Event celebrates 75 years, runs Thursday-Saturday
After 75 years, the annual Taylor Rodeo is still going strong and ready to saddle up for a performance this week.
Beginning Thursday, July 17, the fun and excitement lasts through Saturday, July 19. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. but, according to the rodeo’s website, “The action doesn’t begin until 7:30.” The Taylor Rodeo officially debuted in 1950, with some saying it was started in part to honor the legacy of Taylor’s most famous cowboy, William “Bill” Pickett.
Pickett is credited with the invention of steer wrestling, also known as bulldogging.
Today, the rodeo is held at the Williamson County Expo Center at 5350 Bill Pickett Drive.
“We’re not the oldest rodeo around, but we are one of the oldest rodeos in Central Texas. I think Bell County Rodeo (in Belton) is a little older than we are, but we’re up there,” said Tim Sims, president of the Taylor Rodeo Association.
To celebrate 75 years of the Taylor Rodeo, “We’re going to put on a great big show this year. It’s just going to be a good time all weekend. We’re really looking forward to having everybody out,” Sims said. While Sims said every night of the rodeo is great, Friday is his personal favorite.
“That’s the night we give out scholarships,” he said.
For the past several years, the association has provided $50,000 annually to 10 students from Williamson, Milam and Lee counties. While the scholarships had previously been strictly academic, in the last few years organizers decided to include trade schools.
“I just think that’s where we needed to go, but it just shows you the range of what we try to do. We’ve given scholarships to kids who’ve gone to Harvard (University),” Sims said. “And now we also help out those who want to attend Texas State Technical College.”
In honor of the rodeo’s scholarships, Friday night is also educator night. “If you’re a teacher or (school) administrator, if you have a badge, you’re welcome to come for free,” Sims said.
Thursday night’s rodeo offers half-price tickets and free parking, but military and first responders with identification get into the event at no charge. After the rodeo on both Friday and Saturday nights, there will be dancing and live music by McBride and the Ride and Carson Jeffrey.
Sims attributed the ongoing success of the rodeo to the Taylor community.
“We’re very lucky about the support we have here,” he said.
It also doesn’t hurt the Taylor Rodeo has been ranked No. 1 in the state by the Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association.
Prior to this recognition, Sims said he had been told by several people around the country that Taylor’s rodeo is one of the best small rodeos, if not the best small rodeo, in Texas.
“We actually have people coming to our rodeo from all over the world. Last year I think we had 18 to 20 different countries represented and I don’t know how many states,” said Sims, adding he met three men from Denmark last year.
Sims is a self-proclaimed “rodeo guy,” having been around rodeos his whole life.
When he was younger, Sims rode the circuit, so he knows what it takes both inside and outside the arena to put on a quality event, he said “That’s my passion,” Sims said.
For those who have never attended a rodeo, Sims encouraged them to come out.
“It’s kind of like (Las) Vegas. You’ve got to go to the rodeo one time in your life,” he said. “If you’ve never been to a rodeo, it’s something to see.”
The Taylor Rodeo is a family event.
“Other than giving out the scholarships, the biggest kick I get out of doing this is watching the little kids with their moms and dads,” Sims said.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online at taylorrodeo.org.
Officials said the rodeo also gives back to the community, with donations to 4H/ FFA booster clubs, Dell Children’s Medical Center and “numerous other local charities.”
Tradition calls for the crowning of a rodeo queen, and events to thrill spectators can range from barrel racing, bull riding and saddle-bronc riding to bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping and more.
