Memorial Day Rodeo Sees Record Crowds

The Bandera Pro Rodeo’s 39th PCRA Memorial Day Rodeo showcased an impressive array of new and dedicated volunteers this year, packing out crowds for the three-day event.

Reflecting on the overwhelming response, President Janna Lindig shared, “On Saturday night, we had over 1,700 confirmed spectators in the stands. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to put more people in the stands.”

The success continued on Sunday night, with Lindig proudly mentioning that it was a record-breaking attendance for Bandera Pro Rodeo Association.

Lindig also received numerous accolades from attendees, who declared it the best rodeo performance they had witnessed, even comparing it to larger rodeos like San Antonio.

Looking ahead, Lindig revealed exciting plans for the 40th Annual PRCA rodeo weekend in Bandera in 2024, emphasizing their commitment to making it a spectacular and unforgettable event, weather permitting.

She stated, “We intend to ‘pull out all the stops’ to make the 2024 Memorial Day Weekend Stampede Rodeos spectacularly memorable.”

The Bandera Pro Rodeo kicked off the Memorial Day Weekend Stampede festivities Friday in Bandera with a rousing taste of the western lifestyle. The stock was fresh, and the cowboys were game to provide some energetic competition. Every contestant brought their “A-game” to the arena.

The stands were full, and the weather was an amazing 72 degrees, perfect to sit out and watch some of the best rodeo entertainment anywhere.

The Grand Entry was filled with Bandera notables accompanying many flags representing rodeo sponsors. Bandera native and vocalist Wade Lowry brought his interpretation of the national anthem to the rodeo crowd.

The audience was filled with a large contingent of locals, San Antonians and even some fans from Israel and the Netherlands. It was a mixture of young and old. Families came out in record numbers to enjoy the evening.

Bandera Wine and Spirits sponsored steer wrestling. The steers were all hefty and the top cowboys turned in superior performances of under five seconds.

Only two contestants were entered into the bareback riding event sponsored by Coors Light. A. J. Ruth from Huntsville, Texas riding Live It Up from the Rafter G Stock Company earned 80 points for his ride. Lane McGehee from Victoria, Texas rode Rawhide also from Rafter G for a score of 75 points.

The field for team roping was larger and full of Texans. The headers were all Texans, except for Korbin Rice from Hobbs, New Mexico. His partner, heeler Jake South, was from Albuquerque, New Mexico. There were two heelers from Wyoming and Kansas, but the rest of the contingent was from Texas. American Water Well Services sponsored the competition.

Buddy’s Water Well and Septic Service sponsored the saddle bronc riding event. The broncs from the Rafter G Rodeo stock were fresh and rowdy. It seemed that all the broncs were vying to give the best ride of the evening.

Jacobs Crawley of Stephenville, Texas rode the bronc Andy, but 2 seconds in, the horse lost his footing and went down.

Fortunately, neither horse nor rider were injured, but Crawley chose to do a re-ride on Snidely Whiplash. Crawley improved his score from last year’s event by onepoint, coming in with a solid ride score of 85 for a first place standing.

The calf scramble took place with about 25 youngsters aged 10 and under competing for the $10 top prize and a $5 second prize.

The calves were wily and fleet on their hooves. The little ones finally snagged the ribbons on the calves after 4 minutes to the delight of the crowd.

Mutton bustin’ was next on the program. The little riders clung to the sheep and were scored on their ride. Jake scored 91 with an excellent ride staying on until he got to the center of the arena. Liam came next with a score of 85 and Jason came in third with a ride of 70 points. Justin Corporation sponsored the Mutton Bustin’ event.

The dePerier Landman Company sponsored breakaway roping. Ranked number four in the breakaway roping world, Martha Angelone from Stephenville, Texas scored at 2.6 seconds with a blazing performance.

Barrelman Justin Rumford brought two dads from the audience to compete for best performance as Elvis. The skit brought many smiles and all-around laughs as audience members Rick and Shane competed in the event. Even though Shane had some great moves, Rick brought the house down with his exceptional Elvis-like impersonation and enthusiasm.

For the mid rodeo break, the Rafter G Rodeo company displayed a touching tribute to veterans on the big score board at the end of the arena.

In memory of Ada and Ray Wharton, John and Tammy Teich sponsored the tie down roping event. There were 10 contestants from Texas, California, Idaho, and Arkansas competing in the event. The steers were spicy and hard to catch, but the cowboys gave it their best.

The next to last event was barrel racing sponsored by Waterboyz. The ladies rode with swift grace as their horses made tight turns around the barrels. Sidney Forrest from Lipan, Texas took the lead with an excellent 17.34 second run.

The bull riding was great entertainment, even though four of the five riders failed to qualify by riding less than 8 seconds. Braden Richardson from Jasper, Texas riding Thor, a Rafter G bull, earned a score of 85 for his ride that evening. Hyo Silver sponsored the event. Bullfighters Austin Rudloff and Derick White did an exceptional job keeping the rough stock distracted so the riders could dismount.

The title sponsors for the Rodeo were Flying A Ranch and The Lodge at San Julian Creek. PRCE sponsors were Crenwelge Motors/ Ram Rodeo and Cinch Jeans. The scholarship donor was Stockade Ranch. Added money sponsors were Hill Country Equestrian

Courtesy Photo Bobby Rosales

BULLETIN PHOTO/ Tracy Thayer

Courtesy Photo Bobby Rosales

Courtesy Photo Bobby Rosales

Courtesy Photo Bobby Rosales Lodge, 11th Street Cowboy Bar and Frio Distributing.

Contributing sponsors for the rodeo were Best Western Bandera Suites and Saloon, Lowe’s Grocery, Cox Media, John Teich Construction, Ranch Radio Group, Go Webwagon, Bandera County Convention and Visitors Center, Equipment Depot, and Equipment.

BEC was the entertainment sponsor. Chute sponsors were Spirits of Texas, Hunt Real Estate, Bar None Ranch, Royal Metal Building Components, Inc., Estilo Jazzy, West Trail Antiques, and Powell Disposal. Let Out Gate sponsor was the Bandera Chamber of Commerce. The arena sign sponsors were SB Western Silver and Knives, Bandera Bank, and Dixie Dude Ranch.

The specialty sponsors were the Bandera Bulletin, Bandera Veterinary Clinic, Bandera Fire and Rescue, Bandera Ranch Store, Burns Insurance Solutions (Liz Burns), Backyard Bistro, the Burns Family, Country Accents and Antiques, Compliance Resources Inc., Country Accents Buildings, Edward Jones Ranch, Hevenor Lumber and Company, Hevenor Feed and Supply, Hondo Livestock Company, JB Livestock (John Bruce), Linda James, Jana Lindig, Mayan Dude Ranch, The Nest, OST Restaurant, John and Cindy Payne, Peaceful Valley Ranch, Powell Disposal, Propane Depot, The Prophet, Rocking S Ranch (Buddy and Marianne Sandidge), George Taylor Attorney At Law, and Texas Partners Bank.

The rodeo announcer was Garrett Yerigan.

BULLETIN PHOTO/ Tracy Thayer