EDIE ZUVANICH Special to the Press
From Thursday through Saturday, there will be a different opportunity to roundup some fun in Taylor.
Hosted by the Taylor Rodeo Association, the 74th annual Taylor Rodeo will be held July 18-20 at the Williamson County Expo Center, 5350 Bill Pickett Trail. The event is typically ranked as one of the top hometown rodeos in the multi-state region covered by the Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association.
“It is one of the biggest and best small-town rodeos anywhere,” said Taylor Rodeo Association President Tim Sims. “It just gets better every year.”
The fun begins Thursday evening with the second annual First Responder Wild Steer Saddling Championship. The event showcases the courage and skills of first responders.
Thursday night is dedicated to honoring military personnel and first responders. Entry fee with valid military or first responder identification.
This year the event will feature live music before the competitions start, and top regional bands playing for the postrodeo dance. Friday’s headliner will be Kenny Orts & No Chance playing Texas dancehall music.
Teachers, administrators or anyone who works at a school will get in free with school ID.
Friday night is also all about the supporting future generations, as $50,000 in scholarships will be awarded to students from Williamson, Lee and Milam counties. Sims said that including the scholarships, the association gives $90,000 to $100,000 every year to area fundraising efforts.
“This rodeo is a total community effort on our part. We have so much help it would be impossible to do without the help we get from our sponsors and the (Future Farmers of America) and 4H kids who come and help us,” Sims said. “I don’t know how we’d get along without them, to be honest.”
On Saturday night, a new rodeo queen will be named, and Terry Hughes and the Debonaires will perform live on stage.
Young cowboys and cowgirls will have an opportunity to show their rodeo skills during the popular mutton bustin’ event along with a calf scramble while adults can test their abilities in the wild steer saddling.
