Overview
Brief introduction to the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR)
Purpose of Rodeo for Kidz Sake
How the program connects rodeo, education, culture, and youth engagement
ABOUT THE BILL PICKETT INVITATIONAL RODEO (BPIR)
◆ Founded in 1984 by world renowned promoter, Lu Vason, to celebrate and preserve the legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls.
◆ Is the only national touring African American rodeo association in the world
◆ Has toured 33 cities across the United States for the last 42 years
◆ BPIR is celebrating its 42nd anniversary this year
◆ BPIR has an educational mission through its non-profit arm, the BPIR Foundation
The foundation was organized for educational and charitable purposes within the guidelines of Section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code. We fund, support and properly implement:
◆ Historical and Educational documentaries
◆ Community Health Initiatives
◆ Higher Education Scholarships
◆ Youth and Community Programs
◆ Federal, State and Local Grants
WHAT IS
◆ A youth-focused educational rodeo that is an abbreviated rodeo, designed for elementary and middle schools.
◆ Provides live rodeo action and interaction.
◆ Teachers are provided with a learning Activity Book that can be used to cover educational curriculums such as History, English, STEM and Agricultural Sciences centered around the rodeo experience.
◆ INTRODUCES STUDENTS TO:
o Black Western history
o Agriculture and animal science
o Sportsmanship, discipline, and responsibility
RFKS Activity Book
RFKS Footage
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
◆ A youth-focused educational rodeo that is an abbreviated rodeo, designed for elementary and middle schools.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
◆ LIVE RODEO EXPERIENCE
o Age-appropriate rodeo events including our youth performers (age 6 to 13).
o Professional announcer and Funny Man interaction
◆ EDUCATIONAL ELEMENTS
o History of Black cowboys and cowgirls
o Rodeo rules, equipment, and safety
o Animal welfare and care
◆ INTERACTIVE OPPORTUNITIES (AS AVAILABLE)
o o Q&A with rodeo promoter, staff and athletes
o Meet-the-cowboy/cowgirl moments with pictures
STUDENT BENEFITS
◆ Hands-on, experiential learning outside the classroom
◆ Cultural exposure and historical context
◆ Memorable field trip experience that reinforces classroom lessons
LOGISTICS & PARTICIPATION DETAILS
RODEO FOR KIDS’
1. When do we have to pay for the Rodeo for Kids’ Sake Program?
A Certified Check, Money Order or Cash is accepted. We also accept school checks. All payments must be made payable to “Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo”. Your payment is due upon arrival to the Georgia International Horse Park on Friday, April 17, 2026. We understand that some school payments may have to process via internal payment networks, and there can be a delay. You only pay for students; school staff (2 per group of 20) are admitted free. All we require right now is your reservations so that we know the number of students & staff in attendance and can reserve your seats.
2. Can our students bring their lunches?
Yes, your students are able to, and encouraged to bring their bagged lunches. They may consume their bagged lunches right in their seats during the performance. Although Horse Park has concessions open, the large number of students and the cost of the concessions does not make this practical at our event.
3. How do we get tickets to the Rode o for Kids ’ Sake program?
In lieu of tickets, we use and deliver wristbands to your school (Principal / Staff) at the beginning of the week of the show. We like to ensure your teachers and staff have the wrist bands early enough to have the students already banded before getting to the Arena. This helps us expedite their seating upon arrival.
4. Can we get any supporting educational material in order to prepare our students for this event?
Yes, we have a dedicated curriculum assistance “Rodeo Activity Booklet”, that we can email to you upon request.
5. What time should we arrive to the Horse Park Arena?
You should plan on arriving at the Georgia International Horsepark Arena approximately 30 minutes before show time as we will have many students trying to process through the turnstiles. We understand that most buses are not allowed to leave schools until a certain hour.
6. Who do we pay once we arrive?
There will be a Bill Pickett Rodeo “Staff Member” greeting your bus to pick-up the payment, acknowledge arrival of your group, as well as assist you in processing your students efficiently into the Arena in designated seating. Please keep your students and staff on the bus until you have been greeted by one of our staff members.
7. What times does the show end?
The Rodeo for Kidz Sake (RFKS) program is 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. We know you have to get your students back by a certain time!
8. Can parents or bus field trip chaperons attend this special performance?
Parents & Guardians (attending as chaperones) may attend the Rodeo for Kids’ Sake performance, however, if they are not members of your staff then they are required to pay the same price as the students ($16.00) and you should include them when reporting the number of students that are paying. All patrons are required to wear wristbands at this performance. No chaperones will be admitted without consent and or direct approval from the on-site lead staff member of the school.
Please do not hesitate to contact our team directly either via phone (Ronnie) (818) 681-1645 or email to: Ronnieham@billpickettrodeo.com regarding any additional information for this special program.
