Rock the South is an annual country music festival held each summer in Cullman, Alabama. From classic artists to today's biggest stars, the lineup is packed this summer ~ including artists Eric Church, Hardy & Jelly Roll!

Jack's Western Wear is only 2 miles away from the festival site ~ 114 Schwaiger Road in Cullman. 

We've also teamed up with Ariat to sponsor this year's festival.

To help kick things off, we are giving away 24 PRIZES!!!!!!!! No purchase necessary! 

So here's the list ~ including rules on how to enter each drawing or contest! Good luck! 

1. Ariat is giving away 9 PAIRS OF BOOTS! (Mens & Ladies boots, retail value up to $250)

How do you win a pair of Ariat boots?

Come to Jack's now through July 18th and guess how many jelly beans are in the Jelly Roll Jelly Bean Jar!

We will also hold two in-store raffle drawings. Simply come to Jack's and fill out a ticket.

Finally, 6 PAIRS OF BOOTS will be given away at our Rock the South tent.  So stop by and enter for your chance to win!  Two pairs will be given away each day!

2. Dan Post Boots is giving away a pair of both men's and ladies boots, retail value up to $250!

How do you win a pair of Dan Post boots?

Jack's is holding a DANCE CONTEST!!  Show us your best moves to "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)" by Big & Rich!  Send your video to JacksRTS2024@gmail.com  

3.  Corral Boots is giving one lucky winner a $250 gift card, which is good toward any pair of Corral boots.

How do you win a Corral gift card? 

Show Jack's your best Redneck Woman pic! ~ Hint ~ listen to Gretchen Wilson's song "Redneck Woman" and get creative! Send your entry to JacksRTS2024@gmail.com ~ put Redneck Woman in the subject line.

4. Justin Boots is giving away a pair of men's boots from its Frontier line & a pair of any ladies Justin boots!

How do you win a pair of Justins?

On Thursday, July 18th, the 50th and 100th customer of the day will receive a free pair of boots!!!!

5. Lucchese Boots ~ "Legendary boots, legend in the making." One lucky winner will receive a gift card of $500, which is good toward a pair of Lucchese boots.

How do you win?

Write a short essay about the legend in your life.  Submit your entry to JacksRTS2024@gmail.com ~ put Lucchese in the subject line.

6. Rocky Boots is giving away a pair of work boots! (retail value up to $250)

How do you win the work boots?

All you have to do is FIND the Rock the South Rocky Boots Rock!  Scavenger Hunt hints will drop on Friday, July 12th. Whoever brings the rock to Jack's will win a free pair! Stay tuned for details!

7. Muck, Xtratuf, Georgia Boot & Durango ~ take your pick!  One lucky winner will receive a free pair of boots from one of the following brands.  (retail value up to $250)

How do you win? 

Come to Jack's and enter our in-store raffle drawing!

8.  Horse Power & Macie Bean Boots ~ are giving away a pair of men's Horse Power boots & a pair of Macie Bean boots, retail value up to $250.

How do you win?

Show us your BEST OOTD (Outfit of the Day) for RTS ~ submit your best look to JacksRTS2024@gmail.com ~put OOTD in the subject line.

9.  Sorel ~ is giving away 5 pairs of ladies sandals!!!  

How do you win?

Come to Jack's and enter our in-store raffle drawing! 

Good luck!  Let's ROCK THE SOUTH at Jack's Western & Outdoor Wear!

 Ariat ~ a tale of horses racin' and a whole lot of passion

The name "Ariat" is a combination of two words: "air" and "active."

The correct pronunciation of Ariat is Euh ~ ree ~ uht.

It's simply Secretariat but without the "Secret."

Ariat was founded in America by current CEO Beth Cross and co-founder Pam Parker. 

Cross says one of her fondest memories was sitting in front of the TV back in 1973, eyes glued to the screen as Secretariat thundered down the track to win the Kentucky Derby.  That mighty horse went on to nab the Triple Crown, breaking records that still stand tall today.

Secretariat inspired the name Ariat.  Cross says they wanted to create "The New Breed of Boot." And by golly, they really were the first ones to blend athletic footwear technology with boots made for equestrian athletes. 

Even the symbol pays tribute to Secretariat.  The three horseshoes represent each leg of the Triple Crown.

It's a symbol of excellence.

Since 1993, Ariat has made a commitment to trailblazin' innovation, top-notch quality, unwavering integrity, team spirit, and givin' respect where it's due.

