Hundreds attend 132nd Childress Old Settlers Reunion, rodeo
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Cabel McAnear, front, wins the Kids Calf Riding at the 132nd Childress County Old Settlers Rodeo. He is pictured with rodeo contestant Colee Cox, left, queen contestant Sierra King and queen Maddie Bryant. (Courtesy Photo)
By Whitney Wyatt/The Red River Sun—
CHILDRESS – Hundreds of Childress residents saddled up for the 132nd Childress County Old Settlers Reunion and Rodeo.
“We didn’t know what to expect,” said Childress Old Settlers Director Nedra Martin. “But we were very happy.”
The big event started with the coronation of the king and queen Friday morning, July 17, at the Childress County Heritage Museum. Executive Director Lee Ann Morren said about 25 people attended to watch the crowning of Robert and Shirley Mills.
“Thanks to the attendees for wearing the face masks and for supporting Shirley and Robert, Old Settlers and the museum,” Morren said.
That night, 150 people attended the oldest consecutive rodeo in the State of Texas, Martin said. In addition to boots and jeans, the rodeo saw a new feature this year: face masks.
There were two contestants in bareback, five in barrel racing, six in break away, one in bull riding, four in calf roping, three in saddle bronc, two in steer wrestling and eight teams in team roping.
“The rodeo was great, and we had a great turn out,” said Childress Old Settlers Director Stephanie Martin. “We love our supporters, which includes sponsors and fans.”
The next morning, Childress residents sported outfits of red, white and blue for the parade that went through downtown. Just like the last 39 years, Joe Robinson drove his 1929 Model A half ton pickup in the parade.
He said a lot of children rode in his classic car over the years. From he and his wife Margie’s children to their grandchildren to Brady and Kaitlin Lambert’s children this year.
“I was proud to represent the United States, the State of Texas and the law enforcement with their flags,” Robinson said. He won the classic car category.
About 200 people attended the rodeo on Saturday night, Nedra said. Maddi Bryant was crowned Old Settlers queen. She is the 15-year-old daughter of Larin Boles and Matt Bryant.
While the junior breakaway filled up on Friday, it only had one spot open on Saturday, Nedra explained. There were 13 junior barrels contestants.
“Everything was pretty normal except junior barrels,” she said.
While this year’s rodeo was one for the books, Stephanie said she is already thinking about next year and keeping the Childress County Old Settlers Rodeo as the oldest consecutive rodeo in the State of Texas.
“We look forward to doing it all again next year,” she said. “Thanks to all board members and volunteers for all their hard work.”
For pictures of the queen, parade winners and king and queen, go to page A7. For more pictures of the parade and rodeo, go to page A10. For winners of Kids Events and Junior Events, go to B1. For more photos of the children at the parade and rodeo, go to B2.
