THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO 1 MAY 2026 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT | ANNUAL MEETING | GO TEXAN MARKET
STOCK SHOW CALENDAR Competition can’t be more intense than at the FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament. Only the sport’s most elite are invited. But, there’s always an emerging superstar in the shadows that’s about to pop onto the scene. The Stock Show’s qualifier rodeos gives these up-and-comers a shot at FWSSR stardom. Check out these local rodeos near you. You won’t be disappointed. Gladewater Round-Up June 11-13 Parker County Sheriff’s Posse Frontier Days Weatherford June 10-13 Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo Cleburne June 10-13 Wichita Falls PRCA Rodeo August 21-22 North Texas Fair & Rodeo Denton August 21-23 September 14 Rodeo Tickets on Sale September 15 Entries Accepted Livestock, Horse, Poultry, Pigeons, and Rabbits September 26 Youth Art & Photography Contest Entry Deadline. Click here to enter October 1 Shoot for Scholarships Fundraiser Learn more here October 2 - 3 Jr. Shooting Sports & Aim For Education Scholarship Competitions Texas youth shoot for more than $45,000 in premiums and scholarships. Click here to enter October 16 - 21 International Wine Competition November 6 - 7 FWSSR High School BBQ Regional Competition Please take a moment to update your information in FWSSR’s volunteer database – Rosterfy: • Upload a photo of yourself • Indicate the year you began your volunteer journey with FWSSR Clink the link to access your profile: https://fwssr.rosterfy.com/login If you have any questions, please contact Rose Alvarez at ralvarez@fwssr.com VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS 2027 Stock Show volunteer applications accepted through September 1, 2026. Click here for more information. VENDOR APPLICATIONS Click here for more information. October 31 deadline. FWSSR QUALIFIER RODEOS GET INVOLVED UPCOMING EVENTS When Courtney Cobbs joined the Stock Show’s Ambassador Committee in 2022, she already had an impressive resume of volunteer responsibilities where she lives in Granbury, Texas. Organizations there that benefit from her energy, commitment and expertise include Lakeside Baptist Church, Hood County First Responders Weekly Lunch, the Christian Service Center Food Pantry and the Shanley Sculpture Garden Association. Cobbs took the same passion and drive to her Stock Show role and soon found herself on FWSSR’s Tour Committee, Guns and Roses Committee as well as helping with the High School BBQ and the Vine 2 Wine International Wine competitions. On top of her volunteer commitments, Cobbs likes to say she’s up to her “eyeballs in eyeballs” as an optometrist at Cheyne Eye Center in Granbury. With personal and professional roles that keep her around people throughout the day, it’s not surprising the engagement with others is what motivates her. “Serving guests, other volunteers and staff and having a ringside seat to some of the most amazing and exciting events around,” Cobbs says is her favorite part of her Stock Show experience. “Volunteering and serving is important because it directly contributes to the experience and is a vital support for the Stock Show’s mission. It is fulfilling, worthwhile and super FUN!” FWSSR’s mission resonates strongly with Cobbs’ desire to be a part of something larger than herself. “The Stock Show helps preserve tradition by keeping a vital piece of Texas’ history alive,” she said. “It also greatly supports youth education as well as supporting the amazing people who live and work within the farming, rodeo and ranching culture.” Other than living away for a few years for college and work, Granbury has been home for Cobbs since she was 3. She earned degrees from the College at Harding University and the University of Houston College of Optometry. She has two adult sons who live near Waco, Texas. Brian Luig was among a small group of volunteers individuals recruited in 2009 to expand the role of the Greeting Committee to include rodeo. Rodeo Contestant Hospitality would provide athletes – many who were traveling thousands of miles – with amenities that would include transportation from parking lots to a facility where they could relax with their families and contemporaries before competing. The then 73-year-old Will Rogers Coliseum didn’t have the modern amenities that became a staple in Dickies Arena. Luig and others used considerable creativity to convert a maintenance warehouse into a location with food service, dressing rooms and a children’s play area. By the time Dickies Arena opened in 2020, Luig’s role expanded to include