Bastrop Rodeo comes back around

BASTROP – The 76th annual Bastrop homecoming and rodeo kicks off this week, bringing tradition, entertainment and donations to the city.

Hosted by Mayfest Park at 25 American Legion Dr., riding events and competitions begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The jubilee also includes a parade, horseshoe and washer toss tournaments, local food and merchandise vendors and events for children.

“Introducing kids into how things used to be around here is important,” said Jeremy Blisard, who hosted the Elgin Rodeo last week.

Not only do children get to witness a slice of Bastrop County heritage, but they can get their little boots dirty, too. Mutton busting has remained a highlight of rodeos in the area, according to local event organizers. Young riders can test their grit on the back of sheep, not quite as wild as a bull or bronco but enough to shake them up some.

Bastrop’s gathering of aspiring cowboys and cowgirls is a non-profit affair organized by volunteers. The proceeds raised from $25 weekend passes are redistributed into the town’s youth through scholarships for Bastrop High School and Cedar Creek High School students.

The homecoming was born out of a lull in city business, when the 90,000 WWII soldiers stationed at Camp Swift left with its closing. Civic and business leaders of Bastrop created the rodeo to get some of the veterans back in town for a surge of foot traffic.

Past renditions have hosted rotating events, including boat and canoe races, beauty pageants, art shows and pet parades.

Bastrop’s annual rodeo is easy to enjoy for residents and leaves a positive impact on the community, said past attendees. Visit https://www.bastro-phomecomingrodeo. org for detailed schedules and more information.