We reckon these values have helped set Ariat apart from the rest.  They are now one of the top dogs in the Equestrian, Outdoor, and Work realms.  

Their products are as tough as a wild stallion, and their culture is as tight-knit as a cowboy crew.

We started selling Ariat boots here at Jack's Western Wear back in 2001.  Our sales rep ~ Phillip Holden ~ walked in one day with just four Ariat boots.  Two were cowboy boots, and the other two were ropers.

Larry Allred, Jack's Western Wear Owner, says it all started small, but Ariat has now grown into the most aggressive western company there is.  

That's why Larry decided to devote 3000 square feet to only Ariat western wear. In this specialty room, you will find western clothing for both men and women, including hundreds of boots.  Anything from traditional to exotic.  

If you're looking for Ariat work wear, we have a bunch of that too.  You'll find that upstairs in our work department.

Every pair of Ariats is technology and innovation wrapped in a cowboy boot package. This is a brand dedicated to those who ranch, ride, and work outdoors. Ariat boots are rough and tumble— fashionable and functional.

While one of their trademarks is thick, tough leather, you won’t notice the most recognizable trademark of an Ariat boot until you put it on. The insole! This is where the athletic footwear influence comes in to play— a super cushy, very supportive insole is reminisce of a sneaker. You’ll know an Ariat when you feel it!

Here at Jack's, we are one of the largest Ariat dealers in the region.  We have an entire section devoted to just Ariat at the back of our 25,000 square foot store.  It's an addition to Jack's that we built just two years ago, in 2022.

So come out and shop our Ariat room!  Enter through the front door at Jack's and just follow the Ariat cookies on the floor.  These will take you to the back where you're sure to find your next favorite pair of jeans and boots!

Well, let me spin you a yarn about the iconic cowboy lid we all know and love.  It's the cowboy hat, partner.

Back in 1865, a fella by the name of John B. Stetson, rustled up the "Boss of the Plains" hat.

Now, at first glance, it might've seemed like just any old hat, with its flat, round brim and smooth crown. But it wasn't just any old hat. Ol' Stetson crafted his hat from the finest fur of beavers, rabbits, and such, making it tough as a bull's hide.  Cowboys took to it like a horse to water.  Stetson's hat could withstand anything the frontier thew their way. 

For nearly two decades, the original Stetson hat design held fast ~ its crown open, its form devoid of any distinctive crease. But then something changed.  According to Western lore, John Stetson was struck by the swagger of Spanish-influenced headgear worn in the Wild West. He was determined to craft something bold, something new.

Thus was born the iconic cowboy hat, a masterpiece of rugged elegance. Picture it ~ a lofty crown, split down the middle with a crease, adorned with dents on either side - crafted not just for looks, but for livin' in the saddle. It was a game-changer, a symbol not just of style, but of resilience in the face of all that untamed frontier could throw at ya.

Nowadays, you'll see the cowboy hat everywhere, from dusty rodeo arenas to glitzy Hollywood shindigs. It's a symbol of grit, tradition, and a little touch of cowboy charm that'll never rustle out of style.

Speaking of style, there's now a vast selection of cowboy hat styles.  Let weather, occasion, or personal preference dictate your choice ~ whether that's straw or felt.  And you'll find a wide selection here at Jack's Western Wear.

In the realm of cowboy hats, tradition often dictates the when and what.

Straw hats are lightweight and airy.  They are meant for warmer days.  Straw season traditionally kicks off with Easter.

Meanwhile, felt hats, take the stage from Labor Day until Easter.  They are warm, sturdy hats.  They're meant to shield you against cooler winds.

And then there are those that believe rules are meant to be broken ~ that your inner cowboy should be your guide.  

Whether you're corralling cattle or strolling downtown, a cowboy hat should be a reflection of your character.  

Cowboy hats, steeped in symbolism (straw or felt), embody the spirit of the American frontier. While they provide shade from the elements, they also serve as a beacon of manners and respect. A firm handshake, a tip of the hat, these are the timeless gestures that echo the legacy of the true cowboy way.

Howdy Partner!

Cowboy boot styles wrangle up a whole herd of options, fit for everyone and occasion. 

You don't have to be a cattle rancher or a James Dean type to pull off a pair of cowboy boots. There are many different styles, shapes, sizes and materials for all personalities. 

So saddle up and take a gander at the range of styles, shapes and sizes available. Options range from dress boots crafted from exotic materials like ostrich or caiman to tough work boots built to withstand the toughest trails.

But before you kick up your heels, it's essential to understand the common features that define these iconic footwear styles.