being elected to the Stock Show’s board of directors. He also took a two-year sabbatical from rodeo greeting to focus on Livestock and Equine Greeting committee responsibilities. His devotion to the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo runs deep. “I was already familiar and entrenched in all that surrounds rodeo,” said Luig. “But venturing off for a couple of years allowed me to familiarize myself with the Stock Show side. “One favorite aspect of my FWSSR service is the relationships I’ve gained. Friendships and professional relationships I’ve cultivated are the fruits of volunteering for the Show. My Stock Show family is what keeps me coming back. “Another favorite is the smells… of alfalfa, cedar shavings, leather, funnel cakes and corn dogs bringing back memories of attending the Show with my family as a young boy. “A major part of the Stock Show’s uniqueness is where it has been held since 1944. The Will Rogers complex sits in the heart of our renowned cultural district.” Luig and his wife, Carla, founded First Choice Transport, a transportation and logistics company, 25 years ago. Now semi-retired, they spend time on their family ranch northwest of Fort Worth. They are the proud parents of three children who work together in the family business. VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT VOLUNTEERS 2 3 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 15 - February 6, 2027 www.fwssr.com
Board member Joe Brhlik was elected for a first term on the Executive Committee. Officers elected to serve for the 2026 / 2027 fiscal year include: Chairman, Philip C. Williamson; President, Matthew R. Carter; Vice President, Charlie Geren; Vice President, Scott Kleberg; Secretary, Elaine B. Agather; Treasurer, Randy Rodgers; Chairman Emeritus, Edward P. Bass; President Emeritus, Bradford S. Barnes. Board members elected to serve on the Executive Committee for 2026 / 2027 include: Elaine B. Agather; William C. Anderson; Larry Anfin; Bradford S. Barnes; Edward P. Bass; Joe Brhlik; Matthew R. Carter; Doug Cassidy; Charlie Geren; Deborah Johnson Head; Kate Johnson; Dee Kelly, Jr.; Scott Kleberg; Brian Luig; Robert H. Merrill; J.C. Pace, III; Trent Prim; F.D. (Trey) Quinn, III; Randy Rogers; Charles W. Royer, III; Mike Sands; Philip L. Schutts; Mary Margaret Sterling; Theo Thompson; Michael D. Warner; Randy Watson; and Philip C. Williamson. Board members elevated to Honorary Vice President include (L to R): John P. Boswell; Thomas B. Saunders, V; Eddie Sandoval, III; J.R. Williams, III. SOUTHWESTERN EXPOSITION AND LIVESTOCK SHOW HOLDS ANNUAL MEETING While the vendors, exhibitors and most volunteers pack up and leave when the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR) ends during the first week in February, there remains a steady stream of activity for another pending deadline – the FWSSR’s annual business meeting. On the fourth Tuesday in April, the board of directors and membership that govern the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show meet at the Amon G. Carter, Jr. Exhibits Hall to conduct official business for the annual event. Like most major livestock shows, FWSSR is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization with legal responsibilities not unlike a for-profit corporation. Reports (Treasurer and General Manager) are given, and elected leaders take action on matters including finances, leadership elections and appointments as well as other corporate duties related to FWSSR’s obligations and responsibilities. It’s a time to review the previous Show’s highlights, new challenges and lay the groundwork for another FWSSR. A highlight of the meeting is the President / General Manager’s report. Matthew R. Carter made brief remarks and introduced his informative video to meeting attendees. Watch the full report here or view pdf. Highlights include: • More than $10 million raised from Jr. Sale of Champions for 296 youth livestock exhibitors • Extensive renovations to Will Rogers Coliseum • 32,679 total entries / 11,765 junior entries / 4,495 horse entries • $1,235,500 in scholarships awarded to Texas youth • 1,012,925 estimated attendance / 1,707 international guests from 97 countries • New online entry system for livestock, poultry, pigeons and rabbits • $1.55 million PRORODEO Tournament purse • $8.409 million in sponsorship cash and trade • 225,975 rodeo tickets utilized / 95 percent of Dickies Arena capacity • 2,300 volunteers / 17,246 service hours / $600,014 service value Board members elected to their first term include (L to R): Alan Cartwright; Jeff Beason; Christian Schroder; Michael Krupp; Henry Borbolla; Greg Marwitz; Scott McDonald; and Elliot Blair (not pictured). Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 15 - February 6, 2027 www.fwssr.com MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS Memorial resolutions honoring deceased members were adopted for FWSSR’s permanent records and presented to their families. R.A. “Rob” Brown, Jr. L.O. “Buzz” Brightbill, III Ira Jon Brumley Arvid Ray “Buddy” Dike John J. Hernandez Travis Eugene Jernigan George Malcolm Louden Clayton Edward Melton Roy Lee “Stormy” Mullins, III Ronald “Ronnie” McNutt Thomas Byrne Reynolds THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO | Annual Meeting 4 5
