My Tribute To The Franklin Rodeo

This Little Piggy Goes To Rodeos

First and foremost, I've gotta give props to the Pig...

This ceramic Pig (whom I've affectionately named "Pig Howdy") permanently resides on the porch of a house on Bridge Street in downtown Franklin.

The owners regularly change the Pig's attire, and any accompanying accessories:

... When it's raining, Piggy's got an umbrella at his side.
... When the pro golf tournament is in town, Piggy's sporting a set of child-size golf clubs.
... When someone's getting married, the Pig's wearing a wedding vail.
... And when the Rodeo's in town, Piggy's got himself a bright red bandana!

Love it.

Warning to my neighbors: I'm planning to follow suit someday with my very own porch-sitter. I'm currently eying another ceramic pig statue, or a child-size frog who's standing tall. What fun, right?

This works best on a busy side street (such as Bridge Street where this Pig resides) because passersby get in the habit of going by the Pig... and you can't HELP but glance in the Pig's direction each time to see what he's doing on THIS day!

So, the odds are, I'll probably never follow through with my dream. (*Jim breathes a sigh of relief*) ...because we are looking to move OUT of the busier parts of Franklin and INTO a quieter, more secluded area -- with lots and lots of land.

Grumpy's Bail Bonds To The Rescue
What does Grumpy's Bail Bonds have to do with a rodeo filled with cowboys?...

I have no idea. But apparently, there's some natural correlation that I am unaware of. Perhaps it's purely the fact that cowboys know how to party, and Leah Hulan (the popular spokesperson/owner of the company) has her own special way of setting these boys free. After all, her motto is: "When you ring, we spring!"

Grumpy's has bought all sorts of advertising centered around the Franklin Rodeo. First, the billboard which sits along Columbia Avenue downtown Franklin.

And then, a television commercial featuring Leah and some "cowboy" (NOT her husband) riding horseback in Franklin while reminding you of their ability to bail your butt outta jail.

Hmmm... still not getting it. But I'm not thinking that I'M their target audience. I mean, I have my own boobs.

Perhaps the correlation is this:
A bunch of sweaty cowboys... who are running on adrenaline... from the process of spurring bulls all day... are inclined to trip over themselves... after the ride... when they spot Leah sitting on the sidelines... Out of sheer embarrassment (of the fact that the tripped AND the fact that they can not have her)... they head to the local pub to drown their sorrows... only to wreak havoc in some way that lands them in jail... And who comes to mind when a lowly 'ol cowboy needs a "get outta jail free card"?...
Taa daa: Leah Hulan. I mean, Grumpy's Bail Bonds!

Girls Are Into Cowboys
I guess more and more women are enjoying the "sport" of bull-riding and are involved in rodeos than ever before...

Here's a local cowgirl who is living the Rodeo dream.

Frankly, I don't care much for cowboys (or cowgirls). The closest I've gotten is this photo of a one-time wannabe cowboy (yes, that's Jim) shopping for a pair of cowboy boots... BUT NOT BUYING THEM. (I might've had a little something to do with that.)

Been There, Done That
For the record, I went to a Rodeo once. It was a "professional" one too. It was sponsored by the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBRA) and was held in the Pensacola Civic Center several years ago.

Fortunately, I had something else to divert my attention away from all the spurring, and prodding, and smelly bulls: photography.

Like usual, I enjoyed the sights & sounds surrounding the event far more than I enjoyed the event itself.

Franklin Rodeo Fun Facts
WHEN?
Friday and Saturday evenings

WHERE?
Williamson County Agricultural Exposition Park on Long Lane in Franklin

WHAT'S THE COST?
$15 for adults and $8 for children

WHO's THE SPONSOR?
This year's Franklin Rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)

WHAT ELSE?
A parade through downtown Franklin begins at noon Saturday

So, You Wanna Be A Cowboy?...
Check out all these fun facts I found about the "sport" of bull-riding and what it takes to be a bull rider. In addition to the "Bull Riding Basics", you'll learn about: