40th Annual Licking Rodeo

By Editor | June 4, 2025 |

Photo by Shari Harris
From left, Brian Friend, Jim Hood and Bill McCloy were recognized for being on the Licking Rodeo Committee for forty years.

It was a busy weekend in Licking, with rodeo festivities beginning Friday morning and continuing throughout that day and the next. An estimated 3,000 people came to the rodeo grounds over the two nights to see the 40th Licking Rodeo. No count was kept of the number of people who came through downtown Licking Saturday, but the beautiful weather drew out the crowds, and it was bustling with activity.

Town & Country Bank kicked off the festivities with their Customer Appreciation Day on Friday, with barbecue for everyone. This was followed by the New Office Open House and Rodeo Kickoff at Thrivent. There was no repeat of last year’s Friday night rain (thankfully!) and many were on hand to watch the first night of rodeo action at the rodeo grounds.

Cindy Miller, of Licking, won a large screen TV on Friday night, from Rinne Tire Pros.

Saturday morning dawned early for vendors, with Licking Chamber of Commerce’s Joan Brannam saying the first vendor was on site at 6:30 when she arrived. By 9 a.m., everyone was set up and ready for the visitors. From Highway 32 to Old Salem Road, the road was closed, but most ventured further south to see what was cooking at the Methodist Men’s annual barbecue, and what tasty treats could be found at the Farmer’s Market.

Several participated in this year’s kids games, hosted by the Licking High School cheerleaders. In the Little Cowboy and Cowgirl contest, there were three categories of winners. Little Cowgirl 4 and under was Audrey Brunkhorst (1-year-old) in first place, Abriella Burgdorf (10-months-old) second, Aurora Clinton (3-years-old) third, and Luna Clinton (1-year-old) fourth. Little Cowboy 4 and under was Greyson McConnell (3-years-old).

Little Cowgirl 5-8 was Brinlee in first place and Zoey McConnell (7-years-old) in second. Little Cowboy 5-8 was Dawson Balsley (6-years-old).

Little Cowgirl 9-12 was Alex McConnell (9-years-old).

Turtle races, stick horse races, a watermelon eating contest, ring a hat, and boot/shoe races were also popular competitions throughout the morning.

The Church Band from Licking Pentecostal Holiness Church provided live Worship music, and the Cloggers entertained with their toe-tapping rhythms. It was truly a day of family fun and entertainment.

By 2 p.m., the crowds had grown in anticipation of the parade. There were many great floats in this year’s parade. The winners were: First place – Licking Pentecostal Holiness Church – The World Needs More God and Cowboys; Second place Country Crossroads Custom Cabinetry Red Classic Car float; and Third place Little Red Wagon full of Maw Maw & Papa’s Clowns.

Saturday evening’s rodeo was very well attended. Custom belt buckles were given to three members of the Licking Rodeo Committee. Bill McCloy, Jim Hood and Brian Friend were recognized for forty years of service on the committee.

Joe Satterfield won the TV, given away by the City of Licking.

Overall winners at the 2025 Licking Rodeo were as follows:

Bareback Riding – Ty Blessing

Calf Roping – Tom Crouse

Over 40 Calf Roping – Clay Brown

Breakaway Roping – Wyatt Walker

Saddle Bronc Riding – Lane Leeper

Steer Wrestling – Jace Rutledge

Team Roping – Dalton Turner and Clay Clayman

Barrel Racing – Brittany Adams

Bull RIding – Lane Leeper

Ranch Bronc Riding – Roman Borntager