Dust off those cowboy boots and buckles and giddy up to the 34th Texas Black Invitational Rodeo as the beloved event returns Saturday, July 29, at 7 p.m. at the Fair Park Coliseum (1438 Coliseum Dr., Dallas, Texas 75210). Doors open at 6 p.m., and the Grand Entry Parade begins at 6:30 p.m.
Presented by the African American Museum, Dallas, the family-fun rodeo features hundreds of African American cowboys and cowgirls competing for $25,000 in cash prizes in bronc and bull riding, calf and steer roping, barrel racing and a Pony Express relay race plus on-field kids activities, trick lasso performances, concessions, music and more.
Kicking off with the Grand Entry Parade at 6:30 p.m., this fast-paced evening also provides guests with a glimpse of the historical contributions that African Americans made in settling the western United States.
“The Texas Black Invitational Rodeo – which sold out early last year and draws around 8,000 attendees –is the perfect way to close out July,” said Dr. Harry Robinson, Jr., president and CEO of the African American Museum, Dallas. “And as exciting as the gritty competition is, the event also serves as a wonderful opportunity to tell the often-forgotten stories of Black cowboys and cowgirls who played a vital role in shaping the American West, especially here in Texas.”
Dr. Robert Ashley will serve as grand marshal.
The title sponsor is Turkey Leg King. Other sponsors are Boot Barn; Cavender’s; Dallas Mavericks; Fair Park First; Frost Bank; Judge Martin Hoffman; HSC Brain & Health Study; OCA; Texas Rangers; Trinity Review Services, Inc.; University of Texas at Arlington; Visit Dallas; and Judge Staci Williams.
Media partners are NBC 5 and Telemundo, Majic 94.5 and 97.9 The Beat, and Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger.
Season sponsors of the African American Museum, Dallas, are Atmos, Eugene McDermott Foundation, Fair Park First, Friendship West Baptist Church, Oncor, OVG360, State Fair of Texas, and the City of Dallas’ Office of Arts and Culture.
Rodeo tickets are $10 and $15, and VIP seats are $25 and $30 (plus applicable fees) at fairparktix.com. Tickets are also available at the museum and at the Coliseum the day of the event. (However, last year’s event sold out early.)
For more information, go to aamdallas.org
