In addition to bringing in record attendance numbers, the Whitesboro 67th Annual July 4 Rodeo also received some recognition from the United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA).
Despite a rainy Thursday morning that left pools of standing water in the Whitesboro Riding Club rodeo arena, the clouds parted and the weather was perfect to kick off three nights of entertainment at this year’s rodeo.
“We were thrilled at the turnout for our inaugural three-night rodeo,” Rodeo Chairman Colby Sheppard said. “Even with the weather, the community turned out.”
Presented by title sponsor Platinum Ford North, the rodeo began Thursday, July 3 with “Heroes Night” where Veterans and First Responders were admitted for free.
Crowds gathered to enjoy watching events like bronc riding, calf roping, barrel racing and bull riding.
Slippery conditions Thursday caused some of the animals to approach the muddy arena with caution and prevented the Kids’ Calf Scramble and Ladies’ Steer Scramble from taking place. The muddy arena also provided some unusual experiences for the riders.
“First rodeo of the season was interesting,” barrel racer Renee Olsen later posted to social media. “It felt like I was riding a bronc around barrels while the earth was pulling me down to the core. Indigo also got scared of the puddle at third.”
Despite standing water throughout the arena, riders and animals performed with skill and the audience enjoyed the high-energy excitement that has become a 4th of July tradition for many.
Whitesboro resident Victoria Serros sang the National Anthem, and Rodeo Clown Kody Gray entertained the crowd with his jokes and skits. The evening ended with a dazzling fireworks show.
The fun continued Friday and Saturday, with the crowning of Rodeo Royalty. Zoey Young was named Princess and Magnolia Sheppard was named Junior Princess. Young also won Overall Top Horsemanship while Sheppard won Overall Top Interview and Top Ticket and Sponsorship Sales. Both girls received a new saddle, breast collar and headstall along with their crown and buckle. All contestants walked away with additional various prizes.
Friday’s events ended with another fireworks show while Saturday’s events concluded with a dance at the Pavilion with a live performance by the Whiskey Bandits band. But not before UPRA made a couple of significant presentations to the Whitesboro Riding Club.
“We were presented with our 2024 Top 5 Highest Paying UPRA Rodeo plaque Saturday night, and it’s our motivation to keep moving towards number one,” Colby said. “We are actively looking at the areas we need to improve for next year to keep growing this a little more each year.”
Club President Amie Field was also acknowledged as the recipient of UPRA’s 2024 Committee Person of the Year.
“She’s worked for years behind the scenes keeping this rodeo alive, and to have UPRA recognize her hard work and dedication made it even more special,” Colby said.
The annual rodeo is the biggest fundraiser for the Whitesboro Riding Club, which is a volunteer non-profit dedicated to promoting the spirit of teamwork, community and the rich heritage of rodeo.
Their mission is to provide a supportive environment for participants of all ages to develop their skills, foster friendships and engage in safe, fun and educational rodeo experiences.
In addition to the annual 4th of July Rodeo, the Whitesboro Riding Club provides a number of yearly events that include royalty contests, play day series, barrel races, riding clinics and other fun local get-togethers.
To learn more about the Whitesboro Riding Club, visit www.WhitesboroRidingClub.org or email [email protected]