Truth in Nature fundraiser to feature rodeo

Benjamin Bullard, The Cullman Times, Ala.
·2 min read

Apr. 13—Ridin', ropin' and tons more rodeo fun is set to kick up dust next weekend, as the local chapter of national youth ministry Truth in Nature returns to Cullman for its second-ever rodeo event.

The 2nd Truth in Nature Rodeo will take over the Cullman County Agricultural Center on April 19 and 20, for a two-day competition and exhibition that features riders on the Southeastern Professional Rodeo Association competitive circuit. It's the biggest yearly fundraiser for the Cullman chapter of the boys' outreach, which connects young men with male mentors who offer growing-up guidance through outdoor activity and faith-based devotion.

Local organizer Brian Burchett, who in 2020 introduced the Georgia-based nonprofit to Cullman, said this year's rodeo will hopefully serve a twofold purpose, raising money that helps fund the group's monthly slate of youth activities while also showing local boys; especially those bereft of a big-brother or father figure, what Truth in Nature has to offer.

"We do programs every month that either bring the boys out for an overnight camping trip and Saturday activities, or else a Saturday-only day camp. But we're hoping to raise enough money to set up a bunkhouse where we can do it no matter what the weather looks like, because sometimes that's been a limiting factor when your plan is to have everyone out camping just in tents," Burchett explained.

"Last year's rodeo raised almost $8,000, and it's a goal of ours to grow the rodeo event so that it's the only fundraising that we have to do each year," he added. "Myself and a couple of other local men who've stepped up and been vetted through the organization, serve as mentors for our programs, and we try to give the boys something that, for them, is absent in their development: the assurance that there's somebody there, and who will be there, for them."

Doors at the ag center open both evenings at 5 p.m., with a kids' Mutton Bustin' competition (children's age and weight restrictions apply) serving as each night's warm-up entertainment ahead of the main rodeo kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

The Cullman Lions Club sponsors the rodeo, with support from local businesses including Mitch Smith Chevrolet, ALFA Insurance, Cornerstone Construction, Schwaiger Construction, Boat Lifts of Alabama and more. Kids ages 4 and younger get in for free, while admission costs $15 for children ages 5-11 and $20 for adults.

Benjamin Bullard can be reached by phone at 256-734-2131 ext. 234.