Young Man, wearing protective helmet, rides a feisty steer at 55th Annual Rodeo Photo: Dale Livingston
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55th Annual Cal Farley's Boys Ranch Rodeo
World champion athlete Cal Farley perceived a need
for homes, education, vocational training, and religious
instruction for needy boys deserving a "a shirttail to hang on to."
In 1939, when a local rancher donated 120 acres and the town site
of historic Old Tascosa, Texas, 35 miles northwest of Amarillo, the
Cal Farley's Boys Ranch was born. In 1944, when boys living at the
ranch asked Farley if they could have a rodeo, Farley saw it as an
opportunity for kids to develop responsibility and new skills. In
1992, girls were added to those who lived at the ranch. Everyone
pitches in to make the rodeo possible. Kids sell food, provide
pre-rodeo music, clean the grounds, and participate in rodeo
events, attending grueling practice sessions twice weekly. Events
range from traditional bareback bronc riding for the older boys to
"mutton busting" and "calf riding" for 7-9 year olds and stick
horse racing for the youngest participants. The rodeo is only one
of many ways in which the Cal Farley's Boys Ranch and Affiliates
seek to inspire the children that are targeted by their programs. A
written narrative, photographs with their descriptions, and an
official program document the 55th annual rodeo held in September,
1999.
Originally submitted by: Larry Combest, Representative (19th District).
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