Let's start with the shaft.  It's the long tube of leather that starts down at the heel and wraps its way up around your leg. Shafts come in all sorts of styles and heights. 

Next up, the vamp. This part of the boot covers the top, sides and toe of the foot, offering both protection and style.

Now, let's talk heels. Western boots are characterized by their stacked or Cuban heels. These elevated, angled heels provide stability and aid in gripping stirrups, reducing the risk of the foot sliding forward during rides.

The insole is another crucial element. Traditionally crafted from leather, it molds over time to the wearer's feet, offering a personalized fit. While leather remains popular, modern materials also sometimes used in cowboy boots.

Moving on to the outsole. Most western boots feature slick leather soles. While they may be slippery on certain surfaces, they are designed for easy insertion into stirrups without snagging.

Welt, the leather strip between the upper and outsole, is where the boot's stitching runs, providing both structural integrity and decorative flair.

Speaking of stitching, it's a hallmark of western boots, often intricately detailed and contrasting against the leather.

Toe style. Cowboy boots come in various toe styles, each adding its own touch of personality to the footwear. 

Western boots blend style with purpose, making them a timeless icon of western fashion and functionality.

What makes a boot heritage quality?

"A fine pair of cowboy boots is still like the cowboy himself: sturdy, dependable, and with a rugged charm." ~ Alex Via, Buffalo Jackson Trading Co.

Let me tell ya 'bout a legend in the boot business by the name of Randy Watson. 

He's been stompin' around the cowboy boot world for more than 40 years, making his mark at places like Justin, Lucchese, Tony Lama and Nocona. 

He's got a knack for knowing just where to find the finest leather, the most skilled craftsmen, and the best retailers to bring his boots to the folks who need 'em and want 'em.

R. Watson's salesperson Bric Conn (what a cool name, right?!) stepped into Jack's Western Wear back in 2022.  Right away, my dad ~ Jack's owner Larry Allred ~ said yes. My dad says from the foundation of the boot to the fine details... it matters, and R. Watson boots look good and are made good.

* Every boot is lined with cowhide. 

* Timeless 10 row stitch pattern or hand cording. This classic pattern brings the history and heritage of the Cowboy Code into the culture of today. 

* A 10 iron genuine leather outsole is the foundation of their western boot. It provides durability with just enough flex to provide the comfort all boot enthusiasts desire.

* R. Watson puts both lemonwood pegs and brass nails in all of their western boots. This means that as the conditions change (wet or dry, hot or cold) this hardware is built to change with it and keep the sole attached to the boot. 

* Solid Steel Shank. To provide the most stability and durability possible, they developed a solid steel shank system that you’ll find in an R. Watson Boot. The solid steel shank system is then incorporated into a 1 piece insole system so you will never get that dreaded squeak again.

Randy's cowboy story goes all the way back to when he played baseball at The University of Houston in Texas, when he was in sneakers or cleats... not boots.

He was aiming for the big leagues in Major League Baseball, but fate had other plans for ol' Randy. Back in 1980, he was finishing up his college degree when he needed a summer job. Well, he found himself at Don's Western Wear in Houston, not too far from the famous Gilley's honky tonk.

Around this time, "Urban Cowboy" had just hit the silver screen. Bud & Sissy stirred up a whole heap of fuss 'bout western wear and country music.

Randy was smack dab in the middle of it all, hustling boots and hats to men and women that wanted to get a piece of the cowboy charm.

He hadn't planned to stick around, but a temporary gig turned into long term career.

From Don's he headed to Justin headquarters in Fort Worth. 

Randy climbed the ladder, cowboy hat and all, until he was sittin' high as the chairman and CEO.

After working for such cowboy greats like Justin & Lucchese, Randy decided to go out on his own. He started a new adventure where he aimed to craft boots so fine that he'd stamp his own name on them. 

R. Watson: Walk Tall

And he's now doing this with folks he can truly count on... his own kin.

Randy wrangled up his son Ryan and many seasoned hands in the boot biz to rustle up R. Watson.

The business is nestled in Crowley, Texas.  Run by kinfolk, for kinfolk. 

These aren't just boots, partner. They're a testament to generations of know-how, with each stitch and cut telling a story of hard work and dedication. 

From the tanneries where the leather is born to the skilled hands that shape it into footwear fit for a trailblazer, every step of the process is steeped in tradition and pride.

So when you slide into a pair of R. Watson boots, you're not just wearing footwear. You're stepping into history. 

And with quality like this, you're getting the best bang for your buck.