33rd Annual Los Fresnos Rodeo & Concert

CAMERON COUNTY FAIR & LIVESTOCK SHOW

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2023

Bullfighters Competition, Calf Scramble (Grades 6 – 8), Mutton Bustin (Ages 4 – 7),Fireworks

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2023

FEBRUARY 16, 17 & 18, 2024

ELLIFF MOTORS - HARLINGEN 1307 West Harrison Ave. | Harlingen, TX 78550 (956) 423-3434 | ELLIFFMOTORS.COM

ELLIFF MOTORS - PHARR 4017 N. Cage Blvd. | Pharr, TX 78577 (956) 702-9599 | ELLIFFMOTORS.COM

ELLIFF MOTORS - HARLINGEN 1307 West Harrison Ave. | Harlingen, TX 78550 (956) 423-3434 | ELLIFFMOTORS.COM

ELLIFF KUBOTA 4300 S Expressway 83 | Harlingen, TX 78552 (956) 423-9440 | ELLIFFKUBOTA.COM

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Platinum Sponsor City of Los Fresnos

LF Community Development Corp

Americaan Electric Power Foundation

Tipton Auto Group

Video Screen Sponsor

Boggus/Tipton

Elliff Motors

Gold Sponsor

Glazer’s Distributing

Star’s Drive-In

Boot Jack

Chic-fil-A

L&F Distributors

Brownsville Toyota

Port of Brownsville

Texas Regional Bank

Silver Sponsor

Cavenders Western Outfitters

Hanson Professional Services

Los Fresnos CISD

Boot Barn

First Community Bank

Los Fresnos News

Republic Services

Feather Ridge Subdivision

Bronze Sponsor

Tejas Equipment Rental

Harlingen Medical Center

DnT Construction

Rio Grande LNG

Tip O Tex Chevrolet

Charlie Clark Nissan

Saturday Concert Sponsor

City of Los Fresnos

Champs Barbershop

McDonald’s Restaurant

Holiday Inn Resort SPI

HEB

Brownsville Toyota

Valley Baptist Health System

Friday Concert Sponsor

Cavenders Western Outfitters

Gulf Coast Paper

LF Community Development Corp

Coastal Event Rentals

Gulf Stream Marine

Cantina Area Sponsor

Partivilla Construction LLC

Bullfight Team Sponsor

Glazer’s Dist/Coors Light

L&F Dist/Bud Light

Bullriding Sponsor

R. M. Walsdorf, Inc.

Mutton Bustin Sponsor

International AC-IAEMT

Fireworks Sponsor

Big Chief Fireworks G & T Paving

Calf Scramble Sponsor

Laguna Madre Psychology

Roping Box Sponsor

McCoy’s Building Supply

Bull Bleacher Sponsor

Magic Valley Electric Cooperative

Cow Bleacher Sponsor Shallow Sport

Thomae Garza Funeral Home

RV Station Donna

Corral Event Area Sponsor

Tejas Equipment Rental

Bucking Chute Sponsor

Fatty Chem By-Products

HEB

Elliff Motors

Tellus Equipment SolutionsJohn Deere

Texas Regional Bank

Texas Gas Service

Barrel Man Sponsor

Rio Grande Waste

Event Sponsor

State Farm David Armendariz

Hughston Insurance Agency

Vulcan Materials Company

Titan Fuels

Crop Guard

Valley Shredding Service

Southern Landscapes

Calf Bleacher Sponsor

Brownsville Pawn & Jewelry

Julia’s Restaurant

R. M. Walsdorf, Inc.

Hughston Insurance Agency

R. M. Walsdorf, Inc.

Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP

Vulcan Materials Co.

Instant Replay Sponsor

Captain Murphy Fishing Charters

Lower Third Screen Sponsor

O’Reilly Auto Parts

Kiss Camera Sponsor

Fatty Chem By-Products –

Friday

Fatty Chem By-Products –

Saturday

Texas Farm Credit – Sunday

General Sponsor

Cinch Series Rodeo

G&T Paving

KISS FM 106.3

Los Fresnos Emergency Services

KTEX 100.3

Republic Services

Tellus Equipment Solutions-

John Deere

Texas First Rental

Justin Boots

Los Fresnos Inn & Suites

Big Chief Fireworks

Southwest Keys

Contestant Hospitality Sponsor

Metro Fire BP

Los Fresnos Emergency Services

Partivilla Construction LLC

Leader Board Sponsor

Texas Farm Credit

Out-Gate Sponsor

7 Leguas Seed & Feed

Advertising Sponsor

Robert Cory

Gillman Chevrolet

Arena Box Holders

Elliff Motors

Glazer’s / Miller Lite

First Community Bank

L & F Distributors / Budweiser

City of Los Fresnos

H.B. Girault

Shuckman Farms

Tipton Motors

R.M. Walsdorf, Inc.

Chaffin

GMS Architecs

Mark & Shannon Milum

Jim & Kathleen Moses

Gloor Lumber

International AC-IAEMT

Big Chief Fireworks

Boot Jack

Meyn Sandblasting

Texas Regional Bank

KTEX 100.3

JP Reed Farms

Gary & Joanna Milum

Cavenders Western Wear

Ron Bowen

HEB

g3 Ranch

Vulcan Materials Company

Orlando Rocha

Back to Action

Raul Atkinson Carpentry

Gilbert Guajardo

Gallegos Family

Wesley & Jennifer Milum

Gonzalez Family

The Real Estate Source

C&E Construction

Ace Towing & Recovery

Twisted Iron Imports

z livestock

Sun Valley Dusting

Hilton Inn Resort SPI

Debbie Abrego

Tapias Café

Juan Garcia Farms

San Jose Ranch

Clark Additives

Salazar/Barrera

Martinez Family

J.R. Sosa

Jesse & Julie Breedlove

Jesse & Julie Breedlove

Jose G. Leal & Family

Jose S. Cisneros M.D., P.A.

Boot Barn

Prestige Home Builders

ISLA Prop. Mgmt. & Sales\

Key Performance

Gulf Coast

Russell & Tina Moses

Feather Ridge Subdivision

MJ Marine Const.

Hanson Professional Services, Inc.

Haynie & Company

Haynie & Company

Gulf Coast Paper Co.

Boggus Tipton

Dean Owen

Magic Valley Electric

Cooperative

Zepeda Sprinklers

Julia’s Resturant

American Electric Power –Foundation

Brownsville Toyota

Los Fresnos Publishing, LLC.

Jaime Barbosa

Jimmy Sanchez

Republic Services

A

Pumper King

Gene Daniels

Isla Restorations

Zarsky Lumber

Jo-Ann Long

Gold Star Farms

Texas R Homes

Luis & Leslie Gonzalez

Jerry & Claudia Martinez

Harry & Jackie Ward Family

ALJ Enterprises

South Texas Realty

Hunt Pan Am

State Farm/David

Armendariz

RNR Auto LLC

RNR Auto LLC

Blackbeard’s Restaurant

Harlingen Medical Center

Mike Meyn

Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson

The Green Law Firm P.C.

