Motley and Dickens Counties have been sharing an Old Settlers Reunion & Rodeo for lots of years now, and the 98th annual event took place last weekend in just about perfect outdoor weather. Crowds were steady, too, and according to Dickens County judge and board member Kevin Brendle, “a good turnout of sponsors this year with at least 70 throwing their support” to the event.
Although entries in all roping events were down, according to Brendle, the RHAA competition was especially big this year, with over 70 entries.
“That is twice what we have had in past years,” said Brendle. “Most of the time we are through in the arena by early afternoon. This year, we were still judging horses in the ranch horse competition two hours before “showtime”—the 7:00 p.m. rodeo! Not much time to rest, get the arena ready and grand entry organized.”
The event never has any trouble filling the 10 WRCA events each night. This year, the real-life skills of cowboys and cowgirls from around the region were readily on display, with fine horsemanship, precision teamwork, and considerable grit.
To stock numerous events, it can be difficult to find cattle this time of year, said Brendle, and the rodeo is fortunate to have local ranches that can help, though sometimes they must look beyond the borders of Texas. The rodeo events require 25 to 30 cow-calf pairs and 100 to 125 yearlings (steers) every year, as well as sufficient bucking stock. Broncos were provided this year by 3LazyS Rodeo Company, and the sheep used for mutton bustin’, junior broncs, and goats for the goat roping are provided by Lonesome Dove Rodeo Company. “They are dedicated to serving our event every year,” said Brendle, “and we appreciate them greatly.”
The Motley/Dickens Counties Old Settlers Board is guided by a set of by-laws stipulating 10 positions on the board of directors, five from Dickens County and five from Motley County. Board member Kevin Brendle announces the County Events on Thursday and the RHAA ranch horse competition on Friday, while board member Cliff Foster handles the Kid’s Snapping Turtle Race on Saturday. Facilitating the parade is the responsibility of the board president, and Charles Harrison served as announcer this year. Half a dozen volunteers are often required to assist as well.
One of the altrustic aims of the reunion and rodeo is to fund scholarships for local students. A scholarship fund was started by donations to honor a recently deceased Old Settlers supporter or board member through the scholarship. This year the board honored the late Elmer Parks. A special presentation was lso made to Bonnie Edwards, widow of the late Doc Edwards.
“We are very blessed to have experienced and dedicated folks who serve to facilitate these events and live in Dickens and Motley counties . . . our timers, bookkeepers, gate operators, tractor drivers, etc.,” said Brendle.
Professionals handle many of the rodeo tasks. The WRCA Ranch Rodeo is currently being announced by Barry Clower, and the ranch horse competitions and rodeo are scored by certified professional judges and receive compensation.
While Brendle said the figure the event netted this year is not yet known, until all expenses have been paid, the board is already looking to the future.
The reunion and rodeo will mark its 100th year in 2023, and an added facet to increase revenue has already been added for this year. On October 9, the first annual Old Settlers WRCA Junior Ranch Rodeo will be held, allowing 10 teams to compete over the course of an entire day.
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