BELTON, Texas — Thousands of active-duty service members, veterans, their families and community members gathered July 4 at the Cadence Bank Center to join the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and City of Belton at their 100th Fourth of July Rodeo Celebration.
“It’s just a matter of honoring those who serve and recognizing that service to our country. Not only for the Soldiers, but their family members,” said Randy Pittenger, president and chief executive officer of the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Pittenger continued, saying combining the Fourth of July celebration with military appreciation fits well and is a way to reach out to the Fort Cavazos community to say “thank you” and celebrate the Fourth of July with the city of Belton.
The rodeo started off with an oath of enlistment for three incoming Soldiers lead by Col. Sean P. Kelly, commander of 13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command. This is the third year the rodeo incorporated an enlistment into the night’s events.
“(It’s) really an exciting way to help honor those young people, who are from our community, joining the military and do some potential recruitment,” Pittenger said.
The 1st Cavalry Division’s Horse Cavalry Detachment was also in attendance, presenting the flags during the national anthem. Announcer Charlie Throckmorton encouraged the arena to sing the national anthem together in the name of patriotism.
The night was enjoyed by many with the crowd interacting with the barrelman Johnny Dudley. There were seven events including bull riding, team roping and steer wrestling.
“This is the second one we have went to,” said Sgt. 1st Class David Weisz, 74th Multi-Role Bridge Company, 62nd Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade. “It’s been great every time. A great atmosphere — small town feel. You could feel the appreciation.”
The rodeo was a sold-out event of over 5,000 seats, and at least 1,500 of those were free tickets given away to military personnel and their families on Fort Cavazos through the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, according to Pittenger.
The rodeo took place over the course of three days. Friday night event honored hometown heroes such as first responders and medical personnel. Saturday was the rodeos family night focusing on kid involvement.
To get the final standing for the event, visit PRCA Sports News at prorodeo.com.
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