A favorite event is returning to Fort Gordon on Sept. 14-15.

"This is our fourth annual rodeo," said Kim Lyons, the marketing chief for Fort Gordon's Directorate of Morale, Recreation and Welfare.

Rodeo events include bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, girls breakaway roping and girls barrel racing.

Family Night will be Saturday, Sept. 15.

"People like the activities we have going on for kids, and the bull riding," Ms. Lyons said.

Activities for children between the ages of 11 and 16 include a boot race.

"They take their boots off and throw them to the other side of the arena. They are put in a huge pile. They have to find their own boots and race back," she said.

Ages 3 to 5 get to participate in the gold rush, in which they have to find coins in a haystack.

There will also be moon walk inflatables, face painting and other children's games.

"We try to make it a family event," Ms. Lyons said.

In addition, door prizes will be given away.

That Friday, Sept. 14, is military appreciation night. Tickets are $5 for active-duty military. A $500 prize will be given to the unit with the loudest group in attendance.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and the rodeo starts at 8 p.m. on Barton Field.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children younger than 10 in advance, $12 for adults and $8 for children younger than 10 at the gate. Advance tickets are available at area Domino's Pizza locations, Gordon Lanes Bowling Center, Aladdin Travel and at the marketing office, Room 337 in Darling Hall on Chamberlain Avenue.

For more information, call (706) 791-6779 or visit www.fortgordon.com.