Vulcan Materials Company

R.M. Walsdorf, Inc.

Cardoza

Cardoza

Community Dev Corp.

Cardenas Motors

Fatty Chem By Products

Corvus Arms, LLC

McCormick

C & S Cattle Company

Pam & Kenneth Denny

Dr. Missy’s Vet Mobile

Cepeda Family

Pederson Construction

Hughston Insurance Agency

Larry & Rhonda Cantu

Fresno Systems Services

Rancho Escondido

Shrimp Outlet

DMG

Port of Brownsville

Arena Sign Sponsors

Greer & Associates

O’Reilly Auto Parts

GMS Architects

Gulf Coast Paper

Fresno Systems Services

Matt’s Cash & Carry

The Table of Los Fresnos

LT Ranchwear & Interiors

Sky Box Holders

City of Los Fresnos

Los Fresnos CDC

Glazer’s Distributors / Miller

L&F Distributors/Budweiser

Chick-fil-A

Los Fresnos CISD

Gene Daniels

Titan Fuels

Laguna Madre Psychology

Inside Bucking Chute Sponsor

Glazer’s Distributing

L & F Distributors

FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Dear Rodeo Fans:

Welcome to the 33rd Annual LOS FRESNOS RODEO

“The Biggest Little Rodeo in Texas”

On behalf of the Los Fresnos Rodeo Committee, I would like to express our sincere thanks to all of our sponsors and volunteers. It takes time, sweat and some tears to put on the Biggest Little Rodeo in Texas and without everyone’s support we could not put on this great event.

What a great rodeo we had last year with all three days sold out, record numbers of cowboy and cowgirl contestants, and great concerts. Thanks to all of you for supporting the Biggest Little Rodeo in Texas and helping us in our efforts to give scholarships to deserving students in all of Cameron County and to continue to bring family fun entertainment to South Texas.

Last year also brought some accolades in that the Los Fresnos Rodeo was awarded 2nd Place as the best rodeo committee for medium size rodeos in the state of Texas. This award is voted by the cowboys and cowgirls that compete in all the PRCA rodeos in Texas. It was an honor to receive this award at the Texas Circuit Finals in Waco this last year. The Los Fresnos Rodeo was also awarded a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant which was used to build the permanent stage and the paving of the midway from the rodeo entrance to the Lions Club Hall. T-Mobile awards the Hometown Grant to 25 entities in the country each quarter. To celebrate their awarding the 150th T-Mobile Hometown Grant they selected the Los Fresnos Rodeo as one of three locations in the nation to have an event celebrating this milestone. The event was so much fun and was open to the public with free food, giveaways and great music.

Stace Smith Pro Rodeo Stock Contractor, a 11 time WNFR Stock Contractor of the year recipient, will be back again bringing the best stock in Pro Rodeo which attracts the best cowboys and cowgirls to our Rodeo. We are excited to welcome back Mr. T.C. Long as our rodeo announcer. T.C. did a fantastic job for us last year and we are delighted to have him be part of our rodeo family. Our friends and part of our rodeo family who have been part of our Rodeo for over 30 years, Jim McLain and Allen Nelson are bringing some of the top bullfighters in PRCA to compete as they protect the bull riding cowboys. Keep tabs on them as they put themselves in front of the bulls to protect the bull riders. Your local youngsters will again compete in the Mutton Bustin’ and calf scramble. This is always a fun event to watch.

Right after the rodeo on Friday and Saturday we are hosting some outstanding music artists. On Friday, we have a tremendous tribute of a musical group and artist, the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt performed by some of the best musicians in the country, the Eagles Ronstadt Experience. On Saturday, bringing a vintage country cool and modern country sound, Michael Ray will be performing some of his great hits such as “Whiskey and Rain”, “Kiss You in the Morning”, “Think a Little Less” and many more great songs.

In our Corral Activity Area you will find some awesome attractions like ChainSaw Sculpting, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Fragile Planet Wildlife, Ventriloquist and Magician all here to entertain you. Local bands will be playing at the Corral Stage including the Bluegrass group on Sunday. Across from the Corral Activity Area you’ll find our Marketplace with local artisans and vendors that have some really neat items for sale. Next to this is the Cameron County Fair and Livestock Show where our FFA and 4H kids will be showing their animals. This is a must see while attending the rodeo. And of course, for more family fun entertainment the Heart of America Carnival is here to bring thrills to all.

All of us associated with the Los Fresnos Rodeo thank you all for supporting this great event and hope that you will continue supporting us throughout the years to come. We all love bringing you the Biggest Little Rodeo in Texas and as we say here at this time of the year “IT’S RODEO TIME!”

-Larry Cantu, Rodeo Chairman

LET’S RODEO, IT’S RODEOTIME!

RODEO COMMITTEE DIRECTORS

Associate Directors: Amy Gonzales, Austin Milum, Chrissy Daniels, Cruz Garcia, Darlene Pederson, Debora Goss, Diana Salazar, Emily Schwark, Eric Kersey, Esther Bruce, Guillermo Garcia Jr., Janice Jirmasek, John Costilla, JoJo Cerda, Jordan Sandoval, Juan Sierra, Julie Breedlove, Kathleen Moses, Linda Chaffin, Luis Gonzalez, Luis Gonzalez, Madison Girault, Mary Vasquez, Melanie McCormick, Melissa Meyn, Nathan Lill, Neil Anderson, Orlondo Rocha, Oscar Gonzales, Patty Gomez, Peggy Reed, Rhonda Cantu, Rose Cardoza, Shannon Cherrington, Shannon Milum, Sherri Garcia, Sherry Macomb, Stephanie Crow, Traci Salazar, Travis Milum, Jennifer Milum, Connie Juarez, Rosalinda R. Lopez, Baldemar Cortez, Carlos Garza, Chris Ewing, Connor McCormick, David Armendariz, David Cavazos, David Valdez, Daylan Taylor, Diego Chavez, Henry Hernandez, Homer Martinez, Jaime Barbosa, Johnny Degaspri, Juan Cortez, Justin Srambaugh, Lisa Valdez, Lyann Juarez, Robert Garza.

PAST RODEO COMMITTEE

DIRECTORS

CITY COUNCIL WELCOME

The City of Los Fresnos would like to welcome Rodeo Fans to the

33RD ANNUAL LOS FRESNOS RODEO

Welcome to the great City of Los Fresnos. We are glad you are here to share in special memories with your family. Los Fresnos takes pride in developing quality of life events throughout the year. The Los Fresnos Rodeo is one of those. The Los Fresnos Rodeo Committee and volunteers put in many hours of work year round to host this fantastic event. Join me in thanking them for their efforts. Along with the regular events for the Rodeo, including the Calf Scramble and the Mutton Bustin, this year Girls Breakaway Roping will be here for the second time after last year’s inaugural event was packed with contestants. You will want to see it again!! The concert on Friday night with Eagles Ronstadt Experience is sure to bring special memories from that era. Michael Ray is proving to be a hit and can’t wait to see him in action. But that isn’t all, be sure to visit the Activity Area to see the Stock Show, the Carnival, the Market Place, “The Texas Chainsaw Carver”, the Ventriloquist & Medicine Show, the concerts featuring varied music from local groups and many other activities before and after the Rodeo. As you visit the Stock Show area, congratulate and encourage our youth for their hard work and dedication to the various projects they are involved with. Los Fresnos has a wonderful business community. Don’t forget to visit and support the businesses of Los Fresnos before and after the Rodeo. Visit Los Fresnos often.

