Vicksburg Convalescent Center celebrates Nursing Home Week with staff rodeo

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — As part of 2025 National Nursing Home Week, the Vicksburg Convalescent Center hosted its first annual rodeo Thursday afternoon, with trophies awarded to the top three winners in both the barrel race and bull riding.

Held in the parking lot of First Baptist Church on Cherry Street, the event featured staff members participating in dancing, barrel racing, and bull riding for the enjoyment of center residents.

The program opened with Mayor George Flaggs Jr. reading a proclamation declaring May 11–17 as National Nursing Home Week. Pastor Jimmy Henry of First Baptist Church then led the group in prayer.

Henry expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership between the church and the center, noting that the church often provides chairs or opens its parking lot for events.

“We’re so thankful to be here,” Henry said. “We’re grateful for the Vicksburg Convalescent Center and the partnership we have—the ability to just share in this time and this joy, and to look out and see you participating in this rodeo today.”

Following the prayer, staff members kicked off the festivities with a line dance to the song Boots on the Ground.

The barrel race came next, with contestants “on horseback” competing for the fastest time.

For the grand finale, staff members took turns on a mechanical bull, trying to hold on for eight seconds. Among the bull riders was Ward 2 Alderman Alex Monsour, who successfully lasted the full eight seconds.