Join the Jam!

Here comes the Barrel Jam for the Benefit of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital! The weekend is slated for February 23 - 25 at the Shelby Showplace Arena. With so many people from our area participating, we wanted to give this event a shout out.

Why do they do what they do? Because at St. Jude’s, no family ever pays for treatment, travel, housing, or food. This is made possible by the people, volunteers, and participants in the Jam. The vision of Chris Thompson, at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, this event raised over $115,000 last year, and they are hoping for as much again this year - or more! “We have so many volunteers that help, and all of the money, 100% goes back to St. Jude,” Sherri Surman explained.

Jamie and Katie White, of Dynamite Productions, donate their time to produce the Barrel Jam and do such a wonderful job of keeping everything straight with participant registrations and vendors. This is a huge undertaking! Jack Scott is in charge of setting the arena up, but there are so many volunteers - even down to those who donate food to feed the rest of the volunteers who are keeping everything running with precision. Rusty Nails Cowboy Church of Forrest City, AR, Three Trees Cowboy Church of Wynne, AR, and BLCC of Longtown, MS all play a special part in the event.

Here comes Movin'!

Over 600 entries in the events last year made for a record turnout, but this year may prove to be even bigger. Events include Barrels with Future Legends 3D - which is only for those 12 and under, Open 4D, and Pole Bending.

The schedule starts on Thursday with check-in and exhibitions, Friday includes morning training sessions, exhibitions, the Grand Entry featuring the drill team from Old West, and 4D open. Saturday is very special with a special guest from St. Jude to tell about her experience at the hospital. Along with Exhibitions, Future Legends, Grand Entry featuring Coyote Run and a Mission Moment from St. Jude, Open Barrels, and Pole Bending will follow in the afternoon. Sunday, of course, begins with Cowboy Church - with Steve Waldrip, Future Legends and Open Barrel racing to follow.

Along with the Barrel Jam, a silent auction with everything from a crystal bowl to exclusive vacations will be sold to the highest bidder to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Stallion auction will take place during the Barrel Jam as well. Stud fees are donated, 100%, to take care of the kids at St. Jude.