Again, welcome to the City of Los Fresnos and we hope to see you again next year on the weekend of February, 16, 17 & 18, 2024.

Sit back and enjoy the Rodeo!

Alejandro Flores, Mayor Jose Macias, Council Member Place 1

Gabriela Fernandez, Council Member Place 3

Luis Gonzalez, Council Member Place 4, Mayor Pro-Tem

Terry Vinson, Council Member Place 5

Juan Muñoz, Council Member Place 2

BUSINESS ADVANTAGES

• Fast growing market and area population.

• High Average Daily Traffic Counts reported by TxDOT

• Affordable commercial, industrial, and office business sites.

• Located on North Brownsville growth area and direct route

to Port Isabel-South Padre Island

• Qualified workforce available

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• 7 Miles to Port of Brownsville

• 20 miles to Port Isabel-South Padre Island areas

• Competitive Land Values

• Low city property taxes

• Attractive Residential areas

• Equidistant to Airports

• Just minutes to Expressway

• Quality of Life amenities

• Annual Festivals & Events

STACE SMITH 2004-2014

11X PRCA STOCK CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR!

Producing America’s Original Sport!

Producing over 7 different states, over 80 performances, and 15 separate rodeos, Stace Smith Pro Rodeos is among the busiest rodeo producers in the country. Producing rodeos such as the Cheyenne Frontier Days, Ogden Pioneer Days, Tri-State Fair and Rodeo in Amarillo Texas, and the Texas Circuit Finals (as well as many others) has earned him the title of “11X Stock Contractor of the year.”

2021 INITIATIVES

Since the beginning of our great country, horses have been an integral part of constructing what we know today. With that there have been numerous Genealogy and DNA registries for types, and disciplines of horses. But never for bucking horses until 2017 when the BHBA (Bucking Horse Breeders Assn.) formed and began the tedious process of mapping genes from dozens of stock contractors. Today, we partner with the BHBA to expand that initiative to all of the industry, therefore growing outside investment into our industry, ultimately spreading the reach of Rodeo.

RODEO ANNOUNCER T.C. LONG

T.C. Long is originally from Andrews, TX, but now calls home in Athens, TX. He began his pro rodeo announcing career in 2005 at the age of 22 years old. He has been selected to work the Ram Texas Circuit Finals eleven times. He has also announced the National Steer Roping Circuit Finals. Some of the top PRCA Rodeos he announces include Bismarck, North Dakota, Top 5 Medium Rodeo of the Year Nominee- Coleman PRCA Rodeo in Coleman, TX, The All-American Pro Rodeo Finals and One H.O.T Rodeo in Waco, TX, San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Qualifier Events, and Bell County Pro Rodeo in Belton, TX. In 2021, T.C. was selected to announce the Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping in Las, Vegas, Nevada. On average, T.C. announces over 42 events each year across the United States and has been featured in several TV shows on RFD-TV, RIDE TV, and The Cowboy Channel.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17

WENDY OCHOA

NATIONAL ANTHEM

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18

VERONICA PALACIOS

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19

MADELYNN MIRCELLE

My name is Wendy Ochoa. I am 23 years old. I grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and I am from Edinburg, Texas. I’ve been singing since I was one and from there my music career has continued to grow. I am currently singing in a band called Pure Country. I am thankful to God and my family for always pushing me and supporting me in each step of the way.

My name is Veronica Palacios. I am from Pharr Texas. I am 44 years old, a mother of 7, and grandmother of 3. I’ve been married for 26 years. I work with McAllen School District as a school nurse. I’ve been singing all my life. It is my passion! Whenever I get an opportunity to sing, I go for it.

Madelynn Mircelle Gonzalez is a sophomore at Saint Joseph Academy in Brownsville, TX, and is extremely excited to be singing the national anthem at this year’s Los Fresnos Rodeo. Madelynn has been blessed with the opportunity to perform our national anthem at various other events including The United States District Court of South Texas Naturalization Ceremony and the Brownsville Chief of Police Inaugural Marathon. She has also performed for the United Way Cameron County Telethon and for The Big Give of Brownsville. Madelynn’s true passion is theater and she has been part of multiple productions with The Camille Playhouse, and the Brownsville Repertory Theatre. This past summer, she was part of the award-winning production of Ragtime at the Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute. Madelynn would like to thank the many people who have supported her love of performing including her family and friends, as well as the Los Fresnos Rodeo committee for welcoming her with open arms. She would like to give a special “Thank You” to her biggest fan and little sister, Kristalynn Faye, for her unconditional love and inspiration.

PRESENTING THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FLAG AND THE LOS FRESNOS RODEO SPONSOR FLAGS

Claire D. Lee Hello!

My name is Claire Lee. I am a junior Mass Communications major at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (V’s UP!). I am a speed events fanatic, an old-school music enthusiast, and public speaking phenom! As a former Texas 4-H, AQHYA, and TQHYA member, I have seen how impactful the agricultural and horse industries are at shaping the next generation of leaders. I was recently named a member of AQHLead Class of 2023, a prestigious group of young horse industry leaders dedicated to professional development and horse industry advancement. While I’m not studying for finals, I am catching up on my latest book or exploring new rock songs!

Karely Garcia

Hi, my name is Karely Garcia!

am a high school senior from Rio Grande City, TX. I compete in team roping, barrel racing, goat tying, and breakaway roping. As an active member in the Texas High School Rodeo AssociationRegion VIII, I have had my share of success, having qualified in team roping and breakaway my freshman and junior year, respectively. I’m also part of the FFA program, having been a member for over 6 years.

Charylet D. Lee

Hi! My name is Charylet Lee. I am 16 years old and a high school homeschooled sophomore from La Joya, TX. My passion is horses, having competed at world-class levels of competition and recently earning Bronze World Champion at the AQHA Youth World Show in Pole Bending this year. I have been an active Texas 4-H member for over 6 years, a Texas Quarter Horse Youth Association member for over 10 years, and an American Quarter Horse Youth Association member for over 10 years. Within these organizations, I serve as President of the Valley West 4-H club, Board Member for TQHYA, and National Director for Region 8 for the AQHYA. Outside of my leadership and competitor roles, you can find me welding metal art projects, drinking McDonald’s caramel frappes, and hanging out with my family.

