Philip Craighead recently presented a $25,000 check to The Community Foundation of Wilson County on behalf of the Whip Crackin’ Rodeo, an annual event launched by the former Lebanon mayor and his wife eight years ago.

The check presentation represented the final step by Craighead and others associated with the rodeo in establishing a fund with The Community Foundation of Wilson County and an ongoing partnership.

Craighead told The Community Foundation’s local board he and his wife, along with a number of volunteers in the community, established the rodeo to help local charities and non-profits at a time when government agencies, businesses and others were reducing their financial commitments to many of these causes.

“We’ve been able to provide financial contributions to a number of local organizations as a result of the rodeo,” Craighead said.

Bob Black, board chairman of The Community Foundation of Wilson County, said discussions about establishing a fund with the Whip Crackin’ Rodeo and a partnership with The Community Foundation began several months ago.

He said the relationship between the two “makes perfect sense as both are essentially sharing identical missions and working to benefit local non-profits.”

Black said he believed there are a number of ways The Community Foundation can be involved and help Craighead and others produce the annual rodeo held in the spring at the Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon.

“Philip, through his personal efforts, has created an annual event in Wilson County that provides two days of quality family entertainment and perhaps even more importantly provides a significant base of revenue from which financial contributions can be made to those serving our most deserving causes locally.

“We, The Community Foundation of Wilson County, look forward to working with Philip and other key organizers of the rodeo and bringing to the table a plethora of resources we have to help make this event even more special for the thousands who attend each year and for those agencies and non-profits who benefit,” Black said.

The Community Foundation of Wilson County was launched some three years ago and is an affiliate of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Since its beginning, the local organization has focused its efforts on making Wilson County and local non-profits better aware of how The Community Foundation provides giving opportunities to donors by ensuring excellent stewardship of lasting charitable funds that meet their personal requirements and their individual interests.

From: The Wilson Post – click here for full article

On Wednesday, Craighead presented a $1,500 donation to Southern STARRS Executive Director Terry Winfield at The Wilson Post office. Craighead said Winfield has been a longtime supporter of the Whip Crackin’ Rodeo and for several years has brought horses to their Special Needs Day. The Wilson Post was a Gold Sponsor of this year’s Whip Crackin’ Rodeo, assisting with advertisement, editorials and printing event programs.

Former Lebanon Mayor Philip Craighead gave back to one of the organizations that has helped make the Whip Crackin’ Rodeo a success.

On Wednesday, Craighead presented a $1,500 donation to Southern STARRS Executive Director Terry Winfield at The Wilson Post office. Craighead said Winfield has been a longtime supporter of the Whip Crackin’ Rodeo and for several years has brought horses to their Special Needs Day. The Wilson Post was a Gold Sponsor of this year’s Whip Crackin’ Rodeo, assisting with advertisement, editorials and printing event programs.

Southern STARRS was established in 2000. They provide therapeutic and recreational horseback riding and animal-assisted activities to both children and adults who have special needs.

This year, Winfield brought horses to the Special Needs Day at the rodeo. He said they offered horseback rides to a recorded 200 children. “It helps them to bond with an animal and also the gait of a horse is similar to the gait of a human – so they get a workout,” he explained.

“It was one of the longest lines of the day,” Craighead added. “They do a great job with the children.”

Winfield said the funds will be used to feed the animals and provide them with veterinary care.

“People like Terry and our wonderful sponsors and volunteers – which are too many to list – are what keeps the rodeo going,” Craighead said.

The Whip Crackin’ Rodeo celebrated its 8th anniversary in 2017. The event was the brainchild of Craighead and his wife, Darlene, after learning about Lone Star Rodeo company from a friend, professional cowboy Troy Orr.

Craighead said it was founded during the recession, when a lot of charities weren’t getting the donations they needed to make ends meet.

“We thought we might raise $20,000,” Craighead explained.

The Whip Crackin’ Rodeo, on average, has raised double that amount every year.

“The money we raise fills voids for so many different people. We donate the proceeds to a couple dozen different charities,” he said. These organizations have included Books from Birth, Boy Scouts of America, Brooks House, Wilson County CASA, Cedar Seniors, Empower Me Day Camp, Habitat for Humanity, Joseph’s Storehouse Food Ministry, New Leash on Life, Pickett Chapel Restoration, Southern STARRS, Sherry’s Run, Wilson County Black History Committee, Vietnam Veterans and more.

Attendance is over 3,000 per night for the rodeo, which Craighead called “good, family entertainment.”

The Craigheads are currently planning the 9th annual Whip Crackin’ Rodeo for April 2018.

