GREEN COVE SPRINGS — The Clay County Pro Rodeo will be busting from the Cattleman's Arena shoots again on Sept. 12 and 13.

And it's set to be bigger and better than ever.

"While we do a lot of rodeos everywhere, all across the year and across the Southeast, every place is different. And you just have to get there and learn the dynamics," said J.C. Kitaif Pro Rodeos General Manager Jade Kitaif. "This year, we have a whole lot better idea of what to expect, the way the traffic flows, the way they come in, the gates, what time the traffic starts."

J.C. Kitaif Pro Rodeos is an award-winning family company that has produced more than 40 rodeo performances a year from Texas to South Florida — sending multiple livestock to the Wrangler NFR.

The company will partner once again with the Clay 4-H Foundation to host the local show. Proceeds will benefit the foundation, which helps to provide youth scholarships, educational materials, events and programs. 

"We host a lot of clinics and workshops. We have over 20 clubs in Clay County, both traditional and also in the schools," said 4-H Youth Development Agent Stephanie Conner. "So, the foundation really helps us financially with that aspect."

Spectators can expect to see this year's cowgirls and cowboys competing for points for the coveted title of World Champion. Events include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tiedown roping, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and calf roping.

The two-day event will feature pre-rodeo festivities, including western vendors, food concessions and interactive activities for all ages. Alcohol will also be sold.

Additionally, this year's event will feature an open show.

Conner said they took into consideration many of the requests that were made last year. Saturday's show was sold out, and forced a start to the festivities as organizers tried to get everyone parked and through the gates.

"There's a lot of younger people, and even adults, that are like, 'Hey, you know, is there a chance for us to ride in the rodeo too?' So, that kind of prompted the open show."

This year's rodeo will also include more kid-focused activities, including a Kids Zone, a Miss Clay County Pro Rodeo Pageant and mutton busting.

"We like to focus on public speaking, sportsmanship and all of that kind of stuff, so it was a natural fit," Conner said.  ""Plus, at a certain age they would have a chance to go up for Miss Rodeo Florida. 

So, it's kind of a neat way to tie in, again, going back into the history of rodeos and the rodeo queens, all of that."

The rodeo's surprising success last year, with nearly 4,000 in attendance, was a driving factor for bringing it back. Kitaif said the Clay County Sherriff's will be more involved to help maintain the expected crowd and traffic.

Preshow prices are currently on sale for $27.25 for adults and $16.75 for children. Day-of-show prices will begin Sept. 8 and increase to $37.75 for adults and $22 for children. Conner said they suggest taking advantage of the early ticketing sale.

"If you buy them at the door, you're taking the chance that it'll be sold out. So, we want to make sure that people know that this year," she said.

Tickets can be purchased at rodeomedia.ticketleap.com.

Gates open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.