*Rodeo stats will be released soon on Goodday Mineral Wells*
Rodeo is not a sport that is discussed very often in today’s world. One might hear more about football, basketball, or baseball. But here in Mineral Wells, our community takes to heart the tradition of rodeo. Rodeo is a reflection of our past and our history that we here are proud of.
This year was my son’s first experience. He was mesmerized by American Flag Veteran Airdrop. My daughter is now begging to try mutton-busting next year. My uncle, Mark Stephens, got to join us for the first time this year. He notes, “There are not many rodeos where I come from in NJ. I enjoyed watching it on TV. But I had never seen it in person. For me, watching it in person is a totally different experience.”
The rodeo this year was very special in so many ways. There were vendors with beautiful western boutiques. All who came could smell the Texas BBQ the moment they walked through the gate. The music and atmosphere set an exciting mood from the minute we sat in our seats. Every event showcased all the athletes’ strength and hard work they had put into their craft. It takes a lot of work to do all these sports. This makes me proud to show and teach this culture to my kids.
Later Friday evening, I attended the Rodeo Street Dance hosted by the PPCLA and it was truly amazing. They had entertainment by country genre Kelly Spinks Band. Although, what made this evening memorable was seeing everyone out there together. I know that in some other cities, people prefer lots of lights and loud music, a large venue, or something over the top.
This dance was literally hosted in the street in front of Community National Bank. There were no fancy lights or buffets. But it didn’t change anyone’s view. I saw members of the community of all ages. There were couples dancing. People were talking and enjoying each other’s company. I saw two small boys playing ball with a balloon for almost an hour. There was a simple taco truck there to sell food and it was delicious! It takes you back into a time where things were simple and we appreciated it all the more because of its simplicity.
On Saturday afternoon my family and I also attended the Rodeo Zone event. My kids were so excited before we even got out of the car. For just a small price of $20, my kids got to enjoy all the events of the rodeo in a safe environment. It wasn’t just for the kids though; adults myself included, were able to participate. My husband will tell you first hand it’s not as easy as it looks. Even if it’s just a mechanical bull. The kids loved trying their hand at Pole Bending on the mechanical ponies. My husband Aaron especially loved doing this with our kids, “The rodeo zone was fun for all ages. I got to experience the joy on their faces, as we rode around on the motorized horses.”
Directly after, we went to the parade in the downtown square, where most kids are excited about the candy. But my son was most excited about the police department’s lights and Sheriff’s Posse. He wanted more than anything to run out and join them on horseback.
These rodeo events are not just one night or even one afternoon. It’s a lifestyle my family has come to love and enjoy every year. My mother, Victoria Allen-Meneley, taught my siblings and me at a very young age the importance of rodeo. She says, “It’s great for the community to come together to enjoy an event that is near and dear to all of our hearts. Out here in a small country town, all of us in some way or another have grown up with livestock as a part of our lives. So to be able to see it and some of us participate is a wonderful privilege. At the same time, we show respect to our troops, our officers, first responders, and The Posse for all they do every day.”
*Rodeo stats will be released soon on Goodday Mineral Wells*
Writer | I graduated from Weatherford College with an Associates in Art, focusing on history, creative writings, sociology, and humanities. Experience in child development, client care, and runs local Spoken Word Poetry group for young teens.
