ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — It’s time to watch skilled riders ride bulls, to see bucking broncos, rodeo clowns and take in a musical country act or two.

Yes, the Robertsdale Rotary Rodeo is coming to the Baldwin County Coliseum March 12 and 13. The gates open at 5 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for youngsters 12 and younger. On Friday, March 12, children 12 and younger will be admitted free of charge with a paid adult admission.

Youngsters 12 and under have a chance to win a prize in the “Calf Scramble.” A calf with a ribbon (probably brightly-colored engineer’s tape) will be loosed in the arena and the youngster who can get the ribbon off the calf’s tail will win a prize, which is yet to be announced.

“That can be a lot of fun for the kids and the audience,” said Thomas. Of course, the calf is not going to let anybody get close to its tail, so the kids are going to work hard for the prize.

“I've seen four year-olds out there,” said Thomas. While the contest is open to youngsters 12 and under, parents are urged to consider the abilities of their cowgirl- or cowboy-in-training before letting them participate.

Country music artist Matt Kennon, who is the co-writer of Randy Travis' 2009 single "Turn It Around," will perform Friday during intermission. “Coldwater Jane, ” a country duo best known for their hit, "Bring On the Love," will perform Saturday.

According to Darren Neuschwander, president of the Robertsdale Rotary Club and Chad. R. Thomas, the rodeo chairperson, putting on the rodeo, entering its eleventh year is sometimes a trial.

“It’s a lot of work,” said Thomas.

“We put on the event to give something back,” said Neuschwander. “Our motto is ‘Service above Self,’ and this fits right in with this event.”

The Rotarians are getting help for the “Interact” club at Robertsdale High, the Robertsdale Police Explorers, and several other volunteers have stepped up to help run the annual event.

The money raised by the rodeo will be used by the Robertsdale Rotary to fund a number of charitable works including sponsoring baseball teams, giving to schools and other good causes, Neuschwander says.

Both men grew up riding horses or tending cattle. Neuschwander grew up on a dairy farm and Thomas’ mother was involved in barrel racing, so he’s been around rodeos for years.

Both men says they have not been able to see much of the rodeo since they became involved in Rotary. That’s because most Rotarians are working at the event and are not able to see what is going on.

“This is a real family event,” said Neuschwander. “That is what is important.”