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2nd Annual George Ranch Rodeo to Honor Fort Bend County’s Black Cowboy Legacy

Friday, December 20, 2019

2nd ANNUAL GEORGE RANCH RODEO TO HONOR FORT BEND COUNTY’S BLACK COWBOY LEGACY

Rodeo Events | Kids’ Activities | Entertainment | Vendors | And More!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 at the GEORGE RANCH HISTORICAL PARK

RICHMOND – Discover the enduring legacy of African American cowboys in Fort Bend County history on Saturday, February 15 at the second annual George Ranch Rodeo! Featuring all the favorite rodeo events (including bull-riding, team roping and steer-riding) plus kids’ activities, entertainment and vendors, the 2nd annual George Ranch Rodeo will be a fun-filled day at the Ranch like no other!

“For more than 100 years, black cowboys played an essential role in Fort Bend County ranching operations. At the George Ranch specifically, four generations of black cowboys worked alongside four generations of the George family, leaving behind a rich legacy of black cowboy heritage that is unique to this part of Texas,” said Debra Greenwood-Sharp, chair for this year’s event. “The Rodeo grew from a desire to celebrate the skills and contributions of these amazing individuals.”

This year’s event will showcase the history of black cowboys in Fort Bend County with a particular spotlight on Fred, McCullar and Ben Smith. Fred Smith was born in 1857 in Texas and worked as a cowboy for the Davis and George families most of his life — a path his sons McCullar and Ben also followed. By early 1900s, McCullar acted as lead cowboy for the Ranch, and he and his brother Ben were both known for their amazing roping skills and knowledge of cattle. “They could rope catch any leg you wanted about as fast as you want…any leg you tell it,” recalled Jack Sherman.

“I’m grateful – and so thankful! – for the opportunity to share and raise awareness for the legacy of the many black cowboys who trailblazed through history here at the George Ranch and elsewhere in Fort Bend County,” Greenwood-Sharp said. “I’m also extremely honored to help preserve the legacy of the black cowboys in this part of Texas.”

Rodeo events include bull-riding, ladies’ barrel racing, steer-wrestling, tie-down calf-roping, ladies’ steer undecorating and team roping. Children’s rodeo events include mutton-busting, barrel racing, breakaway and tie-down. The Rodeo will take place from 4-9 p.m. in the George Ranch Arena.

“Our committee has worked tirelessly for months to ensure a fun-filled, exciting day here at the Ranch,” Greenwood-Sharp said. “You won’t want to miss it!”

Pre-sale tickets will be available online in January 2020. General Rodeo tickets include admission to the Arena only; Box seats include admission to the Arena and Historical Park. Pre-sale general admission cost is $5 for children ages four through 12 and $15 for adults. Box seats, which include admission to the Historical Park, are $12 for children ages four through 12 and $30 for adults. At-the-gate general admission tickets are $10 for children ages four through 12 and $20 for adults. At-the-gate box seats, which include admission to the Historical Park, are $15 for children ages four through 12 and $35 for adults.

For more information, visit https://www.georgeranch.org/programs-events/george-ranch-rodeo/ or call 281-343-0218.


GENERAL INFORMATION:
The George Ranch Historical Park is located at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond. General admission for the Historical Park is $15 for adults ages 13+, $12 for seniors ages 65+ and $10 for children ages 4 to 12. Children three and under are free. Effective January 21, 2020, the George Ranch Historical Park will debut a significant change in operating hours; please visit www.georgeranch.org or call 281-343-0218 for the most up-to-date schedule.

ABOUT THE HISTORICAL PARK:
The George Ranch Historical Park is a living history museum that showcases Texas history from the 1830s through the 1930s. The Park is anchored by four different home sites: the 1830s Jones Stock Farm, 1860s Ryon Prairie Home, 1890s Davis Victorian Mansion and 1930s George Home and Cattle Complex. Regular activities include historic home tours, living history demonstrations, hands-on activities, cattleworking and dipping vat demonstrations and more! Guests should allow three to four hours to visit the Park and should dress for the weather.

The George Ranch Historical Park is a living history partnership between the Fort Bend History Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and The George Foundation, a Texas Charitable Trust.

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Media Contact: Jennifer Farrell

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