4-H

member for four years. I am the vice president of my club and have been a McHi Junior FFA student for five years. I am also the delegate at-large for the Hidalgo County 4-H Council. I serve on the council for National Junior Honor Society and am a member of HOSA for my school. I am also on the cross country, tennis, and soccer teams. My passions are showing market goats and riding my horses as often as possible.

Charles C. Lee Howdy! My name is Charles Lee. I am a former student of Texas A&M University (A-WHOOP!), recently earning a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science. Having witnessed first-hand the power of agriculture in leadership and professional development as a former Texas 4-H, AQHYA, and TQHYA member, it has inspired me to remain involved in the agricultural and horse industries. I am an AQHLead Class of 2022 Fellow, a project leader in the Valley West 4-H Club, and Youth Advisor in the TQHA. As I wait to start professional school, I am riding and shoeing horses or drinking coffee.

Humphreys Humphreys!

BULLRIDING

Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch - roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses.

Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless and possibly fool-hardy nature of the cowboy. The risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that literally weighs a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Regardless, cowboys do it, fans love it and bull riding ranks as one of rodeo’s most popular events.

Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle.

Size, agility and power create a danger that makes bull riding a crowd favorite everywhere. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and, perhaps above all, a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made. To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip.

Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking.

TWOBULLS PROTECTION BULLFIGHTING What are they doing out there?

Maybe this ain’t your first rodeo, or even your first Los Fresnos PRCA rodeo, and while you are familiar with the sport, what’s different about the bullriding here? What in the world are the bullfighters, the guy’s assigned to protect the bull riders, doing out there? What’s this about a “protection match”?

As you know, rodeo is a competition that started when one cowboy said to another, “I can rope (or I can ride) better than you!” Once that was said, the competition was on to determine who was the best. Soon, some adventurous type determined that he would ride a bull! Probably no sooner than he dismounted or was thrown and scrambled to safety, someone else said that they could do it better.

Eventually, all of these contests where put together in the format we know today as “rodeo”, and before long Professional Rodeo emerged, which is what is occurring in Los Fresnos as you read this. You are seeing the best cowboys competing on the best stock to show you “who’s best”.

It was only natural, then, that the bullfighers, many of whom are cowboys, would think they were better at protecting riders than the next guy. But if you’re not being timed, and you aren’t going to get bucked off, how can you tell who’s doing a better job?

Enter TwoBulls mastermind Jim D. McLain, Jr. and Allen S Nelson, Jr., two professional bullfighters who have not only worked the Los Fresnos PRCA rodeo for years, but professional rodeos

and bull riding events all across the United States. Using years of experience and knowledge of bulls, bull riding, and bullfighting, they devised a system whereby the basics and fundamentals of the sport could be quantified in a format that would allow the bullfigher’s performances to be displayed in order of superiority. Or, as Jim would say, “We developed a judging system!”

Two, or more, judges score the bullfighers as teams to determine who did their jobs the best. At the level of competition, you are seeing at Los Fresnos, it isn’t that one team did a good job and the other team did a bad job. The bullfighters competing in Los Fresnos are experienced professionals at the top of their game, so, to determine who is doing the best job really does require a judging system to separate not just good from great, but great from greater, and greater from awesome!

Your job, as a fan, is to pick a team and help them win! You see, built into the system are bonus points for thrilling the crowd! As close as the scoring has always been at the Los Fresnos PRCA rodeo, those points are enough to determine the winner. So, when you see your bullfighters do something that makes your heart throb, or brings you to the edge of your seat, make some noise! You may just help determine the winner of the go round and the overall competition!

BUD LIGHT TEAM COORS LIGHT TEAM

Evan Allard

Colt Carlisle

Noah Krepps Blake Miller

RIDER KIESNER & BETHANY ILES RIDER KIESNER SPECIALTY ACT

Rider grew up as a 5th generation cowboy he was competing in Youth and Little Britches rodeos as far back as anyone can remember. He won his first buckle when he was just 5 years old.

He was given a Will Rodgers trick roping kit for Christmas when he was nine. Rider would push the living room furniture back and watch instructional videos over and over until he mastered each trick. He started performing locally that next summer. He than began performing in professional rodeos by the time he was eleven.

Rider continues to practice the cowboy skills of trick roping, gun spinning, and whip-cracking daily.

In the early days of rodeo was held as a competition at the many of the largest rodeos in the nation. Rider competes at the international competitions in trick roping and gun spinning.

At age 28, he has already 2X World Champion All Around Western Performer, 4X World Champion Trick Roper, and 2X World Champion Gun Spinning titles. Rider has performed all 50 states. Canada, Mexico, Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Oman, Dubai, Lebanon, and France. Rider had been featured 7X NFR, 9X Cheyenne Frontier Days, Cavalia, Prairie Circuit Finals, California Circuit Finals.

Bethany started trick riding at just nine years old. Despite not being raised in a horse or rodeo family the lifestyle captivated her . At 10 she and her twin and little sister began performing at rodeos across the Midwest performing both trick and Roman riding acts.

At age 18 Bethany decided to pursue trick riding full time earning her PRCA card which had been a dream of hers. She and Rider Kiesner joined forces when she was 19 and have performed at many big events such as the Mountain state Circuit Finals, Prairie Circuit Finals, Great Lakes Circuit Finals, the American Royal in Kanas City Mo, Road to the horse and many more.

The two competed on two tv shows one being the NBC Sparten Ultimate Team Challenge the other TBS Go Big Show . Their biggest accomplishment was winning the title of 2020 PRCA Dress Act of the Year. Bethany loves the art of trick riding and aims to honor the sport and the woman that came before her.

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BAREBACK RIDING

Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch.

Bareback riding has been compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. Jason Jeter can probably attest to that definition. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called “marking out.” If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified.

As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump.

Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride.

It’s a tough way to make a living, all right. But, according to bareback riders, it’s the cowboy way.

Avery Fohn

2023 RODEO QUEEN

Miss Avery Jane Fohn is the 18-yearold daughter of Barry and Lisa Fohn of Harlingen, Texas. She is a senior at Harlingen High School, currently ranked in the top 5 of her graduating class. Avery is a member of various studentled organizations such as PTSA, Student Council, DECA, National Honor Society, and FFA. She is the PTSA President and works alongside parents, teachers, and students to organize community service activities and raise funds for schoolwide events. She is also a member of the Lower Valley Cotillion Club. Avery is currently serving as Area X FFA Vice President and Student Advisor for the Tip O Tex FFA District and Harlingen FFA chapter, where she was the former President of both. She competes in the Creed Speaking LDE Event and Poultry Judging CDE competitions. She also represents Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show as Cover Girl 1st Runner Up. Being a member of the Highland Hustlers 4-H Club for over 10 years, Avery is an extremely active 4-Her having served on Club, County, District, and Texas 4-H State Councils. She attended Advocacy Academy at the Texas Capitol and was on the Leadership Team for the 2022 Texas 4-H Congress. Avery has served as a Texas Youth Livestock Ambassador since attending her short course in 2020. She has traveled across the nation learning about agriculture through the incredible opportunities offered by the TYLA program. This has allowed her to see the world of agriculture from many different perspectives. She was selected to be a student in the inaugural class of the Norman Borlaug Youth in Agriculture Program where she works alongside urban and rural youth to solve some of the Nation’s leading challenges facing agriculture today. Serving as an intern for the Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Convention and a senior intern for the Greater Chamber of Harlingen, Avery has learned many critical skills in the workplace and business world. This year Avery will be exhibiting two pigs at the Cameron County Fair and Livestock Show. If she is not in the barn working with her show pigs, you can find Avery mentoring younger exhibitors and sharing her experiences with others. She believes learning about others’ stories is so important in building valuable relationships.

