In addition to increased prize money, the record number of entrants into the Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo will also be trying to win championship buckles.
(PHOTO BY ZACH HERRIN)

 

BIG SPRING, Texas – The good news about the Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo is making headlines.

Members of the volunteer committee made the decision to increase local dollars in the same year they opted to change the dates, moving the annual rodeo up two weeks on the calendar. The contestants took notice, and 490 have entered for their chance at the inflated purse for this year’s event, set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4-Saturday, June 6, at the Surge Energy Rodeo Bowl.

“We’ve always tried to cater to the contestants,” said Cash Berry, the committee’s chairman. “It’s been that way for as long as I can remember. We decided to try some things to attract more cowboys to town, and we’re seeing it with a record number of entries.”

He should know. Berry is the fourth generation of his family to be part of the volunteer group that organizes the event. The rodeo is also a brand of entertainment for spectators, and drawing top-name cowboys and cowgirls goes a long way toward that.

“People in West Texas know rodeo, and they follow rodeo,” said Scot Herrin, a longtime committee member. “When they come to our rodeo, they want to see the (National Finals Rodeo) guys and the world champions.”

Their wish is coming true. Of the nearly 500 contestants who have put their names in the hat, 70 have played the game at its highest level. Cowboys and cowgirls battle all year for a chance to advance to the NFR, which features only the top 15 on the money list in each event at the conclusion of the regular season.

“We’re going to have NFR qualifiers all three nights of our rodeo,” Herrin said. “People are still talking about (PBR world champion) J.B. Mauney being here a few years ago and (two-time winner) Shad Mayfield competing last year.”

This year’s field of entrants includes 17 world champions who account for 67 gold buckles, from newly crowned PBR champ John Crimber to 23-time WPRA titlist Jackie Crawford to eight-time world champion Rich Skelton.

They’re not only battling for their share of the prize money, event champions will also receive a buckle that can be either worn or placed in a trophy case. The hardware is just another touch to prove the growth and importance of Big Spring’s rodeo.

“Rodeo is still evolving in some ways, but the basics of it go back to being a cowboy,” Berry said. “We, as a committee, want our rodeo to evolve, too, and we stuck our necks out a little bit. Now, the cowboys are seeing it, and I think the fans are seeing it, too. This is an exciting time for our rodeo.”