When the west was young, cowhands would wrangle and rope calves. When the day’s work was done, the ranch hands would gather ‘round the camp fire and tell stories while “cookie” would rustle up what he could muster.
The tradition seems to have lost its touch with the progress of highway transportation, barbecue grills and modern technology, but not for the Parker County Sheriff’s Posse.
Beginning nightly, Sept. 15 and 16, cowboys and cowgirls will compete in ranch events at the posse arena on Mineral Wells Highway for the second annual Parker County Ranch Rodeo.
The gates will open at 6 p.m. with events beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eight teams will be competing for the top prize money in five events. First place winners will receive $2,700 to split between team members. The second place team will split $1,600 and third place will divide $1,100.
Fastest time in each event will earn $100.
“We had a lot more people show up last year than what we anticipated,” said Blaine Peacock, this year’s event coordinator. “We’re expecting an even bigger crowd this year. There’s no reserved seating. But a lot people have responded and commented that they want to attend.”
Chuck wagon concessions will serve nachos, burgers, hotdogs, Frito pies, cokes, chips, candy Gatorade and water.
Saturday, a chuck wagon judging contest will take place at 3:30 p.m. After the judging, cooks will serve their dinners at $10 per plate.
Peacock said a “camp” will be set up fashioned after yester-years, with a jam session held Friday night in front of the chuck wagons for those who wanting to “pick and grin.”
The public is invited to bring their own instruments.
“They are welcome to sing or read poetry,” Peacock said. “There’s no rhyme or reason to it — no microphones or acoustics.”
Peacock added there will be vendors on hand, showing off custom made bits, spurs, saddles, tack, western attire and decor.
Ticket prices are $5 for adults and children 10 and under will receive free admission. Tickets are available at the gates only.
Saturday morning, an open class team roping event will be held at 9 a.m.
Peacock said the gates open at 8 a.m. to register for the event.
A dance will take place Saturday night, featuring Cow Jazz, a local band playing western -swing music.
The seven-piece, twin-fiddles and steel guitars band was awarded band of the year in 1999 and received album of the year in 2000.
Competitions include team sorting, calf branding, bronc riding, double mugging and wild cow milking with a boot scramble for children ages 5 to 7.
The event simulates a calf scramble. Children must fork over a boot, which is placed in a sack and spread out on the opposite side of the arena.
Children are held at bay until the whistle blows. Then, they must race to the pile of boots and find their own and run back to the finish line. The winner will receive a buckle. The event will be held both nights prior to the bronc riding event.
For more information on the rodeo, call Peacock at (817) 594-5425.
BOX:
Parker County Ranch Rodeo Events:
n Bronc riding
n Wild cow milking
n Team sorting
n Calf branding
n Cow mugging
Ranches represented at the rodeo:
n Addison Ranches
n O.B. Cattle
n Young Ranch
n Valley Creek Ranch
n Cyclone Band Ranch
n Bowie Livestock
n Nance Ranch
n Shallow Creek Ranch
n Rockin’ W Ranch
n Ellison Carter Ranch
n Saunders Ranch
n Bonds Ranch
n T Bar Ranch
n NT Guitar Ranch
n Veale Ranch
n Bar 9 Ranch
Schedule of events:
Friday
n 6 p.m. — Gates open to the public. Vendors open for sales
n 7:30 p.m. — First session of Rodeo kicks off
n 9:45 p.m. — Jam session in front of chuck wagons
Saturday:
n 7 a.m. — Gates open to the public
n 7:30 a.m. — Chuck wagon breakfast
n 9 a.m. — Sheriff’s Posse Team Roping event begins
n 3:30 p.m. — Chuck wagon judging begins
n 4 to 6 p.m. — Chuck wagon upper served
n 7:30 p.m. — Second session of Rodeo kicks off
n 9:45 p.m. — Dance begins featuring Cow Jazz
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