The Cowboy Boot

The annual Texas Cowboy Reunion is held July 1-4 in Stamford, Texas. The event, which honors Texas cowboys and their traditions, began in 1930 for working cowhands, and has nothing to do with professional, rodeo cowboys. The rich culture and history of the working cowboy is what the Texas Cowboy Reunion is all about.

It began in 1930 when 13 Stamford businessmen got together and dreamed up a way to celebrate during the Great Depression. The gentlemen were itching to boost morale and make folks feel better during hard times. What better way to do so than to make holy the West Texas cowboy? The event was born, and with luck on their side, it was extremely successful in the first year. Four events, including calf roping, wild cow milking, bronc and steer riding, were  held with 98 cowboys participating. About 12,000 people attended. Seven years later, 70,000 folks showed up. By then, grandstands, lighting and entertainment were added.

Today, the Texas Cowboy Reunion is much the same, with crowds going wild over the cowboys, their horses and the events. Event organizers say the amateur rodeo is the biggest in the world. For more information, visit www.tcrrodeo.com.