From: The Wilson Post – click here for full article
by Sabrina Garrett

New Leash on Life Executive Director Angela Chapman was in for an unexpected, but pleasant, surprise last week when she accepted a $2,000 donation.

The money was earmarked for New Leash on Life, a no-kill animal shelter, from proceeds of the 8th annual Whip Crackin’ Rodeo.

New Leash on Life Executive Director Angela Chapman was in for an unexpected, but pleasant, surprise last week when she accepted a $2,000 donation.

The money was earmarked for New Leash on Life, a no-kill animal shelter, from proceeds of the 8th annual Whip Crackin’ Rodeo.

“Honestly, I was very surprised. I thought we might get $1,000, then when they said $2,000 I was like ‘Wow,'” she explained. New Leash recently took in a dog with a cancerous mass on its tail who would be having special surgery in the next week.

“We may have just found a way we are going to take care of that,” she said.

The money was donated by Whip Crackin’ Rodeo founders, former Lebanon Mayor Philip and Darlene Craighead, in honor of the late Bobby Price. Price was the CEO of Price’s Collision Center – which has 11 Middle Tennessee locations including one in Lebanon.

“I got to know him when they opened Price’s Collision Center in Lebanon. He loved dogs. At his home he had some big kennels where he took in strays,” Craighead said. “He was a really super guy. He was a good steward in the community and worked with us at the rodeo the last couple of years. We are glad to present this donation in his honor.”

The 8th annual Whip Crackin’ Rodeo raised $40,000 for charities.

Craighead founded the event during his first term after a friend, steer wrestler Troy Orr, introduced him to the Lone Star Rodeo company. Craighead said it was during the recession, when a lot of charities weren’t getting the donations they needed to make ends meet.

“We thought we might raise $20,000,” Craighead said in an earlier interview.

The Whip Crackin’ Rodeo, on average, has raised double that amount every year. In fact, in their first seven years, they raised over $300,000.

“The money we raise fills voids for so many different people. We donate the proceeds to a couple dozen different charities,” he said. These organizations have included Books from Birth, Boy Scouts of America, Brooks House, Wilson County CASA, Cedar Seniors, Empower Me Day Camp, Habitat for Humanity, Joseph’s Storehouse, New Leash on Life, Pickett Chapel Restoration, Southern STARRS, Sherry’s Run, Wilson County Black History Committee, Vietnam Veterans and more.

From: The Wilson Post – click here for full article
by Sabrina Garrett

The eighth annual Whip Crackin’ Rodeo rolled into Lebanon this past weekend, and despite the rainy weather, crowds still showed up to see cowboys and cowgirls in action under the covered arena at the James E. Ward Ag Center.

The Wilson Post caught up with bull riders who described what life is really like for those in the world of rodeo.

Kyle Porter, of Texas, has been riding since age 7 and described rodeo as being somewhat of a family tradition.

“My dad and uncle both did this. I started riding on sheep as a kid and progressed. I’m 31 now, so I’ve been doing this a long time,” he explained.

Porter participates in events year-round.

“You are always traveling and on the road. You get tired, but you’ve got to make it to the next show,” he said. “The ultimate goal is to make it to the finals in some sanction.”

When he’s not at events, Porter said there is practice to stay in shape – both mentally and physically.

“We have practice pins. They take bulls that are lower point bulls than these (to practice on),” he said. “You want to make 8 (seconds). That’s the goal. Anything after 8 is a plus.”

Porter said that if a rider’s head isn’t in the game, it’s going to mess them up.

“It is a mental game and a physical game at the same time. You’ve got to be in great shape. You’ve got guys in the PBR like Cody Nance, who is a friend of mine. He works out two times a day, he boxes, does yoga – there are several exercises you can do to prepare for this,” he said.

Porter also dispelled myths about animal cruelty when it comes to the livestock used in rodeo events.

“We don’t want to harm them. They are treated like professional athletes. They are fed, they are pampered and massaged – there is no harm to these animals at all,” he said.

“It’s not that a bull is angry when they buck. There is a flank rope that goes around and irritates them. They are trying to kick it off.”

Although the animals may be in good shape, the cowboys are not always so lucky.

Porter recalled being badly injured in 2005 when he took blows to the chest and face.

“I broke my jaw, knocked out all but four of my teeth, broke all of my ribs from the collarbone down, lacerated my spleen, had a collapsed lung, separated shoulder and tore my rotator cuff all at once,” he said, rather nonchalantly considering the extent of the injuries.

So, when he recovered six months later, why did Porter ride again?

“It’s like falling off a bike,” said the father of two boys. “You got to get back on.”

