𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐰𝐛𝐨𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝

Professional rodeo competitors, championship bull riders, and traditional chuck wagon cooks will gather at Brush Poppers Cowboy Church this weekend for the church’s fourth annual rodeo, a two-day event aimed at bringing families together through entertainment and community outreach.

The rodeo is set for Saturday, Oct. 31, and Sunday, Nov. 1, at 46 Sanford Lane in Wetumpka. Performances begin at 2 p.m. both days, with gates opening at noon. A free children’s festival begins Saturday at 11:30 a.m., featuring bounce houses, candy and games. Mutton busting is scheduled for approximately 1 p.m. both days.

During Thursday’s broadcast of “The MAX Roundtable,” host Doug Amos and Ashleigh Jackson, director of events for the Elmore County Economic Development Authority, were on location at Brush Poppers Cowboy Church. They spoke with Pastor Bill Coleman, rodeo organizer Shane Esco, and chuck wagon cooks Chet and Carol Matthews about the upcoming event.

Esco said Southern Rodeo, an award-winning stock contractor recognized by the International Professional Rodeo Association, will bring some of the sport’s top competitors. Among those expected is IPRA world champion saddle bronc rider Cody Reinhart, along with championship-level bull riders.

“They put on the best rodeo around,” Esco said.

Rodeo clown Dusty Myers will also return. Esco said Myers has performed at major rodeos across the country and internationally and has been selected to return to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

“If it’s not entertaining, then people don’t come watch,” Esco said. “So, he is the entertainment factor, and his acts are just amazing.”

Another attraction will be traditional chuck wagon cooking by Chet and Carol Matthews. The couple will operate two chuck wagons, preparing food over open fires using cast-iron cookware and cooking methods dating to the 1800s.

Chet Matthews said they plan to prepare camp stew in a 60-gallon syrup kettle, cooking it for several hours before serving it with biscuits, cornbread or flatbread.

“The food tastes better coming out of cast iron. You just can’t beat that pure, authentic flavor,” Matthews said.

The couple will also dress in period clothing. While the cooking is primarily for hospitality and sponsors, leftover stew may be available for purchase.

“It’s a labor of love, I guess, because we’ve been doing this all week trying to get ready for this,” Matthews said.

For Coleman, the rodeo is about more than entertainment.

“We just love the Lord and are trying to reach as many people as we can, and that’s why we do this rodeo,” Coleman said. “It is strictly for outreach. We’re trying to fill the stands and plant the seeds and touch as many as we can.”

Coleman said at least three-quarters of the church’s active members are involved in preparing for the event, from organizing activities to cleaning the grounds.

“People behind the scenes, we take for granted a lot, when they are the ones that make this thing work as much as anybody else,” Coleman said.

Amos, who has broadcast from the church for the past three years, praised the event and its purpose.

“This event means a lot to me because I know what it’s for,” Amos said. “I know it’s for community outreach.”