CHILDERSBURG, Ala. – What began as a family’s promise to keep a beloved legacy alive has grown into one of Talladega County’s most anticipated outdoor events. The Eighth Annual Masie Knight Memorial Squirrel Rodeo Round Up will take place on Saturday, Feb. 28, bringing hunters, families, and community supporters together for a day of competition and fundraising.
Masie Knight was known throughout the community as a leader, outdoors enthusiast, and inspiration. She loved to hunt and fish and left a lasting impression on those around her while bravely battling cancer at a young age.
After her passing in 2005, her family established scholarship programs in her memory for students in the Talladega County School District. Over the years, more than $120,000 in scholarships have been awarded. Masie’s final request to her family was simple – never let her legacy be forgotten – a mission continued through this annual fundraiser.
The squirrel rodeo will be headquartered at 8240 McGowan’s Ferry Rd. in Childersburg. Official weigh-in runs from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and contestants must be present. Teams of up to five members may enter for $200, with registration due by 10:00 p.m. the day before on Friday, Feb. 27.
A $500 jackpot will go to the team harvesting the most gray squirrels, capped at a 40-squirrel limit. Additional $400 jackpots will be awarded for the heaviest five gray squirrels and the single heaviest gray squirrel. Tie-breakers will be decided by a one-shot rimfire shoot-off at 30 yards.
A $25 side pot for the largest fox squirrel requires at least one youth participant. Children 13 and under may hunt alongside teams for free. All Alabama state hunting regulations apply.
The event also features live weigh-ins, food, refreshments, cornhole, and an awards ceremony. A post-rodeo raffle offers firearms, outdoor gear, guided fishing trips, and more, with proceeds supporting the Masie Knight Memorial Scholarship Fund.
