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Livestock shows and rodeos have a grand heritage in Texas. Drawing from traditions of Hispanic vaqueros and Western cattle drives, organized competitions in the state date from the 1880s, with the first documented El Paso rodeo occurring in 1896. The city hosted the Texas Livestock Association convention in 1902, and within a few years local stock shows and rodeos were common. In April 1929, the El Paso Commercial Club sponsored a Ranchmen’s Reunion and Rodeo, which proved so popular another event was held in September. The Optimists, Kiwanis and other civic groups began hosting competitions that evolved into the Southwestern Baby Beef, Hog and Sheep Show. In 1934, the El Paso Chamber of Commerce became the sponsor of the growing event, then billed as the Southwestern Livestock Show, which included strong participation from 4-H clubs, the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and other groups. Rodeos sponsored by the El Paso Police Department and Sheriff’s Posse debuted in the late 1930s, with a combined Southwestern Livestock Show and Rodeo taking shape in 1940. After being held at various locations, including Washington Park, the show has made the El Paso County Coliseum its permanent home since the facility opened in 1942. New activities, including horse shows and parades, were added as the event grew, and in 1964 the expanded festivities were renamed the Southwestern International Livestock Show and Rodeo. This citywide celebration provides support to young people and continues to recall the ranching tradition of the region, and important link between the state’s rural and urban character. (2005) |
