File photoJake DuBois is helped after a fall during the 2011 Cotton Blossom Rodeo in Lakeland.

NASHVILLE — Riding and roping returns to Berrien County in March with the annual Cotton Blossom Roundup Rodeo.

The roundup takes place March 24-25 at the Berrien County Saddle Club Arena on County Farm Road in Nashville, said Chrissy Staley, director of the Berrien County Chamber of Commerce. The gates open at 6 p.m. each day with the show starting at 7:30 p.m., she said.

The rodeo was first hosted by the chamber eight years ago, said Chrissy Staley, chamber director.

“We wanted to hold a fundraiser that would bring sponsors a higher return in investment and bring visitors to the community,” she said.

She said 2,000-2,500 people have generally shown up for past performances “when the weather cooperated.”

Between 100-125 contestants from across the southeastern U.S. are expected to take part, Staley said.

Traditional rodeo events at this year’s roundup include bareback riding, tie-down calf roping, steer wrestling, saddleback riding, team roping cowgirl bell racing and bull racing, she said.

The rodeo is sanctioned by both the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, Staley said.

Adult admission (ages 11-up) will be $10, kids’ admission (6-10) will be $5 and children younger than age 5 get in free, she said.

Tickets will be available at the chamber office at 201 Jefferson St., Nashville, and at other area sites yet to be determined.

A limited number of sponsorship slots are still available; interested businesses can call Staley at the chamber at (229) 686-51234, she said.

Terry Richards is senior reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times.