Saturday, June 21, 1997

Texas Cowboy Reunion is almost upon us again

By J.T. Smith / Aiblene Reporter-News

With wheat harvest so late - and folks trying to plant the last of the cotton - it doesn't seem like we should be so close to July.

But we are.

And July in these parts means the statewide Texas Cowboy Reunion - as it has since 1930 - in Stamford.

The TCR, the world's largest gathering of working cowboys, is July 2-5 this year.

Four packed days get started with team roping at 9 a.m. July 2 at the TCR Main Arena. The traditional Grand Parade is 4 p.m. through downtown Stamford.

At 6 p.m. each day, the public can enjoy a chuckwagon dinner catered by Joe Allen's Pit Bar-B-Que.

The TCR Rodeo is 8 p.m. each date in the Main Arena. Besides the real cowboys from many historic ranches in competition, the TCR Rodeo also features the music of the world renowned "Hardin-Simmons University Cowboy Band" of Abilene at each evening's Grand Entry and rodeo performance.

On all four dates at 9:30 p.m., Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys will play dance music at the Pavilion late into the night.

Gary W. Mathis, president and manager of the TCR, reports that the Cowboy Reunion just continues to expand with more activities. Indeed, all the things to do are far too numerous to even list here.

But a special addition this year - well worth noting - is the Ranch Horse Sale slated for 1 p.m. July 5 at Stamford Farmers and Ranchers Livestock Auction. The modern and spacious facility is just north of the Cowboy Reunion grounds.

Oldtimers plan some serious fiddlin'

The Texas Cowboy Oldtimers Association (TCOA) has planned full days of activities on three of the four Reunion dates in Stamford.

A highlight of the Fourth of July will be the TCOA "Oldtime Fiddler's Contest" at 9:30 a.m. in the Roundup Hall.

Prizes are $75 for first place; $50, second place; and $35 for third.

All fiddlers who are 45 or older are eligible to enter. Registration is 9 a.m.

Charles Clark of Sagerton is chairman of the fiddlin' competition.

For more, call (904) 997-2680.

On July 3, 4, and 5, the TCOA will have coffee and fellowship in the Bunkhouse at 9 a.m. Lunch is noon each day in the Bunkhouse Shed.

The Oldtimers Memorial Service is 10 a.m. July 5 in the Bunkhouse during the final day of the Reunion. This is always a moving and very special part of the Oldtimers activities as those Oldtimers who have passed on since last year's Reunion are remembered and eulogized.

Verlene Corzine, TCOA president, Stamford, requests that if you know of a deceased member who should be on this year's roll call, please send their name to: TCR Oldtimers Association, c/o Mrs. Charles (Dorothy) Clark, 408 Johnson Drive, Sagerton, Texas 79548.

Mrs. Clark is secretary and a former TCOA president, and she does a marvelous job with the Oldtimers activities. She really would appreciate hearing from you.