Growing up extremely involved in 4-H and FFA, Avery has developed a solidified comprehension of the importance agriculture plays in our everyday lives. Her passion as a young agriculturist has grown through each of her experiences. After graduating high school, Avery will attend Texas A&M University in College Station to major in Agricultural Economics. She plans to study abroad during college in order to expand her knowledge of different cultures and act as a bridge across the nation and world. She plans to attend law school after earning her undergraduate degree to pursue Ag policy and eventually become an Ag Lawyer. Avery is extremely honored to be representing the Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo as the 2023 Rodeo Queen.

t-mobile rodeo ceremony

Awards

$50,000.00 T-MOBILE HOMETOWN GRANT

APRIL 2021 - T-Mobile launched the T-Mobile Hometown Grants committing $25 million, a five year initiative to support people and organizations who help small towns across America thrive and grow.

Last Quarter 2021 - Los Fresnos Rodeo was selected as one of 25 organizations in the nation to receive a grant for $50,000.

First Quarter 2022 - Los Fresnos Rodeo started work on two projects that were part of the Hometown Grant submission to T-Mobile:

1. PERMANENT EVENTS STAGE

2. Midway Paving from Rodeo entrance to Lions Club Hall

September 2022 - Los Fresnos Rodeo was selected as one of three sites in the nation by T-Mobile to celebrate the awarding of their 150 - $50,000 grant. November 2022 - Los Fresnos Rodeo was one of three sites in the United States selected to celebrate T-Mobile’s granting of its 150 grant. Out of 150 grant recipients Los Fresnos was chosen as 1 of 3 cities to host one of the T-Mobile Celebrations. The T-Mobile Celebration was held at the Los Fresnos Rodeo Grounds with local food trucks, remote radio broadcast from KTEX and live performance from the Fabulous Cruisers. T-Mobile gave away several hundred Light-Brite toys, teddy bears and other giveaways.

2nd Place 2022 Texas Circuit Medium Rodeo Committee of Year

· Presented by the Texas ProRodeo Circuit, a member of the PRCA ProRodeo Circuit system which supports over 100 PRCA sanctioned rodeos across the great State of Texas.

· PRCA rodeo contestants participating in Texas PRCA rodeo vote for the Texas Rodeo Committee of the year.

2022 Texas Circuit Rodeo Committees of the Year

Medium Rodeo Committee of the Year

1st Place, Coleman PRCA Rodeo, Coleman, TX

2nd Place, Los Fresnos Rodeo, Los Fresnos, TX

3rd Place, Helotes Festival Association Rodeo, Helotes, TX

permanent stage committee of the year

C AMERON COUNT Y FAIR & LIVESTOCK

SHOW 2023

LIVESTOCK SHOW EXECUTIVE BOARD

Valerie Arizmendi President

William Goad Vice President

Virginia Miller Secretary

Sherilyn Goad Treasurer

Mark Miller VP Livestock

Rhonda Muñoz VP Home Show

Rebecca Goad VP Sponsorships

LIVESTOCK SHOW BOARD MEMBERS

Delmer Stanko Anna Lee Stanko

Eloy Garcia Billie D. Simpson

Lynette Suarez

George & Gloria Loya

Claudia Rodriquez

Jason Suarez

Thomas Garza

Clayton Stephens

Andrew Pedraza

Will Goad

SHOW VOLUNTEERS

David Arizmendi Sam & Missy Morrow

Ebon Jones Buck & Stephanie Rhyner

Marco Ponce Abel Suarez

Peggy Harris

Klarissa Cantu

Joe Cruz Peggy Harris

County Fair & Livestock show is in its’ 42nd year in 2023 and continues to be blessed with the support of the City of Los Fresnos, the CDC of Los Fresnos, and the Lions Club of Los Fresnos. We wish to thank them all!

This organization is made of many volunteers who donate their time and efforts to make this show a continued success. I would like to recognize The 2023 Board of Directors for the show, they are as follows: William Goad as Vice President, Mark Miller as Vice President over Livestock, Rhonda Muñoz as Vice President of the Home Show, Sherilyn Goad as Treasurer and Virginia Miller as Secretary. There are many others too numerous to name as well.

The Heart of America Carnival will be here once again to bring out the youth in us all as we ride the thrilling rides, play the games in efforts to win prizes, or just look at the bright lights. Carnival hours of operation will be Friday evening at 5 p.m. February 17, 2023 with passes for $25, Saturday at 1 p.m. February 18, 2023 with passes for $30, and Sunday at 12 noon February 19, 2023 with passes for $25.

On January 21, 2023 the Cowgirl pageant was held at the CCFLS Showgrounds with just the judges and contestants present to reduce the Covid risk to all. Next year we plan to be back with a full pageant open to the public. This year 11 beautiful young ladies represented their 4H club or FFA chapter for the title of Cowgirl. This year, Ms. Olivia Rowe and Ms. Josie Flores represented Los Fresnos FFA, Ms. Mia Picazo, Ms. Zoe Aleman and Ms. Clarissa Estevanes represented Santa Maria FFA, Ms. RyAnn O’Laughlin represented Ag Science Academy, from Highland Hustlers 4H, Ms. Sienna Molina, Ms. Chloe Esparza represented San Benito 4H, Ms. Tatum Helmer represented Harlingen FFA, Ms. Morgan Stanko represented Rio Hondo FFA, Victoria Garza represented Harlingen South FFA. The 2022 CCFLS Cowgirl was Avery Fohn representing Highland Hustlers 4H. She will now go on to represent the Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo as their Queen for 2023. The crowning of this year’s Cowgirl will be Friday February 17, 2023 at approximately 4:00 p.m. in the show arena prior to the start of the steer show.

This year our barns will be full as initial entries report: Commercial Heifers 21, Steers 39, Registered Heifers 34, Goats 59, Lambs 41, Hogs 203, Rabbits 49. Home show entries and Art 6, Baked Goods 14, Jam 1, Clothing 3, Crafts 11, Photography 70, and Shop projects 11. There will be a Livestock Judging competition on Sunday morning as well as the new Ag ID competition right after. Both of these contests will challenge the youth to know different items and products that are used or grown in agriculture and which animal is the best in the groups of four presented to them. Exhibitors will once again be awarded premium money based on their placings instead of the auction. From the 4H and FFA to the Pee-Wee Showmanship there is a great deal of learning and friendly competition during the three day show.

