The 10th annual “A Day in the Dirt Handicapable rodeo” brought joy to hundreds of special needs children and teens, with activities like horseback rides, wagon rides, crafts, and a petting zoo. Volunteers from schools and the community helped make the event a success, with 35 schools participating and 2,000 people attending from various locations.

The event, sponsored by the Cowboy Church in Jasper, has grown significantly over the years, starting with just a few special needs children and now attracting participants from a wide area. Volunteers like Jasper High junior Larryn Simmons helped children mount horses, including those with mobility devices, and families like Jerry Bolden’s and Amy Going’s found joy and acceptance at the event.

Children like Zachary Bolden and Patrick Going, who have special needs, found happiness and excitement at the rodeo, with Zachary eagerly anticipating the event and Patrick enjoying the animals at the petting zoo. The event was described as a place of love and acceptance, with the Cowboy Church emphasizing the message of Psalm 139:14 – “We are fearfully and wonderfully made.”