Off to the (barrel) races

PERRY, Ga. — The fairgrounds never disappoints, and with some exciting offerings so far during 2023 and leading up to the Georgia National Rodeo, this week’s showing is sure to impress.

Starting Thursday and going through Saturday, 250-300 contestants will be heading into Perry to try their hands at barrel racing, a showing brought you by the Good Times Barrel Racing Association. See the action live at the Reaves Arena from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. all three days.

Stacey Warner, GTBRA co-owner, shared more on what’s to come and how the races work.

“It’s a timed event, and they have to cross a laser light,” Warner said. “It’s a clover leaf pattern that they run, and once they cross the laser beam again, their time is generated.”

Even if you’re not familiar with what’s going on during the event, Warner said it’s bound to keep your attention.

“It’s a fast-paced event,” Warner said. “It keeps you pretty entertained the whole time, and you kind of learn to watch the clock to see who’s doing better. … It’s interesting when there’s no judging involved, just the clock.”

According to the fairground’s website, around 2,000 people are expected to show up for the occasion this week, and also, admission is free to the public.

“It’s just good family entertainment for a family wanting to get out and go see something different,” Warner said. “And, of course, they can walk through the barns and see horses.”

If you happen to be interested in participating, registration is still on, and even “up until the first horse runs each day.” Among a pot of money at stake, there will also be added money at hand, and even some other prizes, including fancy belt buckles, blankets and jackets, among other things.

If you enjoy your time at the barrel race this go-around, GTBRA will be back at the fairgrounds come March and December.

After this month’s race, their show will be traveling throughout the Southeast, heading to Louisiana, back to Perry, to North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, Conyers, South Carolina and Florida, with a tentative date before a huge closeout show in December at the fairgrounds. The “Jingle Bell Classic” to take place Dec. 14-16 brought out 860 riders at last year’s showing, Warner said.

To learn more, visit gtbra.com.

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