The start of the rodeo season in South Congaree kicks off with the third annual Bull Bash, bringing in bull riders from across the U.S. as well as three different countries.

Married duo Rance and Janice Woodley promote the event as well as the town’s upcoming eighth annual championship rodeo.

“We’re sanctioned by the Bull Riders Association of America and the Pro Rodeo Association,” Rance said. “We’ll be doing bulls, barrels and broncs.”

Since the championship rodeo in July has been successful and is “something everyone loves to see,” it was a natural addition to bring in a bull-riding competition to Lexington County, he said.

 “The South Congaree community has asked us to do more and Mayor [Cindy] Campbell is a fantastic supporter of the bull bash and rodeo,” Rance said. “Bulls are provided by a stock contractor.”

He explained that their  contractor has been doing rodeos for more than 50 years, bringing in competitors from across the country. In fact, there will be some world champions competing at this year’s bull bash and forthcoming rodeo.

This is just one competition that the bull riders compete in, Rance explained. The bull riders travel around the country, so this weekend they will be in South Congaree and another weekend they could be in Tennessee. 

In addition to the bull riders, there are also saddle bronc riders who ride bucking horses saddle and bareback.

“The object is to stay on for eight seconds,” Rance said,explaining that judges examine each rider as there are certain objectives to accomplish to earn points.

Barrel racing finds the cowgirls of the rodeo run around barrels in a timed event.

In addition to the competitors, there will be an array of vendors, live music and a clown to entertain the kids. There is also a mechanical bull for people to ride.

“There’s something for everyone. We make this a hundred percent a family event,” Rance said, “We promote family.”

Woodley, along with his wife and son, Josh, were acknowledged by the West Columbia Chamber of Commerce last year for having a substantial economic impact in the area. According to the chamber website, last year’s bull bash drew close to 5,000 spectators and the Woodley’s rodeo is one of the top five in the country.