Rodeos may not be ranch vs. ranch any more, but prepare for a taste of what makes Texas, Texas and famous across the world. The Taylor Rodeo Association is putting on their 71st annual rodeo July 15-17 at the Williamson County Expo Center, right in the hometown of Bill Pickett.
Board President Edwin Stojanik says the event is particularly exciting because it is an open competition, which means the riders, ropers, and racers just might be your friends or neighbors. It is also a CPRA- and UPRA-sanctioned event. As well, if you’ve ever envied the youngsters able to enter the Mutton Bustin’ competition (below), all ages are welcome to sign up for the crowd-favored Calf Scramble or Wild Steer Saddling competitions.
THE ASSOCIATION
Edwin says, “We believe in prayer and the flag and I love the kind of people we work with and entertain. This kind of camaraderie is the way Texas is.” When not producing one of the nation’s best small-town rodeos, the Association stays actively involved in many community projects and functions in Taylor, Thrall, Granger, Thorndale, and Hutto. Edwin adds, “We also support Dell Children’s hospital, the American Cancer Society, and Special Olympics. Everything we do is for the kids; supporting youth and promoting the cowboy lifestyle.”
In May, members were thrilled and thankful to have a sold-out crowd and 63 teams of barbecue masters compete—in wind and rain—in the first Barbecue Cookoff and Bull-nanza. Edwin says, “I’m grateful to Clint Chitsey and the expo center staff, our County Judge and Commissioners, all the judges, fans, and pitmasters. Their efforts contributed to our mission to provide education financial assistance to graduating seniors in Williamson and Milam Counties. Students help us at our events and we help them pay education costs and buy animals. I am looking forward to handing out more awards at the Saturday night rodeo.”
Williamson County Judge Bill Gravel says, “I am excited to see this event returning to the Expo Center. The Taylor Rodeo is a taste of Texas with a hometown feel, and a reminder to me of what is important in America; our family, our faith, and hard work.”
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Each evening, the event will open with flags and the kind of patriotic moments one might expect at a Western event, including trick riding by the Texas Cowgirls.
Friday night will wrap with live music by Triston Marez, and Saturday, after the new queen is crowned, guests can stay for a George Strait Tribute Band. There will be food trucks all three nights, and there are still spaces available for vendor booths. (taylorrodeo.com) Edwin adds, while the entertainment is old school, the technology is 21st century so bring your debit cards and your appetite.
The rodeo events include a full complement of favorites:
- bareback and saddle bronc riding
- steer wrestling
- women’s breakaway, tie-down, and team roping
- women’s barrel racing
- bull riding
- calf scramble for kids and adults
- wild steer saddling
- mutton busting