Images courtesy of the Town of Pecos City.
Hype for rodeo grows with new banners along US 285
A simple drive through the Town of Pecos City is enough to know the city is hyped up for its big rodeo.
The city recently completed installation of new banners along U.S. Highway 285 promoting this year’s West of the Pecos Rodeo.
The famous event dating back to 1883 runs from Wedneday, June 26, through Saturday, June 29, at Buck Jackson Arena. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Per usual, the rodeo is jam-packed with action. Each of the nine events sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) offers two sections of bull riding and one section of bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling and women’s barrel racing. Prices vary by performance, from $9 to $15.
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The event kick-starts with the West of the Pecos Team Roping Classic on Saturday, June 22. Then on Wednesday, June 26, the rodeo parade begins at 10 a.m., followed by the Reeves County Sheriff’s Posse BBQ at noon. The first performance of the West of the Pecos Rodeo at 8 p.m. June 26.
The finals will occur Saturday, June 29. But there are many activities before then to see that are not mentioned here.
Check out the schedule and more information at the West of the Pecos Rodeo’s website and Facebook page.
As the story goes, the annual rodeo dates back to 1883 when cowboys challenged each other to a roping contest, “since bragging could not determine who was truly best.” Word spread about the competition, which took place on the flat land west of the river, roughly at the site of the present courthouse and law enforcement buildings.
Today, West of the Pecos Rodeo is one of the PRCA’s top 40 prize-money rodeos and known as the oldest event in the sport. About a decade ago, the rodeo was nominated by PRCA cardholders and cowboys as one of the five best large outdoor rodeos in the nation.
The rodeo also receives among the greatest community support. A lengthy list of local and national companies sponsor the event, from banks and supermarkets to energy companies. Among the event’s largest sponsors this year are Chevron, Zubeldia Energy, Thunderhorse Automation, Permian Resources, WaterBridge Operating, Jones Family Inc, CTG Energy and Infinium.
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