Time to rodeo; 67th annual JCSP PRCA Rodeo kicks off Wednesday

Jun. 7—It's time to polish your boots and don your cowboy hats. The Johnson County Sheriff's Posse will kick off their 67th annual Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association Rodeo on Wednesday.

"For the past 67 years the members of the Johnson County Sheriff's Posse have brought one of the finest outdoor professional rodeos in the United States to the residents of Johnson and surrounding counties," said Phil Williams, a member of the JCSP rodeo committee.

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday, with different themes each night, at the JCSP, 1315 S. Main St.

"Sponsored by Pinnacle Bank, APOS Western Wear and our many other dedicated local business partners, this year's production is anticipated to be very exciting," Williams said.

Danny Regan and the United Pro Rodeo Co. are producing this year's rodeo.

"Danny has an excellent reputation for producing great rodeos and the professional cowboys on the circuit today enter his rodeos due to the quality of the stock," Williams said.

To entertain the crows, Ronald Burton will serve as barrel man and entertainer.

"Ronald is known as one of the funniest men in the professional rodeo arena today," Williams said. "He knows what a rodeo crowd is looking for in a performance — entertainment."

West Huggins returns as this year's rodeo announcer for the 12th year. Because he has been with the JCSP event for so long, he is familiar with the community and sponsors/partners, Williams said.

Casey Deardorf, a hometown boy who grew up in Johnson County, will provide the sound and music.

The JCSP Rodeo was voted as the No. 3 rodeo in the state for 2022 and has once again been chosen as one of seven North Texas "Qualifier Rodeos" for the 2023 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo to be held in January in the new Dickies arena in Fort Worth. This new system of qualifying contestants provides the unique opportunity for competitors who may not have familiar names to compete at a much larger venue.

"This event is our main funding event for the year and is what enables us to continue to support area youth and benefit activities," Williams said.

In 2021, the JCSP donated over $45,000 in cash, scholarships and facility use to area youth groups and charity efforts.

"It is our goal to continue to provide our community and surrounding area with a quality, low-cost, family-oriented event that residents can look forward to attending year after year," he said.

During Wednesday night's opening rodeo, military and first responders will be honored. All first responders can receive one free ticket with the donation of a canned food item. Fire trucks will be on display and bagpipes will be a part of the night's rodeo.

"God and Country Night" returns Thursday night. Shepherd's Valley Cowboy Church and Pastor Russ Weaver will lead a worship service before the rodeo.

On Friday and Saturday night, the crowd will get to watch the finalists in the kids mutton bustin'. Preliminaries were held Saturday morning, and 20 contestants qualified to compete.

Also during each rodeo performance, two county team roping groups will compete. They are all locals who qualified during Saturday's preliminaries.

The girls break away roping event is also returning.

"Girls break away is not new to rodeo but is new to the Pro Rodeo Circuit, and provides us with the opportunity to provide the ladies currently competing on the Women Professional Rodeo Circuit with another opportunity to grow this event as part of the pro rodeo's standard events," Williams said.

The full-service concession stand will serve the legendary Posse Burger.

"Come on out to our facility just south of the Johnson County Courthouse on Texas 174 and enjoy an evening of great entertainment in a family-oriented atmosphere," Williams said.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for youth 6-12 and children 5 and under are free. In addition to the JCSP, tickets are available at Lee's Western Wear, Shell stations, all Rowlett Hardware locations, Joshua City Hall, Jeremy Quinn State Farm, the office of Dr. Hubble in Crowley, the Snubbin' Post and Fast Fix Jewelry in Hulen Mall.

For information, call 817-556-9910.