Porter is sponsored by Torx Custom Auto.

Proceeds from the Whip Crackin’ Rodeo will be distributed to local charities. To learn more, visit vdgtest2.com/whipcrackinrodeo.

From: The Wilson Post – click here for full article
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It’s almost time for the 8th Annual Whip Crackin’ Rodeo at the James E. Ward Ag Center in Lebanon.

In the past seven years, the event, which was the brainchild of former city mayor Philip Craighead, and wife, Darlene, has raised over $300,000 for local charities.

Craighead founded the event during his first term after a friend, steer wrestler Troy Orr, introduced him to the Lone Star Rodeo company. Craighead said it was during the recession, when a lot of charities weren’t getting the donations they needed to make ends meet.

“We thought we might raise $20,000,” Craighead explained.

The Whip Crackin’ Rodeo, on average, has raised double that amount every year.

“The money we raise fills voids for so many different people. We donate the proceeds to a couple dozen different charities,” he said. These organizations have included Books from Birth, Boy Scouts of America, Brooks House, Wilson County CASA, Cedar Seniors, Empower Me Day Camp, Habitat for Humanity, Joseph’s Storehouse, New Leash on Life, Pickett Chapel Restoration, Southern STARRS, Sherry’s Run, Wilson County Black History Committee, Vietnam Veterans and more.

Attendance is over 3,000 per night for the rodeo, which Craighead called “good, family entertainment.”

Prior to the calf-roping and bull-riding action, there are contests for kids. Little ones can take part in a “gold rush” and also a Best Dressed Cowboy & Cowgirl competition.

“If you’ve brought your kids or grandkids here before, then you know what I mean,” said Craighead.

The 2017 event is planned for Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22, with gates opening at 6 p.m.

On Friday morning, they will once again welcome hundreds of special needs students from all over Wilson County to a Special Needs Day at the Rodeo.

“One of my favorite parts of the rodeo is the Special Needs Day,” said Darlene. “These kids always say, ‘It was the best time.’ I would not want to let them down.”

“Just because I’m not in office doesn’t mean I don’t love our city and want to give back,” the former mayor added.

Of course, the Whip Crackin’ fun wouldn’t be possible without generous sponsors: (Platinum) Permobil, Price’s Collision Centers, Wilson Bank & Trust; (Gold) Bates Ford, Bay’s Southern Bread, Capitol Theatre, Craighead Home Sales, Inc., Goodall Homes, Johnson Controls, Lochinvar, LoJac Materials, Manheim Nashville, MTEMC, Novamet, Rose Tire, John Greer-State Farm, THW Insurance Services, Tickets Nashville, Visionary Design Group, The Wilson Post; (Chute Gate Sponsors) Austermiller Roofing, Centurion Stone, City of Lebanon Gas Dept., Civil Site Design Group, Crockett Surveying, Express Auto-Harris Scrap Metal, Fakes & Hooker, Lose & Associates, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Shenandoah Mills, Signs Now, Tennova Health Care, Vanderbilt Children’s After Hours Clinic, WANT WCOR Radio, Water Management Services; and (Friends of the Rodeo) Boy Scouts of America, Hamilton Station Apartments, Gross Builders, Hartmann Plantation, Gary McNabb, Lebanon Wilson Chamber of Commerce, Two Fat Men Catering and Wilson County 911.

Tickets go on sale April 10th at Wilson Bank & Trust, Rose Tire, Lebanon Wilson Chamber of Commerce, Boot Barn, Bates Ford and John Greer State Farm. Pre-sale tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children. Online tickets are available now. Prices go up at the gate on the nights of the event.

For more information or to become a sponsor or vendor, visit WhipCrackinRodeo.com.

From: The Wilson Post – click here for full article
by Sabrina Garrett

April 30, 2013
From: The Lebanon Democrat

Eva Malter, 3, of Lebanon, watches in amazement as a 5 year old does tricks on horseback during the Whip Crackin’ Rodeo on Friday.

Special Events Rodeo, outdoor show start weekend festivities

April 27, 2013
From: The Lebanon Democrat

Landon Knight aims to lasso a ‘steer’ at the steer-roping station during Special Needs Day at the Whip Crackin’ Rodeo.

The rodeo continues Saturday at the James E. Ward Ag Center.

Special Events Rodeo, outdoor show start weekend festivities

April 24, 2013
From: The Lebanon Democrat

Mayor Philip Craighead and Lone Star Rodeo are putting the finishing touches on the 4th Annual Charity Whip Crackin’ Rodeo and Outdoor Show. The two-day event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the James E. Ward Ag Center in Lebanon.