The committee members and show volunteers of Cameron County Fair & Livestock show are proud of our continued association with the Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo and the Los Fresnos Lions Club.

See you at the show!

Valerie Arizmendi

CCFLS President 2023

Heart of America Carnival schedule: Friday, February 17: 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. (All day pass $25) ;Saturday, February 18: 1 p.m. –12 a.m. (All day pass $30); Sunday, February 19: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. (All day pass $25)

ROB’S CREATIONS

Rob’s Creations is located in the heart of Irving, Texas. We create wonderful works of art out of recycled logs and in ground stumps. Your imagination is the limit. We never harm living trees. All of our material is composed of logs left behind from Texas storms and trees that are cut down and thrown to the curb.

Along with countless requests for carvings and special appearances, some of Rob’s recent clients are Irving Cares Food Bank, Lindamood Demolition, Executive Consultants of Plano, City Of Irving as featured in Dallas Morning News, and several pieces of Rob’s Creations were recently donated to the Camp Wisdom camp ground for the Boys Scouts of America. Rob’s Creations has been recognized by the Irving Rambler and his chainsaw carvings have been featured on Azteca Texas News in Dallas/Ft. Worth. His clients include Dickies work wear and Lume Deodorant. Rob’s Creations uses everything from oak wood to red cedar to whatever we can get our hands on. You will never know what you get until it’s finished, because every wood is unique in its grain and that makes it much more beautiful.

PHIL NICHOLS VENTRILOQUIST

Phil Nichols has been a ventriloquist for almost 50 years. He regularly performs at fairs, rodeos, festivals and events all over the great state of Texas. His television appearances include America’s Got Talent season 13, Southern Gospel Praise, A kids TV show called Keys for Kiddos, and many local and regional news programs. He performs with Cowboy Corky Tumbleweed, Aunt Banny Hen and Bosworth the Talking Crow. He also presents his Wild West medicine show along with his partner Melissa Nichols. A fun time for all!

TEAM ROPING

Team roping, the only true team event in ProRodeo, requires close cooperation and timing between two highly skilled ropers - a header and a heeler - and their horses. The event originated on ranches when cowboys needed to treat or brand large steers and the task proved too difficult for one man.

The key to success? Hard work and endless practice. Team roping partners must perfect their timing, both as a team and with their respective horses.

Similar to tie-down ropers and steer wrestlers, team ropers start from the boxes on each side of the chute from which the steer enters the arena. The steer gets a head start determined by the length of the arena.

Team ropers such as Joe Beaver and Travis Tryan spend long hours perfecting their timing with each other and their horses. One end of a breakaway barrier is attached to the steer and stretched across the open end of the header’s box. When the steer reaches his advantage point, the barrier is released, and the header takes off in pursuit, with the heeler trailing slightly further behind. The ropers are assessed a 10-second penalty if the header breaks the barrier before the steer completes his head start. Some rodeos use heeler barriers too.

The header ropes first and must make one of three legal catches on the steer around both horns, around one horn and the head or around the neck. Any other catch by the header is considered illegal and the team is disqualified. After the header makes his catch, he turns the steer to the left and exposes the steer’s hind legs to the heeler. The heeler then attempts to rope both hind legs. If he catches only one foot, the team is assessed a five-second penalty. After the cowboys catch the steer, the clock is stopped when there is no slack in their ropes and their horses face one another.

Another important aspect to the event is the type of horses used by the ropers. The American quarter horse is the most popular among all timed-event competitors, particularly team ropers. Heading horses generally are taller and heavier because they need the power to turn the steer after it is roped. Heeling horses are quick and agile, enabling them to better follow the steer and react to it moves.

MICHAEL RAY

For Michael Ray, music is his grandfather singing and sweating on a rural Florida stage. It’s the childhood refuge he found during the pain of his parent’s divorce.

It’s family and stories, history and hope. Ray says music saved him, but it did even more: Music made him. In five short years, Ray has built an impressive foundation: four No. 1 songs – RIAA Platinum-certified “Think a Little Less,” RIAA Platinumcertified “Whiskey And Rain,” RIAA Gold-certified “Kiss You in the Morning,” RIAA Goldcertified “One That Got Away” – plus “Get to You” and “Her World or Mine,” brings his tally to four Gold-certified singles. Ray has garnered over 1 billion global streams, over 650,000 album equivalents, over 100 million YouTube views, and has performed at the Grand Ole Opry over 65 times. Now, two hit albums into that all-too-rare blend of critically acclaimed and commercially successful career, Ray has released Higher Education, a seven-song collection produced by GRAMMY-nominated producer Ross Copperman. Proof that heartbroken wallowing can feel good if it swings, “Whiskey And Rain” marked his first multi-week No. 1, cementing Ray as the ideal bridge between vintage country cool and modern country’s best sounds. The latest single “Holy Water” from Higher Education is currently climbing the charts at Country radio. The Warehouse Sessions live EP is available now and Ray recently released a cover of Tracy Lawrence’s “Time Marches On” from his upcoming The Bootleggers Sessions EP. For more information, visit MichaelRayMusic.com or follow him on Instagram and Twitter @MichaelRayMusic and Facebook. com/MusicMichaelRay.

EAGLES RONSTADT EXPERIENCE

The Eagles are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971. The founding members were Glenn Frey (guitars, vocals), Don Henley (drums, vocals), Bernie Leadon (guitars, vocals) and Randy Meisner (bass guitar, vocals). With five number-one singles, six Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, and six numberone albums, the Eagles were one of the most successful musical acts of the 1970s. At the end of the 20th century, two of their albums, Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) and Hotel California, were ranked among the 20 best-selling albums in the United States according to the Recording Industry Association of America. By 2006, both albums were among the top three best-selling albums in the United States.

Back in 2014, Linda Ronstadt recounted how a legendary rock band came to be.

Glenn Frey and Don Henley knew each other before they joined Linda Ronstadt’s band in 1971. But it was that time together that led to the formation of the Eagles later that year.

Upon the publication of her 2014 autobiography Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir – two years prior to the death of Glenn Frey on Monday (Jan. 18) at age 67 -- Ronstadt told Billboard about the adventure of incubating the Eagles.

“[Producer] John Boylan was very active in helping me put a band together in those days. He knew all the musicians, and apparently Don Henley had already sent him some songs he had written. He’d heard me sing, he’d heard my records, he wanted to meet me and he came to L.A. hoping he could, and he had written some songs he hoped maybe I’d record. He sent them to John and they didn’t turn out to be good songs for me at the time, but I heard him play the drums when I was walking through the room at the Troubadour and I thought he was such a good drummer. He had country mixed with rock in a way that didn’t compromise either genre. So I said, ‘Let’s see if we can get him to play drums,’ and John went to talk to him and he said, ‘All right.’