HOW TO GO TEXAN GO TEXAN. It’s a call to action that taps into one’s Texas pride when making purchasing decisions that support Texas companies and their employees, owners and entrepreneurs. Call it a “rallying cry” to promote Texas agricultural and Texas-made products. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) operates the program that features approximately 1,700 partners processing and marketing everything from food and condiments, home goods and furnishings, clothing; just about anything that you eat, wear or use around the home, school or work. GO TEXAN MARKETPLACE AT FWSSR While the Department of Agriculture has had an onsite presence at the show since the 90s, the GO TEXAN Marketplace was introduced at the 2019 Stock Show to give guests the opportunity to embrace and support the Texas economy by purchasing exclusively GO TEXAN products made here in the Lonestar state. Located adjacent to the John Justin Arena in the RichardsonBass building, 30 companies sell products from 10’ X 10’ booths staffed with company representatives while another 30 companies have their products featured in a GO TEXAN marketplace. To provide flexibility to member companies, TDA offers three different opportunities full-time vendors who staff booths for the FWSSR’s 23-day run, rotating weekend-only vendors; and the GO Texan marketplace where member products are sold from shelves like a storefront. GO TEXAN provides similar opportunities at the State Fair of Texas, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Rodeo Austin, San Antionio Stock Show & Rodeo, and more! HOW TO PARTICIPATE There are two categories of GO TEXAN partners: Associate (retailers and service related companies) and Product (packaged items, fresh produce, etc.). GOTEXAN. org provides both potential members and consumers with an easy-to-use platform to locate partners, make purchases or apply for program membership. NATURE’S NECTAR RAW HONEY What began as a simple remedy for a toddler’s nighttime cough soon became a passion for beekeeping. Today, Donovan and his family manage approximately 150 hives and produce raw Texas honey, flavored creamed honeys and handcrafted soaps made with beeswax from their own hives. Their family business is built on quality, tradition and a deep appreciation for the honeybee. Learn more about Nature’s Nectar here. IGWT CREATIONS Founded by Charley and Janice Stark, In God We Trust (IGWT) Jewelry creates handcrafted coin rings and jewelry that celebrate faith, patriotism and meaningful moments. Inspired by their own wedding bands, made from coins from Janice’s father’s pre-World War II coin collection, the couple turned a personal project into a family business in 2021. Whether commemorating a special occasion or honoring a personal connection to history, every ring and piece of jewelry is designed to tell a story and be worn with purpose. Learn more about IGWT Creations here. SUSAN’S SOAPS Founded in 2000, Susan’s Soaps & More is a Texasbased small business specializing in handcrafted soaps made with pure essential oils and all-natural ingredients. Susan’s Soaps & More sells online, through select specialty retailers and at major Texas events, including the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. With a passion for holistic self-care, Susan also shares wellness tips and essential oil education through her blog and weekly newsletter. Learn more about Susan’s Soaps here. GO TEXAN FEATURED VENDORS 6 7 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 15 - February 6, 2027 www.fwssr.com
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 15 - February 6, 2027 www.fwssr.com 8 9
