Youth Rodeo Saddles Up for a Big Fairgrounds Weekend
Perry, GA · November 6, 2026
Rodeo trailers are already rolling past the fairgrounds gates this morning. Between fast-paced arena runs and a gentle breeze, your weekend plans are practically writing themselves.
The Lead
The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter shifts into high gear this morning as the Southeastern Showdown High School and Junior High School Rodeo settles into the arenas for a three-day run. Youth competitors from across the region are competing in barrel racing, steer wrestling, and breakaway roping, filling local stalls and horse trailers through Sunday afternoon.
The annual showcase is free for spectators, making it an easy drop-in for families looking to catch arena action without fair-season admission prices. For the community, it marks the start of a packed November calendar at the complex, running alongside Saturday's Eastman Gun Show in the exhibit halls and followed next week by the Antique Agriculture Show. Between arena heats and Saturday morning's downtown farmers market on Ball Street, local restaurant patios and hotels along Sam Nunn Boulevard will see steady foot traffic all weekend.
Local Pulse
Justin Kilgore Named Community Development Director City Hall The Georgia native and former Colorado planner takes over managing municipal zoning, comprehensive growth planning, and capital projects.
Citywide Right-of-Way Utility Work Underway Roads Utility crews are clearing easements along Houston Lake Road and Main Street for scheduled underground infrastructure improvements.
Veterans Day Ceremony RSVP Deadline Today Community Area veterans must register by day's end for Wednesday's annual appreciation breakfast at the Museum of Aviation.
Today's Outlook
- High 81°F · Low 62°F — Overcast
- Leave the heavy jacket at home; overcast skies and mild air hold steady today.
What's On Around Town
Today
Southeastern Showdown Rodeo Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (401 Larry Walker Pkwy), 8:00 AM · Free High school and junior high riders compete in roping and barrel racing.
First Friday Art Crawl Downtown Arts District, Macon, 5:00–9:00 PM · Free Late-night gallery openings, live music, and special exhibits across downtown.
Live Music: Kaleigh Courson Wild Wing Cafe (714 Lake Joy Rd), Warner Robins, 8:00 PM Acoustic southern country and rock tunes on the outdoor patio.
Tomorrow
- Southeastern Showdown Rodeo Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (401 Larry Walker Pkwy), 8:00 AM · Free
- Downtown Perry Farmers Market 1000 Ball Street, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM · Free
- Eastman Gun Show Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (401 Larry Walker Pkwy), 9:00 AM–5:00 PM · Paid
Sunday
- Southeastern Showdown Rodeo Championship Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (401 Larry Walker Pkwy), 8:00 AM · Free
- Eastman Gun Show Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (401 Larry Walker Pkwy), 10:00 AM–4:00 PM · Paid
Spotlight & Story
- Larry Walker Parkway
- Named for the Perry native and 32-year state legislator who championed building the Georgia National Fairgrounds in his hometown. Before the 1,100-acre complex opened in 1990, critics dismissed the rural site as a boondoggle; Walker secured the state funding anyway.
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