𝐖𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐤𝐚 𝐅𝐅𝐀 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐢 𝐑𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐟𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡

What began as a community effort has grown into one of Elmore County’s most anticipated annual events, bringing together entertainment, economic activity, and meaningful support for local students. The Wetumpka FFA Alumni Championship Rodeo, established in 2018, was created with a clear purpose: to raise funds for local FFA programs and expand opportunities for students involved in agricultural education.

The funding supports students at Wetumpka and Holtville High Schools, helping offset costs for livestock projects, shop materials, and travel tied to educational opportunities.

“We return all of the funds to the two organizations,” said Mark Matthews, president of the Wetumpka FFA Alumni chapter. “Last year, we contributed around $24,000, and those dollars went directly into their programs. They put it toward livestock equipment, shop project materials, and trips to the National FFA Convention. It opens doors for students who might not otherwise have those opportunities.”

For many students, those opportunities extend beyond the classroom, offering hands-on experience and exposure to agriculture, leadership development, and career pathways. At the same time, the rodeo has become a draw for visitors from across the region. As a sanctioned event through professional rodeo associations, it brings in contestants and spectators from well beyond Elmore County.

“We’re sanctioned by the International Pro Rodeo Association, so we have contestants coming in from all over,” Matthews said. That influx of visitors creates a noticeable impact throughout the community. From local vendors and food trucks to retail and service-based businesses, rodeo weekend brings increased activity and visibility to the area.

The event itself has continued to evolve since its early days. What once required building an arena from the ground up each year has grown into a more established production, now held at the Wetumpka Sports Complex. “It’s been a true blessing to have that facility,” Matthews said. “We don’t have to set everything up from scratch anymore, and it’s helped us grow.”

With that growth has come increased community support, particularly from local sponsors. Matthews said building those relationships has been key to expanding both the reach and quality of the event. “Getting sponsors was tough in the beginning, but over the last few years we’ve gained more support,” he said. “That’s helped us improve the rodeo and enhance the experience for everyone.”

New additions, including digital advertising boards, expanded prize money, and upgraded fan experiences, have helped attract more contestants and larger crowds.

“We’ve been able to add more prize money and bring in more contestants,” Matthews said. “That makes the event better for the fans and helps us continue to grow.”

Today, the rodeo is widely recognized as one of Wetumpka’s signature events, often referred to as “The Best Two Days in Wetumpka.” But beyond the excitement and entertainment, its purpose remains rooted in something deeper.

More than anything, the rodeo represents a shared investment between students and the community that supports them. It is a weekend that brings people together, while creating opportunities that last long after the final event ends. “It’s been a big positive for the community,” Matthews said.​​​