COLUMBIANA- The city of Columbiana will be hosting its ninth annual Cowboy Day on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m. According to Columbiana marketing director Elizabeth Smith, Cowboy Day is a rain or shine event and serves as a precursor to the Cattleman’s Rodeo on Friday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, Feb. 25.

“Cowboy Day has gotten bigger every year. Citizens from surrounding areas always enjoy it, and it’s another opportunity to have lots of fun in Columbiana,” said Mayor Stancil Handley.

Cowboy Day will kick off with a performance from the Love to Dance line dancing group and Randy Glenn and his band.

For the first time ever, a corn hole tournament will be incorporated into the Cowboy Day festivities. Smith said the tournament will begin at 10:30 a.m. and involve 20 two-person teams. Registration for the tournament costs $10 per person and players will be eliminated by bracket. The first place winner will receive a cash prize.

“Corn hole has gotten really popular, and we just thought it would be a great way to encourage more folks to come. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Smith said. “We’re going to try and have several games going on at the same time, so the tournament won’t last all day.”

A wild-west shootout demonstration is set to take place at noon, immediately followed by a lasso demonstration.

“The kids, especially, like it,” Smith said.

Certain roads will be closed off for the Cowboy Day parade, which will begin at 1 p.m. Smith said no motorized vehicles are allowed, and anyone who wishes to ride a horse or walk in the parade is welcome.

Smith said this year’s chili cook-off will be focused more on just having fun than the competitive aspect. There is no entry fee for the chili cook-off. However, registration is required. A cash prize will be awarded to the first and second place winners.

“This year, I’ve tried to simplify it. There won’t be as many rules involved. In the previous years, people have been required to do everything onsite. You can make your chili wherever and let it simmer for as long as you want to. You just have to show up with your chili around noon,” Smith said.

Throughout the day, vendors will be selling food, drinks and western-themed crafts. In the kids section, there will be a mechanical bull, bungee jumping, pony rides and a petting zoo.

Smith said Cowboy Day is just one of many local traditions that set Columbiana apart from other cities.

“Not everybody does this. It’s always a lot of fun for the families, and it’s not very expensive,” Smith said. “It puts Columbiana even more on the map than we already are. Anything like this will bring people to the community and help our businesses and show people what a nice city we have here. Ultimately, it makes people want to be here.”

Cowboy Day is sponsored by the Shelby County Cattleman’s Association. For more information about Cowboy Day, call 669-5808.