Susan Anderson/Contributing Writer
The fourth annual Becca Anderson Memorial Rodeo, held this past weekend, delivered on entertainment, kid participation and rodeo action. The pro rodeo, the major fundraiser for the Becca Anderson Memorial Scholarship Program, brought in contestants from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Each year, the riderless horse tribute begins the rodeo as a way of honoring not only Becca but those connected with the production of the rodeo and who have gained their angel wings since the rodeo began in 2019. Those remembered were Kim Cannon, Joe McKnight, David McKnight, Judy McCalister and Stock Contractor Jim Bergeron. Continuing this tradition, the Jefferson Livestock Association and rodeo committee began a memorial wall with the dedication of a plaque in memory of longtime member, Thomas Ray “Tommy” Lummus, Jr. who passed away in February of this year.
In true rodeo tradition, prayer, National Anthem and Grand Entry lead into non-stop action beginning with saddle broncs, team roping, steer wrestling, tie down and break-a-way roping, barrel racing and finally bull riding. Mixed in between these events were the crowd thrilling mutton busting, kids’ stick horse races, calf scramble and the high school scholarship calf scramble.
The crowd cheered on 24 youngsters in the stick horse races. Twenty-three brave mutton riders conquered their fear and gave the nod to open their chute for the ride of their life!
As always, the scholarship scramblers delivered with rough and tumble action. Sometimes all went as planned but most times not in attempting to catch & halter their calves. A total of 9 teams were entered proudly representing Jefferson, Harleton and McLeod School Districts.
The first two teams to catch, properly halter and get their calf into the winners’ circle each received $75.00 cash and a $300.00 scholarship. Friday night winners were team Heath Shelton and Malachi Rhodes (McLeod) and Gage Lee and Eein Dowden (Harleton). Saturday night winners were Vanessa Bautista and KeShawn Whitaker (JISD) and Emily Ramos and Jaylee Downs (McLeod). Heath Shelton, Jaylee Downs, Vanessa Bautista and KeShawn Whitaker were returning winners from 2022. The students may apply the scholarship funds to either high school dual credit courses or college/trade/apprenticeship expenses.
The Red Dirt Riders Drill Team from Texarkana, again performed each night, posting flags in the Grand Entry and presenting the sponsor flags between events. Also returning was Rodeo Clown Preston Broxson, 3-time LRCA and 2-time UPRA nominee for Rodeo Contract Act of the Year.
Rodeo royalty was again present with the return of Kallie Rogers currently reigning as Miss Jacksonville Tops N Texas Rodeo Queen. Kallie was joined by none other than our very first Miss Becca Anderson Memorial Rodeo Jr. Princess, Maybriegh Lindley. Also appearing were Meagon Hodge, Miss Gladewater Rodeo and Scout Speed Little Miss Gladewater Rodeo and Sweetheart. The little Misses Maybriegh and Scout assisted with the stick horse races and mutton busting while meeting new people and being the subject of many pictures!
The Rodeo Committee’s goal is to provide great entertainment while raising funds to assist our youth in their educational needs and career pursuits. With the support of our sponsors and community, we are achieving this goal!