Saddle up for St. Jude is back in the Shoals for 28th year

TUSCUMBIA, Ala. (WHNT) — People in the Shoals and surrounding communities in North Alabama are Saddling up for St. Jude, as the event is back for the 28th year in Tuscumbia.

Jimmy Gardiner, an event organizer, says they have raised over $3.5 million over the past 28 years the event has taken place.

“We raise money through our auction primarily, last year we sent $387,000 and our goal is $400,000 this year,” Gardiner said.

Visitors can bring their horses to ride trails all weekend long. Gardiner told News 19 that 19 local landowners have donated access to over 3,000 acres of trails and areas to ride.

“80% of the trails are shaded. We have creek crossings all through the trails, plenty of water for the horses, and it’s a beautiful scenery, beautiful mountainside to ride on, we have easy trails and then hard ones for more experienced riders,” Gardiner said.

In addition to the trail rides through Tuscumbia, there are activities for kids, concessions and live music from the band Shenandoah, a local favorite who will be coming back to perform for their 5th year.

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Mike McGuire, the drummer of Shenandoah, says he is proud to be back in the Shoals.

“It’s really awesome to be able to come home and play a show for our hometown of people,” McGuire said.

Saddle up for St. Jude will take place Thursday through Sunday, the gates open at 7 in the morning each day, the tickets are $20 per day. You can find more information on tickets here .

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