CHILDEN UNDER 6 FREE | NO ALCOHOL | NO DOGS
The Shady Dale Rodeo returns June 5–6, 2026, celebrating its 42nd year as one of the nation’s premier outdoor rodeos.
After ranking among the top five IPRA outdoor rodeos for seven consecutive years, the Shady Dale Rodeo was named the No. 1 Outdoor Rodeo in the country in 2025 out of 642 IPRA-sanctioned rodeos nationwide. The award was presented at the Gold Buckle Gala at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City and accepted by Josh Arnold on behalf of the rodeo’s volunteer committee.
Hosted in the small town of Shady Dale, Georgia, the rodeo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that donates proceeds to local and state charities. The Masonic Rodeo Committee continues to invest in improvements, including a new digital billboard recognizing sponsors.
Businesses interested in advertising may contact shadydalerodeoad@gmail.com or call/text (706) 318-0647.
Left to right has Joshua Brooks, Southern Rodeo Co, Josh Arnold, Walton & Jasper Masonic Lodge, Robin Brooks. Southern Rodeo Co. and Miss Rodeo USA Megan Kelly
IPRA 2025 Award Plaque
Our new digital billboard. To ensure fairness to all, we no longer have online ticket sales.. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note that we will not be able to refund ticket sales if it rains, as the rodeo will go on rain or shine. We recommend that you arrive at around 7:00 PM to get settled into your seats before the rodeo starts at 8:00 PM. We have also increased the seating capacity by 300 seats this year.
Ashley Polson, originally from Fort Worth, Texas, now calls Louisville, Kentucky home. At just 16 years old, Ashley began her college career
at West Texas A&M University, where she graduated with highest honors at age 19. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Industry
and Business, along with double minors in Animal Science and Agricultural Business and Economics.
While at WTAMU, Ashley competed on both the Western Horsemanship and Hunt Seat equestrian teams as part of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. During the IFYR in 2021 Ashley competed in the inaugural Miss Teen Rodeo USA Pageant, placing 3rd Runner-Up. Then she was crowned the second-ever Miss Teen Rodeo USA in 2022. Following graduation in 2024, she spent the summer working in Glacier National Park as a Corral Manager for Swan Mountain Outfitters, where she led trail rides for park visitors. After completing her summer commitment, Ashley moved to Kentucky to pursue a career in the equine breeding industry.
In January 2026, Ashley competed in a week-long pageant and was crowned Miss Rodeo USA, becoming the first woman to hold both Miss Teen Rodeo USA and Miss Rodeo USA titles. During the competition, she won the Horsemanship, Public Speaking, Appearance, Personality, and Photogenics categories. Her favorite memory of the week was standing in the Lazy E Arena for the Circle of Champions alongside the newly crowned IPRA World Champions! When home in Louisville, Ashley enjoys visiting her favorite coffee shop, Quills, hiking and rock climbing in the Red River Gorge, and attending Southeast Christian Church. This year, she is traveling across the country representing the IPRA, educating everyone about rodeo, and the agriculture industry.
Artwork credit ©HawkArt 2026.
"Held by the Turn" Oil on canvas
painted by local Shady Dale artist, Beckie Hawk
The Shady Dale Rodeo is produced by Southern Rodeo Company, the top producer for the IPRA.
Southern Rodeo Company is one of the largest rodeo producing companies in the Southeast Region of the United States.
From big cities to small towns, from major league stadiums to portable arenas, the IPRA has become the sports second largest professional rodeo association sanctioning nearly 300 rodeos.
Shady Dale Roundup Festival is Saturday, June 6th 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sponsored by Shady Dale Community Club.
Shady Dale Rodeo Parade is Saturday, June 6th at 3:00 P.M.
Get your tickets for Friday, June 2
Get your tickets for Saturday, June 3
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