10 AND TO MANY MORE SUPPORTERS WHO HELP MAKE THE STOCK SHOW A WORLD-CLASS EVENT. MAJOR SPONSORS A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR OFFICIAL STOCK SHOW PRODUCTS & SERVICES • Western Apparel: Ariat • Beer: Anheuser-Busch • Casino and Resort: Choctaw Casinos & Resorts • Automotive: North Texas Chevy Dealers • Workwear: Dickies® • Satellite and Streaming Video Service: DIRECTV • Mattresses and Massage Chairs: Mattress Firm® • Energy Provider: Reliant • Bank: Simmons Bank • Health System: Texas Health • Whiskey: TX Whiskey • Soft Drink: Pepsi® MEDIA SPONSORS • 95.9 The Ranch / 92.1 Hank FM Grounds Announcements and Music • La Grande 107.5 FM / Puro Tejano Fierro 107.5 HD2 co-presents Best of Mexico Celebración and Dia de la Familia • NBC 5 presents Rodeo Leaderboard • New Country 96.3 • Telemundo 39 co-presents Best of Mexico Celebración, Dia de la Familia and presents Cowboys of Color Rodeo • WBAP 820 AM STOCK SHOW ART CONTEST SPONSORS • The Amon G. Carter Foundation • Debbie and Albon Head • Marsh McLennan Agency • Whataburger • NEW: Gary L. Wilson Photography contest presented by the Gary L. Wilson family & Lowe Foundation SPECIAL EVENT SPONSORS • 7NOW Delivery presents the FWSSR College Rodeo with event sponsors Mattress Firm, R. Watson and Don’t mess with Texas. • Adventure Powersports UTV provider • AgTrust Farm Credit presents Chuck Wagons, Livestock Appreciation Day Luncheon, Mustang Magic, Texas High School Rodeo Shootout and Shooting Sports • American Airlines presents opening night of the FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament • American Warrior Asssociation: R3 CrowdSync Light Show experience • Ariat presents Auditorium Entertainment Series, presents Best of the West Ranch Rodeos, Ranching Heritage Weekend and Ariat Alley • Bank of Texas Chuck Wagon Sponsor • Big Tex / Trailers Direct presents Ranch Rodeo Champion Team Trailers • BNSF Railway presents Steer Wrestling • Boot Barn® presents Breakaway Roping • Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design Ranch Rodeo Awards • Cavender’s Boot City Chuck Wagon Sponsor and Arena Crew Shirts, Shooting Sports • Central Market presents the Moo-seum Experience and supports Vine 2 Wine “Wine Camps” • Chase presents Barrel Racing • Chicken Express Chuck Wagon Sponsor • Chick-fil-A Rodeo Crowd Engagement Sponsor • Choctaw Casinos & Resorts presents Aerial Rodeo Camera • Classic Wine Wine Storage Sponsor • Dickies® Chuck Wagon Sponsor and Dickies Day • Dorsett Johnson Cisneros - Award Sponsor • Enterprise Mobility Foundation Scholarship Programs • Frost presents Bareback Bronc Riding and Justin Mutton Bustin’® • Gomez Western Wear copresents Hispanic Heritage Competitions • H-E-B presents Junior Sale of Champions, supporting Sponsor of The Milking Parlor, School Tours and High School BBQ Competition • High School Rodeo Event Sponsors: Mattress Firm and R. Watson Boots • HEYDUDE supporting sponsor • Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services presents Pony Up! 50/50 Raffle and supporting sponsor of Junior Sale of Champions • Hillwood, A Perot Company presents Military Appreciation Day • HOLT CAT presents PRORODEO Rookie Rally, Tower Promenade and Scholarship Programs • Junior Agricultural Mechanics Project Show and Texas M.A.D.E. Sponsors: Andes Coil Processors, Big Tex, Harris Products Group, HOLT CAT, Lincoln Electric, Norfolk Iron & Metal, Miller/Hobart, ONEOK, Priefert, RDO Equipment Co., Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Saint-Gobain, United Ag & Turf and UTA West. • Junior Ag Robotics Challenge: Lockheed Martin Corporation and Meta • Justin Brands, Inc. presents Scramble Fore Scholarships, Justin Sportsmedicine Team and co-presents Justin Mutton Bustin’® and Calf Scramble • Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP Scholarship Programs • Mattress Firm® presents Bull Riding, Rodeo Replay and Petting Zoo • Michelob Ultra® Roadhouse and Busch Light® Chuck Wagon Sponsor • National Farm Life Insurance presents Poultry, Pigeon and Rabbit shows • North Texas Tollway Authority presents TollTag Tuesdays • R. Watson Boots presents Tie-Down Roping • Sportsmans Club of FW supporting Sponsor of Shooting Sports • Standard Meat presents High School BBQ Competition • Sundance Square presents Contestant interviews and Rodeo Countdown • Oncor presents Mobile Jumbotron • PlainsCapital Bank presents Bulls’ Night Out • Texas Department of Agriculture presents GO TEXAN Market • Texas Farm Bureau Insurance® sponsors Doorways to Agriculture produced by Texas Farm Bureau® • Texas Health Chuck Wagon Sponsor • Texas Hot Tub Company supports International Wine, Shooting Sports and High School BBQ Competition • Texas Mutual Insurance Co. co-presents Calf Scramble • TX Whiskey presents Saddle Bronc Riding • UMB Bank presents Team Roping and Heifer Superintendent’s Beef Challenge • Visit Fort Worth presents Music Experience • Zimmerer Kubota presenting sponsor Rodeo Tractor Drag
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