Saddle Up for St. Jude July 18-21

By Maryanne Floyd
Special to The Reporter
Grab your boots and mark your calendars for the 28th annual Northwest Alabama Saddle-Up for St. Jude Trail Ride and Concert! This beloved Shoals area event is back and bigger than ever, offering an incredible weekend of trail riding, live music, and family fun while raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
From July 18-21, Gardiner Farms is the place to be as folks gather to support this wonderful cause. With over 3,000 acres of beautiful riding trails, local musicians, country music stars, and the best concessions around, it’s the perfect setting for a memorable summer weekend.
This year’s Saddle-Up for St. Jude features another impressive lineup of entertainment! Craig Morgan, a country music icon and Army veteran, is best known for hits like “Almost Home” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday.” The Josh Brannon Band, with two albums and extensive touring across the Southeast, brings their energetic performances to the stage. Shenandoah, fueled by Marty Raybon’s distinctive vocals, will deliver classic hits like “Two Dozen Roses” and “Church on Cumberland Road.” Don’t miss local talents like Amanda Brewer, Rewind of the Shoals, Stampede, Drive, and Cowgirl Up Bluegrass!
Daily Schedule of Events
Thursday, July 18
- 12:00 PM: Farm opens for primitive camping
- 6:00 PM: Concessions & Kid Zone open
- 6:00 PM: Stampede on stage
- 7:30 PM: Drive on stage
- 8:45 PM: Shenandoah on stage
Friday, July 19
- 7:00 AM: Farm opens for primitive camping and trail riding
- 7:30 AM: Trails open for riding (ride at own pace all day)
- 11:00 AM: Concessions open all day
- 6:00 PM: Kid Zone opens
- 6:00 PM: Amanda Brewer on stage
- 7:30 PM: Rewind of the Shoals on stage
- 8:45 PM: Josh Brannon Band on stage
Saturday, July 20
- 7:00 AM: Gate opens for trail riders (ride at own pace all day)
- 10:00 AM: Concessions open all day
- 11:00 AM: Cowgirl Up Bluegrass on stage
- 1:00 PM: Dejavu on stage
- 2:15 PM: KGB on stage
- 3:30 PM: Auction
- 8:45 PM: Craig Morgan on stage
Sunday, July 21
- 4:00 PM: Farm closes
The Saddle-Up for St. Jude event is more than just a fun weekend; it’s a testament to the power of community. Over the past 27 years, this event has raised over $3.5 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, thanks to the hard work and dedication of countless volunteers and participants. Coordinated by Circle 5 Outfit and hosted by Gardiner Farms, this event brings together people of all ages for a common cause.
Tickets are available at the gate or at local Singing River Dentistry offices. Enjoy all three nights for just $60 per person, or grab a single-day ticket for $20 on Thursday or Friday, and $40 on Saturday. So, dust off those lawn chairs and come out to support St. Jude. Let’s make this year’s Saddle-Up for St. Jude the best one yet! For more details, visit the official website www.saddleup4kids.org or call 256-446-5392.
Want to find more events going on in the area like Saddle Up? Don’t forget to check our website, colbertcountytourism.org! It’s your go-to source for all the latest events and happenings in Colbert County. Check back often, as we’re continually updating the calendar. If you’d like to add an event, please email [email protected] or call 256-383-0783.
