TROY – For the 19th year in a row, the Troy FFA Alumni and Lincoln County Relay for Life Rodeo packed the stands at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds this past weekend with another record crowd.

Almost two decades ago, Luke and Amber Shafer returned to Lincoln County a month after their wedding, committed to sharing their passion for rodeo with the community.

In about a month, the newlyweds organized the first rodeo with fewer than 900 people attending.

Each year since, the crowd has steadily grown and after topping out at 5,200 last year, eclipsed 6,000 paid admissions this past weekend with 2,330 spectators on Friday and 3,671 standing for the national anthem Saturday. This number does not include members, crew, and contestants.

One thing that remains unchanged is donating the rodeo’s proceeds to the Troy FFA Alumni and Lincoln County Relay for Life.

All profits are divided equally between the two organizations. Last year they raised over $52,000. This year’s number is not yet available as receipts are still being calculated.

Shafer emphasized they give 100% of the proceeds at the event’s conclusion, starting each new year as fresh as the first with zero dollars.

As Treasurer of the FFA Alumni, Amber is happy to help fund that organization.

“It is rewarding. I get to meet the applicants, go through the interview process, and offer scholarships to further their education,” Shafer said. “This organization did so much for me growing up, I am grateful.”

Choosing to send the other half of the proceeds to Relay for Life was easy.

“If you can give back, why wouldn’t you,” Shafer said.

Nearly 300 talented contestants took to the arena Friday and Saturday night, giving Lincoln County their very best.

Amber stated weather plays a huge factor in rodeo attendance, which this year was on their side, helping contribute to the event’s success. Her and Luke strive each year to outperform the last, keeping it appealing to both contestants and spectators.

The event collaborates yearly with Wrangler featuring the slogan “Tough Enough to Wear Pink,” for the event. Hence the large amount of pink attire supporting cancer research.

Amber is quick to deflect any personal praise for the event’s success.

“I could not do this without the 145 sponsors, contestants, crews, vendors, family, and spectators. It takes everyone to make it happen,” Shafer said. “We have built something pretty great we hope the community enjoys. As long as I know that 6,000 people had a good time, with lasting memories, it was worth it.”