and the Helping Our Neighbors Outreach for putting on an amazing event to serve the special needs children in the Greene County area!