The Franklin Rodeo marked its 75th anniversary with the unveiling of a bronze cowboy and bucking horse statue created by sculptor Scott Rogers on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Jim Warren Park in Franklin, Tennessee.
The ceremony brought together local and state officials, Franklin Noon Rotary Club members, representatives from Friends of Franklin Parks, rodeo supporters, and community members to celebrate the rodeo’s history and its lasting impact on Williamson County.
The statue serves as the centerpiece of Franklin Rodeo Plaza, a new 1.4-acre space within Jim Warren Park, just west of downtown Franklin. The plaza also includes benches, lighting, and signage highlighting the history of the Franklin Rodeo.
Christine Wilson, president of the Franklin Noon Rotary Club, welcomed attendees and thanked the City of Franklin and its Parks Department for helping bring the project together. “This is the crowning event of our 75th rodeo,” Wilson said.
Williamson County Mayor Andy Marshall
Franklin Rodeo Celebrates 75 Years
Founded in 1949 by the Franklin Noon Rotary Club, the Franklin Rodeo has become one of Tennessee’s largest rodeo events. The annual tradition draws competitors and spectators from across the region and beyond while raising funds for local charities, schools, and nonprofit organizations, as well as scholarships for students in Williamson County.
Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson spoke about the rodeo’s significance beyond Williamson County. “This rodeo is not only a wonderful event for this community, but I can tell you, my colleagues in the General Assembly, and people from all over the state, treasure this very, very special event,” Johnson said.
Johnson also highlighted Senate Joint Resolution 542, which recognized the Franklin Rodeo’s 75th anniversary. Sponsored by Johnson, the resolution passed both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly and was signed by Governor Bill Lee in February 2026. A framed copy was displayed at the unveiling ceremony.
Williamson County Mayor Andy Marshall, who led the opening prayer at the ceremony, also shared personal memories of attending the rodeo with his family, including buying his granddaughter her first cowboy hat and watching his twin grandsons participate in an arena activity involving a calf.
“When you grow up in a place, certain traditions become part of what home means to you. Franklin Rodeo is one of those traditions,” Marshall said.
He spoke about the rodeo’s connection to Williamson County’s agricultural heritage, noting that farming, livestock, horses, and working the land have helped shape the community for generations.
“After celebrating 75 years, it deserves a permanent place in our community story,” Marshall said.
Franklin Mayor Ken Moore also shared stories about his family’s involvement with the rodeo, including his wife Linda’s participation in the rodeo parade and her time as rodeo queen.
Moore recognized the early community leaders who helped establish the event and reflected on the contributions of the Franklin Noon Rotary Club through charitable giving and volunteer service.
“It’s a lot more than about horses and bulls and broncos. It’s the tradition that ties us together to our past,” Moore said.
Sculptor Scott Rogers Shares His Connection to Rodeo
Sculptor Scott Rogers was among the special guests at the ceremony and spoke about the personal significance of creating the monument.
Rogers explained that his appreciation for rodeo began during childhood, when his father shared stories of riding bulls and broncos throughout Arizona. Those stories helped establish a lifelong connection to rodeo and the people involved in the sport.
“Rodeo holds such a dear place in my heart. It always has, ever since I was a child,” Rogers said.
During his remarks, Rogers described rodeo participants as hardworking, determined people who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.
“People that rodeo, they just handle business. They just take care of things,” Rogers said.
He explained that creating the Franklin Rodeo statue was more than an artistic project. He approached the sculpture with a deep personal connection to its subject and found joy in the creative process.
“My heart, my soul was in this, in the clay, every step of the way,” Rogers told attendees.
Rogers also spoke about the spiritual meaning behind his sculptures. A message displayed on the wall of his studio reads, “My sculpture is a prayer,” reflecting his belief that art can be an expression of faith.
“Just know that this has been a spiritual journey for me and that God’s been with me the whole way,” Rogers said.
Franklin Rodeo Plaza and Statue Unveiling
Following the speakers’ remarks, members of the Franklin Noon Rotary Club and its rodeo committee gathered with sculptor Scott Rogers for the official unveiling. The covering was removed to reveal a bronze cowboy riding a bucking saddle bronc, capturing the movement and intensity of rodeo competition. A ribbon-cutting was also part of the ceremony.
Jim Warren Park served as the rodeo’s home from 1970 through 2000, before the event moved to the Williamson County Ag Expo Park in 2001. The new plaza preserves that historical connection while honoring the generations of Rotarians, volunteers, sponsors, and rodeo families who have contributed to the event’s success.
Marshall emphasized the importance of creating a place where future generations can learn about the rodeo and share their own family memories.
“You’ve given us a place to remember, to tell our stories, and to introduce our children and grandchildren to a piece of our hometown,” he said.
For more about the event’s history and traditions, read our guide to the Franklin Rodeo.
More Photos From the Franklin Rodeo Statue Unveiling
See more photos from the celebration, including a closer look at the statue and the newly completed Franklin Rodeo Plaza.
