The annual Taylor Rodeo is just days away.
Held every year since 1950, the rodeo begins this Thursday, July 13, and runs through Saturday, July 15. The 73rd edition of the rodeo will take place in the Williamson County Expo Center.
Edwin Stojanik, the president of the Taylor Rodeo Association, said the rodeo has a huge following year-toyear.
“It’s just a tradition,” Stojanik said. “It doesn’t hurt that ‘Yellowstone’ is a huge television hit. That helps us tremendously.”
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and live action begins at 7:30 p.m. each night.
The rodeo kicks off with “Heroes Night” on Thursday. Attendees will get in free if they can produce a valid military ID or a work ID that proves they are with law enforcement, are a firefighter or any other type of first responder.
During the rodeo, spectators can expect to see familiar events, such as bull riding and barrel racing.
“This is an open and sanctioned rodeo, a place where you can watch local people rope and ride alongside professional cowboys,” the Taylor Rodeo’s website reads. “Some of the cowboys you get to see are the future of the sport.”
The rodeo also offers plenty of opportunities for crowd participation, where attendees can join in on the festivities. One of the fan favorites is the “Mutton Bustin’” event, where kids attempt to ride sheep without falling off.
The rodeo will also hold a Dummy Roping contest, sponsored by UHERD Texas. Contestants across different ages will compete by using a calf rope to catch the prop bull’s horns.
The winners of each age group will receive a personalized belt buckle.
“It is great family entertainment,” Stojanik said.
Live music is slated for after the rodeo each night. On Friday, Kenny Orts will perform once the rodeo activities are complete. Singersongwriter Carson Jeffrey will take the stage Saturday night.
Listed at 60,000 square feet on the TRA’s website, the rodeo’s arena is the largest rodeo facility in Williamson County and can hold about 3,500 people at any given time.
Stojanik said the rodeo typically draws anywhere from 8,500 to 12,000 people throughout the three-day event.
Tickets at the gate on Thursday will be $10 for adults and $5 for children 3-7. Additionally, parking will be free for the rodeo’s opening night. On Friday and Saturday, tickets are $22 for ages 8 and older, $10 for children 3-7, and free for children 2 and younger. Parking is $5.
Tickets can be purchased on the rodeo’s website or at the gate.