“So we hired [Henley] to play drums. And then I needed a guitar player. I couldn’t take Bernie Leadon because he was working with the Flying Burrito Brothers, so I said ‘All right, I’ll get Glenn Frey. He can play really good guitar.’ I was living with J.D. Souther then, and [Frey] was J.D.’s music partner. They had a group called Longbranch Pennywhistle. They were kind of breaking up; they decided to go their separate ways, but they were still really good friends. So I asked Glenn if he would come on that tour with us.

Eagles’ Don Henley on Glenn Frey: ‘He Was Like a Brother to Me’

“In those days we didn’t have enough money to put people in separate rooms, so Glenn and Don were rooming together and they each discovered the other could sing and was a great songwriter. Glenn used to call Don his secret weapon. He said, ‘I’m gonna do a band with Don. We’re gonna do a band together.’ I said, ‘That’s a great idea.’

The EAGLES RONSTADT EXPERIENCE is a band of accomplished musicians dedicated to bringing to audiences an exciting concert experience of the two most iconic and popular artists of Rock: Linda Ronstadt & The Eagles. With a repertoire of chart topping hits, ERE has outstanding lead and harmony vocalists, a poppin’ rhythm section, soaring and soulful guitar solos and a warm and welcoming stage persona. Audiences of all ages are captivated by ERE’s authentic performance and recreation of the timeless songs made popular by these two great artists.

“So we all talked about it. John said, ‘I can help you do this. I can help you put this band together, and while you’re waiting to get a record deal, you can play with Linda and you can have a gig.’ It was one of those kinds of situations where it was in everybody’s advantage. So I suggested they get Bernie Leadon to play guitar because I liked Bernie and John suggested that they get Randy Meisner, and that’s how the Eagles were formed.

EAGLES RONSTADT EXPERIENCE V I D E O : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFAz5pRF0jM&fbclid=IwAR0WfvqPcBhvOIn76q_nI28MiVBp ZAqYuqCwMKjqDU0Jn8qfke71TDf7XXI

“They used to rehearse in my house, where I was living with J.D., because we had a bigger living room than they did. And I remember coming home one day and they had rehearsed ‘Witchy Woman’ and they had all the harmonies worked out, four-part harmonies. It was fantastic. I knew it was gonna be a hit. You could just tell. They had really strong voices, really strong playing, really strong songwriting ideas and they had an extended pool of songwriters like Jack Tempchin and J.D. Souther and Jackson Browne. It was just an amazing time. There was no way they could miss with all that going for them.”

Now, Eagles Ronstadt Experience remakes the biggest hits of The Eagles and Linda Ronstadt performed by some of the world’s finest Musicians. This tremendous tribute to the writing, performance, style and sound of the California country, folk, and rock music superstars has been carefully and thoughtfully re-created for the highest entertainment value. Most of these musicians grew up listening, learning, and passionately playing and singing along to what is now truly A phenomenon worth recreating. Enjoy the journey as they take you on the “Experience”... the “Eagles Ronstadt Experience”.

EROS & THE DRIFTERS

Giving the RGV some Texas country music love, based out of McAllen Texas, Eros & The Drifters are a young Country band of college students applying a new sound to the Rio Grande Valley country scene. Playing bars and Honky Tonks across the Valley from Brownsville to Mission, Tx. For the past 2 years of composing, performing, and entertaining around south Texas, with goals to improve their work and eventually take their sound upstate! Understanding that they would not have come as far as they have without the support from the Honky Tonk kings and queens of the RGV.

ASHLEY

Breakaway roping is a variation of calf roping, where a calf however the calf is not tied or thrown during the event. The features a competitor on horseback racing after a calf when it from a spring-loaded chute. The calf gains a head start from rope fastened from the chute to the calf’s neck, releasing once is well away from the chute and releasing the barrier. If the horse too soon and breaks the barrier, a 10 second penalty is added to

The Cowgirl attempts to throw a rope around its neck as possible. The rope the rider uses to subdue the calf is tied to of the saddle by a string, and the calf eventually reaches a point it runs out of rope. When the rope is pulled tight, it breaks thus ending the run.

A flag made from bandana or white cloth is connected to the end of the rope to allow the judge, often called a flagger, to see the exact moment a run has ended. Only one loop is permitted.

The Cowgirl has a 20 second time limit to complete the 2019 the Professional Cowboys Association (PRCA) started Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) sanctioned breakaway roping, making it along with the standard WPRA racing the two rodeo events for women.

PRCA PRORODEO PHOTO BY JOE DUTY

TIE DOWN ROPING

As with saddle bronc riding and team roping, the roots of tie-down roping can be traced back to the working ranches of the Old West. When calves were sick or injured, cowboys had to rope and immobilize them quickly for veterinary treatment. Ranch hands prided themselves on the speed with which they could rope and tie calves, and they soon turned their work into informal contests.

As the event matured, being a good horseman and a fast sprinter became as important to the competitive tie-down roper as being quick and accurate with a rope.

Today, the mounted cowboy starts from a box, a three-sided fenced area adjacent to the chute holding the calf. The fourth side of the box opens into the arena.

A cowboy’s success in tie-down roping depends in large part on the precise teamwork between him and his horse. The calf receives a head start that is determined by the length of the arena. One end of a breakaway rope barrier is looped around the calf’s neck and stretched across the open end of the box. When the calf reaches its advantage point, the barrier is released. If the roper breaks the barrier before the calf reaches its head start, the cowboy is assessed a 10-second penalty.

The horse is trained to come to a stop as soon as the cowboy throws his loop and catches the calf. The cowboy then dismounts, sprints to the calf and throws it by hand, a maneuver called flanking. If the calf is not standing when the cowboy reaches it, he must allow the calf to get back on its feet before flanking it. After the calf is flanked, the roper ties any three legs together with a pigging string - a short, looped rope he clenches in his teeth during the run.

While the contestant is accomplishing all of that, his horse must pull back hard enough to eliminate any slack in the rope, but not so hard as to drag the calf.

When the roper finishes tying the calf, he throws his hands in the air as a signal that the run is completed. The roper then remounts his horse, rides forward to create slack in the rope and waits six seconds to see if the calf remains tied. If the calf kicks free, the roper receives no time.

BARREL RACING

Barrel racing shows off a horse's agility and speed, as well as a rider's skill and control.

Horse and rider speed around a cloverleaf pattern of three barrels, starting and finishing at the same line. Tipping over a barrel during her maneuvering will cost the barrel racer a 5 second penalty and running an incorrect pattern can lead to disqualification.

Electronic timers are used to record elapsed time between the start/finish line.

