Concert headliners announced for 30th annual Saddle Up for St. Jude
Three decades ago, Jimmy King of Leighton was contacted about hosting a fundraiser event for St. Jude Hospital.
He said “Yes” right away, and now 30 years later, not only is the event still going strong, but Saddle Up for St. Jude has become one of the biggest fundraiser events for the nonprofit throughout the Southeast.
Dr. Jimmy Gardiner, who helped King host the event at Gardiner Farms, announced the 2026 Saddle Up for St. Jude concert lineup during Super Bowl Sunday.
“As you know, we lost our founder Jimmy King (at) 92 years old. He lived a great, full life,” Gardiner said as part of an announcement video on social media. “He said yes to St. Jude to help raise money in 1995. What he wanted is what we want, for all kids to have a chance to live a great, full life like he did.”
This year’s event will run from July 16-18, with popular Shoals natives Shenandoah once again headlining the opening night on Thursday, July 16.
Shenandoah was founded in The Shoals in 1984, and two of their nine studio albums have been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.
The band has charted 26 times, including No. 1 hits “The Church on Cumberland Road,” “Sunday in the South” and “Two Dozen Roses.”
On Friday, July 17, Jo Dee Messina will headline. She has two platinum and three gold-certified albums and is known for songs like “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” “I’m Alright” and “Bye Bye.”
Then on Saturday, July 18, Rodney Atkins, who won Top Male Vocalist at the 2006 Academy of Country Music awards, will headline.
He is known for songs like “Caught up in the Country,” “Take a Back Road,” “Watching You” and “Farmer’s Daughter.”
“We’ve never had a better lineup than we’ve got in 2026 for our 30th annual event,” Gardiner said.
On top of the concerts, the event offers concessions, riding trails and a live auction on Saturday afternoon.
Saddle Up has raised $4.5 million since its inception, and Gardiner said he is looking to top $5 million this year by raising half a million dollars in just one event.
The auction itself raises several hundred thousand each year, and the 2026 installment will feature a big-ticket item.
The Eddie Ross family from Evergreen donated a stagecoach valued at $50,000 to this year’s event.
“Explore over 3,000 acres of scenic riding trails, check out local vendors and let the kids enjoy the inflatables and pony rides in our kids’ zone,” according to the event website. “This event truly has something for everyone. And of course, we’re proud to offer what we believe is the best food and concessions around.
Over the past 29 years, this incredible event has raised over $4 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. So, grab your lawn chair, bring your family and friends, and help us continue this tradition of supporting a cause that makes a real difference.”
Gardiner Farms is located at 85 Underwood Rd., Tuscumbia.
For more information, including ticket pricing, visit the Saddle Up for St. Jude Facebook page or website SaddleUp4Kids.org.
