The Parker County Sheriff’s Posse has been doing this for many years as they approach their 79th edition of the Frontier Days Rodeo June 9-13 at the rodeo grounds, 2251 Mineral Wells Highway in Weatherford.
“Over the last 11 years I have seen the rodeo almost double in size. I believe this brings in economic impact to the City of Weatherford and the surrounding communities, and we want to see it grow every year,” said Doug Leeper, long-time member of the PCSP. “It means a great deal to the Posse members who work tirelessly year-round to make it a success.”
And why wouldn’t it be a hit? It combines exciting rodeo competition featuring some of the best in the business in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, great music nightly as big names in the music industry perform in concert, and it’s a family-friendly atmosphere.
Oh, and it helps raise funds to keep the PCSP going — and they, in turn, help a variety of organizations.
“This is our main fundraiser for the year. It helps us make the payments on the property and pay bills and our caretaker throughout the year,” Leeper said. “We do give to different organizations in Parker County throughout the year. That would be to the following, PCLIA (Parker County Livestock Improvement Association), FWSSR (Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo) Calf Scramble, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Men’s and Women Health in Parker County, and new this year we will give to help kids with pediatric cancer.”
This year’s festivities will include a Gold Night on Friday, June 12, to benefit those aforementioned children. The Golden Circle of Champions started in California and has become a big part of the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
“We will be the first official rodeo in Texas to host this and we are very proud of this,” Leeper said.
Attendees are encouraged to wear gold that evening to mark the occasion.
One of the annual highlights is the cattle drive the Saturday before the rodeo starts. This year it will be held on Saturday, June 6. It starts in Millsap at 8 a.m. and the cattle and drivers work their way back to the PCSP grounds and arena around lunch time, where the participants are then served lunch.
“The trail ride started many years ago, and has changed over the years evolving into this cattle drive (about five years ago),” Leeper said. “We feel it keeps western heritage alive.
“Last year we had 328 riders join us.”
It’s preferred that participants sign up in advance if possible at https://parkercountysheriffsposse.com/cattle-drive. However, late-comers are welcome to sign up on the day of the event if need be, Leeper said.
Later that day will be the annual parade down Main Street, which will include more cattle being driven. That’s followed by a street dance on the square.
“As always we want to put on the biggest and best rodeo in Texas,” Leeper said. “That is our goal, along with keeping western heritage alive.”
79th Annual Frontier Days Rodeo
June 9-13
PCSP Rodeo Arena and Grounds, 2251 Mineral Wells Hwy., Weatherford
Ticket office opens at 5:30 p.m. each night, along with concessions and vendors. Rodeo gates open at 6 p.m.
Rodeo activities start each evening at 7:30 with Grand Entry, with the rodeo competition beginning at 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 6
Cattle Drive starts in Millsap at 8 a.m. and ends around noon at PCSP grounds. Lunch will be served to participants after.
A parade down Main Street, starting at the Weatherford Ninth Grade Center and ending downtown, will begin at 6 p.m.
A street dance follows the parade downtown on the northeast quadrant of the square, near York Avenue.
Tuesday, June 9
Sargent Wrecker Service Bulls Night Out. PRCA Extreme Bull Riding, 40 bulls bucked for the win.
Wednesday-Saturday, June 10-13
PRCA Rodeo. A Pete Carr Rodeo Production, includes bull riding, bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, ladies breakaway roping, barrel racing, and mutton busting.
Other events, including slack (extra, preliminary competition sessions held outside the main, ticketed evening performances. Necessary when more contestants enter an event than can fit into the show):
June 9, 8 a.m., timed event slack.
June 10, 8 a.m., ladies breakaway roping slack.
June 11, 8 a.m., steer roping slack.
June 11, 5:30 p.m., Exceptional Rodeo, a special, inclusive event designed for children and adults with physical or mental disabilities to experience the thrills of rodeo firsthand.
June 12, 8 a.m., PCSP vs. Pete Carr Softball Game.
June 13, 8 a.m., barrel racing slack.
Concert lineup
June 9, Gage Gardiner.
June 10, Rowdy Decker.
June 11, Aaron Copeland.
June 12, Red Shahan.
June 13, Josh Weathers.
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