This is How We Live

Mutton bustin is an event held at rodeos similar to bull riding or bronc riding, in which children ride or race sheep. In the event, a sheep is held still, either in a small chute or by an adult handler while a child is placed on top in a riding position. Once the child is seated atop the sheep, the sheep is released and usually starts to run in an attempt to get the child off. Often small prizes or ribbons are given out to the children who can stay on the longest. There are no set rules for mutton busting, no national organization, and most events are organized at the local level. The vast majority of children participating in the event fall off in less than 8 seconds. Age, height and weight restrictions on participants generally prevent injuries to the sheep, and implements such as spurs are banned from use. The practice has been documented as having been introduced to the National Western Stock Show at least by the 1980s when an event was sponsored by Nancy Stockdale Cervi, a former rodeo queen. At that event, children ages five to seven who weighed less than 55 pounds could apply, and ultimately seven contestants were selected to each ride a sheep for six seconds. There are no statistics about the popularity of the sport, but anecdotal reports suggest thousands of children participate in such events every year in the U.S. Supporters consider the event both entertaining and a way to introduce young children to the adult rodeo “rough stock” riding events of bullriding, saddle bronc and bareback riding.

THIS AIN’T OUR FIRST RODEO

For over 60 years, we’ve championed our clients’ goals, vision and success and helped South Texas’ economy ride high.

FAIR & LIVESTOCK SHOW 2023

COWGIRL COMPETITION CONTESTANTS

Formal announcement of the new Cowgirl and 1st & 2nd Runner-ups will be at 4PM in the CCFLS Show main arena on Friday, February 17, 2023. The 11 contestants will be introduced and the winners announced. Former 2022 Cowgirl, Avery Fohn will crown the new Cowgirl and Avery Fohn will then be formally crowned by representatives of the PRCA Rodeo as their 2023 Rodeo Queen!

Chloe Esparza

San Benito 4H

Clarissa Estevanes

Santa Maria FFA

Josie Flores

Los Fresnos FFA

Mia Picazo

Santa Maria FFA

Tatum Helmer Harlingen FFA

Victoria Garza Harlingen South FFA

Zoe Aleman

Santa Maria FFA

Morgan Stanko Rio Hondo FFA

Olivia Rowe

Los Fresnos FFA

RyAnn O’Laughlan Ag Science Academy

Sienna Molina Highland Hustlers 4H

THE HISTORY OF RODEO

Legend has it that rodeo was born on July 4, 1869 when two groups of cowboys from neighboring ranches met in Deer Trail, CO, to settle an argument over who was the best at performing everyday ranching tasks. That competition is considered to be the first rodeo which evolved into rodeo as we know it today.

Today’s professional rodeo cowboy is a bit different from his 1800s predecessor, but the ideals and showmanship and hard work are still valued by today’s competitors. A cowboy’s standing in the rodeo community is still dependent on his skill with a rope or his ability to ride a bucking animal.

The cowboy code still dictates that a cowboy ought to help his fellow competitors, even though they might be competing for the same paycheck.

While some things have changed since the last century, most of the changes have been for the better.

Now the cowboy travels much of the time in custom-made rigs or flies from one rodeo to another either by commercial airline or charter plane.

Marketing and business acumen have become as crucial as roping, wrestling or riding skills. Cowboys are competing for more money then ever before.

Even if a PRCA member doesn’t have the inclination to spend more than 200 days a year on the road in search of a berth in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo - the sport’s championship - he can participate in one of many rodeos close to home each year. Over 600 are held throughout the country year-round, from small town venues to arenas in Las Vegas.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) was created almost by accident in 1936 when a group of cowboys walked out of a rodeo at the Boston Gardens to protest the actions of rodeo promoter W.T. Johnson, who refused to add the cowboys’ entry fees to the rodeo’s total purse.

Johnson finally gave in to the cowboys’ demands, and the successful “strike’’ led to the formation of the Cowboys’ Turtle Association.

The cowboys chose that name because, while they were slow to organize, when push finally came to shove, they weren’t afraid to stick their necks out to get what they wanted.

In 1945, the Turtles changed their name to the Rodeo Cowboys Association, and in 1975, the organization became the PRCA.

The PRCA staff consists of about 70 full-time employees, but grows to nearly 100 during the peak rodeo season. The PRCA headquarters, established in 1979 in Colorado Springs also houses the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboys.

THE WILD SIDE OF RODEO WELCOME PBF PROTECTION BULLFIGHTING

Bull Fighters Tour continues at Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo

ABOUT THE PBF

Conceived by a handful of visionary bullfighters with the goal to grow the sport of bullfighting through education, competition and sound marketing strategy, the Professional Bullfighters Inc. is the premier bullfighters organization in the United States. With the growth of Professional Bull Riding into mainstream sports, a competition for protection bullfighters was not only imminent in coming it is demanded as a process to bring the elite bullfighting athletes to the forefront of the industry while setting standards to maintain quality control within the sport.

PROTECTION BULLFIGHTING: The bullfighters compete as two-man teams in protection bullfighting. The bullfighters work as a team to maintain protective coverage for the bull riders escape. The bullfighters teamwork is crucial, they must be able to react to each others moves to maintain a parallel position on either side of the bull at all times. One wrong move or misread could be dangerous for both the bull riders and the bullfighters.

JUDGING CRITERIA

TURNING BULLS BACK: The ability to engage the bull to make him turn back and spin, if needed, to gain the rider more points.

DISMOUNT POSITIONING: To be in the right place when the bull rider dismounts takes precision timing and a great deal of bull savvy. The bull dictates where the bullfighters will be at all times during the ride. The bullfighters must be able to react instinctively to the bull’s actions to be able to give the bull rider the best possible opportunity to escape unharmed.

HOOKING PREVENTION: The bullfighters analyze not only every move the bull makes but the rider, too. By doing so many times the bullfighters can prevent

the wreck before it happens by spotting little things that cause the bull rider to be bucked off and possibly hooked. Sometimes there is nothing they can do to prevent the injury but are engaged in the wreck distracting the bull to give the bull rider a chance to escape.

HANG - UPS: When the bull rider gets hung up, the bullfighters will work as a team, with one getting the bulls head under control, while the second bullfighter goes to the riders hand and works to free it from the rope.

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: The danger factor of not only the bull, but also the situation. A horned bull that hooks will have a higher degree of difficulty than a muley bull that hooks. Many times the difficulty lies in the situation the bull rider is in, such as a hangup, where the bullfighters have to expose themselves to risk more.

AGGRESSIVENESS: The bullfighters’ aggressiveness to the action taking place during and after the ride.

SHOWMANSHIP: The ability to take the situation and make it entertaining for the audience.

SCORING

The teams each compete on an equal number of bulls. They will be given a cumulative score on each section of bulls. The scoring is different than other rodeo events in that Protection is not scored on a 1-100 scale for each bull. Instead each technical maneuver that the bullfighters make has a point value. The maximum points that can be earned on a single bull are 18 points per judge. The judging is performed by Professional Bullfighters as they are the only person capable of reading a situation and determining if the bullfight team was at the right place performing the right maneuvers based upon the action taking place.

Professional