On the fourth Thursday of August, year after year, in the little town of Roaring Springs, located about 75 miles northeast of Lubbock, Texas, you will find a reunion and rodeo unlike any other—one that takes you back in time. What is known as the oldest two-counties combined rodeo is the Motley-Dickens Old Settlers Reunion and Rodeo. Families from both Motley and Dickens counties are in attendance, along with several who travel in from all over the country to attend this time-honored event. There are so many great things packed into one weekend, it keeps visitors coming back year after year.
Origins in 1923. The August 25, 1938 issue of the Matador Tribune explained the event’s origins: “The Motley-Dickens County Old Settlers Association was thought of and carried out by Mrs. Charlie Bird and Mrs. John Smith. In August of 1923, the first reunion was held at Roaring Springs. John Smith, the oldest settler present, had come to Motley County on Christmas Day, in 1879. Yarns about the old days, and music by the Matador Band, made up the program. A basket dinner was enjoyed, and later a permanent organization was set up, with Charlie Bird as president and Mrs. Smith as secretary. Since the first meeting, the association and reunion have grown with the country, until last year several thousand people attended the two-day gathering. The Association has built and paid for a tabernacle, which they will use permanently, with plenty of seats and a piano. Amusements have changed since 1923, so that in recent years carnivals, dances, rodeos, roping contests and baseball have been added to the program, contrasting with the early programs of talks and music and eating. But the spreading out has not changed the essential nature of the organization. The nucleus of the get-together is still the old-timers, who enjoy their memories while their children and grandchildren make merry.”
The actual rodeo has changed course over the years. It started as one of the largest calf ropings, where the winning cowboys were known to walk away with a large money prize. It is now a two-performance competition sanctioned under the WRCA (Working Ranch Cowboys Association) with five different events: team sorting, bronc riding, teamdoctoring,teambrandingand the wild cow milking. The highest scoring team overall qualifies for the WRCA Finals in November.
There are two special recognitions during the WRCA rodeo, in which the Top Hand Cowboy will receive a hand-made saddle designed and built and donated by Will Burgess and also sponsored by George Hodges; and the Top Horse will receive a bit made by Clint Martin on a hand-made bridle and rein set built by Ross Bullinger. The other winning prizes include Moore Maker Knives, GH Blades, ropes and more.
Food, fun, and tradition.
For those who attend and look forward to a good meal, they have that covered too! You will find yourself drawn to the concession building where you can get yourself one of Charlie Carter’s Famous Goat Wraps, or maybe even cool off with a large flavored tea from the Pour Pony Tea Trailer. There are other food trucks that cater to your cravings for burgers, barbecue, pizza, and even authentic Mexican cuisine.
There are a few other traditions that we cannot forget—starting with the Motley-Dickens OS royalty. The title of Queen started in 1974 with the winner Pennie Keltz, a Motley County resident. There are two queen candidates each year, one from Motley County and one from Dickens County. They sell raffle tickets to win the title and have been working hard to win a chance at the winning position.
Dancing and music.
Another fun historical feature of Old Settlers included all schools within Motley and Dickens Counties would let students out of school on the Thursday and Friday to celebrate the weekend. The parade used to be on Thursdays. One of the lifelong residents of Motley County, said he remembered both the Old Folks and Young Folks dances going on side by side back in the day. Over time, a few familiar names that competed in Roaring Springs but have gone on to bigger shows include calfropers like Stran Smith, Arnold Felts, and Tutt Garnett. The list also includes famous singers like Cody Johnson, the Maines Brothers, Trent Willmon, Bob Wills, Hoyle Nix and many more.
This year, the 100th celebration will take place August 24, 25 and 26, 2023. The list of events includes county events for the locals on Thursday; Friday includes a daylong RHAA competition and the first performance of the WRCA competition followed by an Old Folks Dance with Chad Maines and Friends and the headliner is one of the kings of Texas Swing, Jody Nix.
Parade and Saturday events.
There is no slowing down Saturday; the parade will start at 10 a.m. in downtown Roaring Springs and ends at the community center.
Then, you can join the board members for the business and Old Timers meeting, where they recognize the oldest man and woman from each county, the person who has traveled the farthest, and the person who has lived in each county the longest, and also recognizing those who have passed.
Following the meeting is the local turtle race, where kiddos of all ages bring their turtles to see who has the fastest turtle. At 2 p.m., the Youth WRCA Rodeo takes place and that evening the second performance of WRCA Rodeo. On Saturday night this year, we bring back Chad Maines and Friends for the Old Folks Dance; headlining the music Saturday night is the talented country music artist Will Banister.
Thanks from the board. The board of the Motley-Dickens Old Settlers Reunion and Rodeo invite all those who have loved this reunion to attend this year, those who have never been to come out and enjoy all the great events that are planned. They would also like to express their gratitude to all sponsors and those who attend year after year to show their support for this historical event.
The title of Queen started in 1974 with the winner Pennie Keltz, a Motley County resident.
There are two queen candidates each year, one from Motley County and one from Dickens County.
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