Alabama rodeo announcer returning to big event for 7th straight year
For Alabama rodeo announcer Matt McGee, it will be a “Lucky 7” as he will return for the seventh straight year to be the announcer during the 79th annual Sallisaw Lions Club Rodeo.
“It’s absolutely a pleasure for them to have me back year after year,” said McGee, who hails from Florence, Ala. “It’s always a host of world champions, past and present. We always get some of the reigning No. 1 contenders for the 2023 Gold Buckle. They always get the best of the best in Sallisaw. The rod...
For Alabama rodeo announcer Matt McGee, it will be a “Lucky 7” as he will return for the seventh straight year to be the announcer during the 79th annual Sallisaw Lions Club Rodeo.
“It’s absolutely a pleasure for them to have me back year after year,” said McGee, who hails from Florence, Ala. “It’s always a host of world champions, past and present. We always get some of the reigning No. 1 contenders for the 2023 Gold Buckle. They always get the best of the best in Sallisaw. The rodeo has a lot of tradition to it. It’s always a pleasure to be there. I can’t wait to be in Sallisaw.”
That’s not the only reasons McGee likes making the annual visit to Sallisaw to announce the rodeo.
“It goes back to tradition,” he said. “Sallisaw has a long-standing tradition of being a great rodeo in Oklahoma. Kevin Hampton and the Hampton Rodeo Company have some of the most awarding-winning livestock in rodeo — 20-plus times the Stock Contractor of the Year. The Backpack for Kids on Saturday morning is amazing. You have like 70 kids come up each night for the mutton busting every night. We showcase the Top 10. During the performance, Dr. Aubrey Henshaw provides them with a plaque. There’s a live band every night. It’s just a great time in Sallisaw. Sallisaw is the definition of rodeo wrapped up in one package.”
Yet again, McGee will get to work with rodeo clown Colton Ulmer, who is from Mount Vernon, Mo.
“I enjoy my time getting to work with him,” McGee said. “We got to work together about four to five times a year. He’s a second-generation funny man. He is absolutely hilarious.”
If anyone wants to be a roady with McGee, be prepared for a true literal whirlwind tour.
“We drive and fly around all year long,” he said. “We travel all over the United States of America. We were in Indiana (on July 12) and were in Ohio (on July 13). We were in Tampa, Fla., on (July 15-16). We then came back to Columbus, Ind., on (July 17). I can’t wait to be in Sallisaw. We’re actually going to be in Connersville, Ind., on that Wednesday (before). As soon as it’s over, we’ll drive all night to Sallisaw and get things kicked off on Thursday. Sallisaw is such a fun rodeo you forget about losing a whole day’s sleep.”
