ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Saddle up! March 11 and 12 is the time for people in Baldwin County to unleash their inner cowboy or cowgirl and take in the Robertsdale Rotary Club Rodeo.

While fun, Robertsdale Rotary President Sean McClay notes that this event is a major fundraiser for the club, which, he says, has donated $4,000 to area public schools, sponsors several baseball and football teams, helps with items needed at Camp ASCCA (Alabama's Special Camp for Children and Adults on Lake Martin) and supports Rotary’s worldwide polio elimination campaign.

“It provides the community with a child-friendly, inexpensive outing,” said McClay.

The rodeo will draw more talent from all over, says McClay and Rodeo Chair Chad Thomas, thanks in part to an anonymous $100,000 donation to the Professional Cowboy Association’s (the organization in charge of the rodeo events) overall purse. To get a piece of the increased prize money, which is based on PCA standings, contestants will have to come to the Robertsdale rodeo.

“The standings count (toward the prize money),” said Thomas, adding that the Robertsdale rodeo is the second largest in the United States.

And don’t forget the fun. Thomas says that the popular “calf scramble” will be back both nights this year. This is an event for youngsters 12 and under (parents are reminded that the calves are 80-200 pounds, scared of the kids and moving fast) who will confront a herd of calves, at least one of which has some engineer’s tape tied to its tail. The youngster who gets the tape will receive a cash prize.

“I took a rodeo clown to the elementary schools last year,” recalled Thomas. “The kids showed up for the calf scramble.”

For adults, country artist Ashton Shepherd will perform that Saturday night during intermission.

“She’s got a top 30 country hit right now,” said McClay. “She's from Coffeeville, Ala.”

The event will take place at the Baldwin County Fairground, 19477 Fairground Road. The road is right next to Robertsdale High, off State Highway 59.

Admission is $12 at the gate for adults, kids under 13 are free on Friday, and youngsters 13 and under are $6 on Saturday.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the rodeo begins at 7.

Both McClay and Thomas have had a taste of rodeo. McClay rode bulls while at Auburn.

“I had a fraternity brother who rode, and I figured I would try it.”

McClay went up the various sizes of bulls, but quit after seeing a friend badly injured.

“People say they can just count out eight seconds,” chuckled McClay, “but those are the longest eight seconds.”

Thomas was born to rodeo. His mother, Sadie Alverson, was a barrel rider and he says he grew up on the rodeo circuit.

But while both love rodeo, neither man has seen much of the Robertsdale event.

“We’re too busy,” said McClay.