A Special Events Rodeo for exceptional children kicks off the rodeo events on Friday from 9 am until noon. The rodeo offers fun for the entire family, and proceeds benefit several local charities. This year, the rodeo will also feature an outdoor show. The rodeo begins each night at 7 p.m. The outdoor show hours are Friday from 2 – 9 pm and Saturday from 10am until 9pm.

The action-filled championship rodeo features the thrills and spills of bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, cowgirl’s breakaway roping, steer wrestling, team roping, cowgirl’s barrel racing and Brahma bull riding.

The event will also feature a “gold rush” for the younger set where children look for prizes in a pile of hay. There will also be a “best dressed cowboy and cowgirl contest” for children 10 and under.

There will be chuck wagon races throughout the evening, with wagons speeding around tight corners. Controlled chaos ensues – wheels have been broken and drivers have been thrown from the wagons, along with some rollovers.

“This is not your grandma’s saddle club gathering,” Craighead said. “This is the real wild west.”

Also on hand will be Team Karson with Frontier Town from Ocean City, Md., performing the colorful and exciting “Liberty Stand,” the most dangerous stunt in trick riding. Crowd pleaser Mike Wentworth the rodeo clown will also entertain.

This is the first year the rodeo will have an outdoor show, featuring campers, boats, tractors, mowers, ATVs, pools, spas, landscaping and more for those who long for the great outdoors.

The event is a good time, but more importantly, it helps a lot of good causes. Last yar’s rodeo raised more than $40,000 for Lebanon’s local charities.

Craighead said the city needs to get ready “because company is coming to town.” Last year, the rodeo attracted more than 250 participants from over six states.

“For a family experience your kids will talk about for weeks, this is the place to be,” he said.

Rodeo tickets are for sale at the Lebanon-Wilson County Chamber of Commerce office on the square, Wilson Bank & Trust, Rose Tire, Bates Ford, City Hall and online at WhipCrackinRodeo.com.

“Your purchase will make a difference in our community,” Craighead said.

Pre-sale tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children.

Tickets can also be purchased at the gate the day of the rodeo at $15 for adults and $10 for children. Children age 4 and under get in free.

“Come join us, have a great time with your family and help those who help so many of those in need,” Craighead said.

April 19, 2013
From: The Wilson Post

Cowboys and cowgirls are already anticipating the fourth annual Whip Crackin’ Rodeo & Outdoor Show which is scheduled to come barreling into Lebanon next weekend.

The two-day event begins on Friday, April 26, at 8:30a.m., with a day dedicated to special needs children in the community. Lebanon Mayor Philip Craighead said the best part of the rodeo is seeing the smiles on children’s faces as they get to interact with rodeo animals and play games at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center.

At 2 p.m., the all-new outdoors show will begin, featuring more than 20 vendors with merchandise including campers, luxury RV’s, boats, tractors, outdoor furniture, pol and spa options, and fashion.

Craighead said that the outdoors show, as well as inflatables for children, will be open and free to the public outside of the covered arena. Guests are welcomed to register for a drawing and door prizes such as movie tickets, gift certificates to local restaurants, rounds of golf and the grand prize of a night out on the town in a 14-passenger luxury tour coach donated by Four Seasons Coach Leasing.

The rodeo will begin on Friday at 7p.m. with  a Best Dressed Cowboy and Cowgirl Contest sponsored by Wilson Bank & Trust for children ages 10 and under and a Kid’s Gold Rush with prizes in the straw. Doors to the Outdoor Show will be open Saturday at 10 a.m. There will also be a rodeo on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Craighead said a mechanical bull has also been added this year for locals who wish to try their hand at bull-riding.

In the past three years, the Whip Crackin’ Rodeo has raised more than $115,000 for local charities. Event Platinum and Gold Sponsors are: Bates Ford, Permobil, Wilson Bank & Trust, Boot Barn, Bays Southern Bread, Capitol Theatre, Craighead Home Sales, Four Seasons Coach Leasing, Goodall Homes, Johnson Controls, Lochinvar Corporation, Lojac Materials, Manheim Auto Auction, Rose Tire, John Greer State Farm Insurance, THW Insurance Services and Tickets Nashville.

Discounted tickets are available at Bates Ford, Permobil, Wilson Bank & Trust, Boot Barn, Rose Tire, John Greer State Farm Insurance, Manheim Auto Auction, Lebanon /Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, Crystal Couture and Lebanon City Hall – $10 for adults and $8 for children. Tickets will also be available at the door on both nights of the event – $15 for adults and $12 for children.