68th Annual Taylor Rodeo in Taylor, Texas

Since 1950, the community of Taylor, Texas has been celebrating the heritage of the American Cowboy and the tradition of the Wild West by hosting the annual Taylor Rodeo. For 2017, the event takes place at the Williamson County Expo Center from July 14 through July 15. The celebration is quite unique in that bullriding and other competitive events are open to all who care to demonstrate their western athletic talents. Professional and non-professional cowboys and cowgirls alike have a chance to win prizes. Many of the competitors hail from Taylor.

68th Annual Taylor Rodeo

On Friday and Saturday night, the gates open at 6:00 P.M. The rodeo festivities begin with the opening ceremonies at 7:40 P.M. The Taylor Rodeo events start each night at 8:00 P.M. Although Taylor is but a quaint little town, the rodeo is considered by many to be the best small town western event of its kind. More and more spectators turn out each year to catch the thrills and spills as young men and women put their horses through the paces and wrangle the livestock lineup, which includes the ever-chilling bullriding competition. The fact that the rodeo is not billed as a professional event does not mean a lack of western excitement.

Along with riding, roping and bull riding, other events include:

• The kids and adult calf scrambles
• The crowd-pleasing mutton bustin’
• The hilarious wild steer saddling

Rodeo Dance

From 10:00 P.M. to midnight each night, all are welcome to enjoy dancing under the stars. Music is provided on Friday night by The Original Debonaires. Kenny Orts entertains audiences the following night.

Tickets

• There is no admission charge for children under the age of 6.
• Children 6 to 12-$10 for advanced tickets and $12 at the gate
• Adults-$12 for advanced tickets and $15 at the gate

Prices include admission to the rodeo and the dance.

Media Coverage

If you happen to miss the events on one or both nights, check the Cowboy Lifestyle Network for live coverage of the events. The Ak-Chin Indian Community, Earnhardt Auto Centers and Papa John’s Road Team with also be on hand to provide media coverage.

Taylor Attractions

While you are in town, why not tour the Moody Museum and the Hummingbird Hill Botanical Park? The Moody Museum is the boyhood home of Dan Moody, who was the youngest governor of the state. As an attorney, Moody was also the first court representative in the country to prosecute a Klan member. The beautiful botanical garden encompasses 10 acres. The location showcases native and exotic plants.

Last Updated on 04/29/2019 by Peter Varlet

About the Author:

Peter Varlet

Biography:

Peter Varlet’s the cowboy critic you love to hate, until he’s right. Born during a thunderstorm in 1972 in Bismarck, North Dakota, he grew up watching his WWII vet dad battle to save their farm from corporate claws. Now, Peter’s the unapologetic voice of Western culture, with a historian’s grip on America’s past, acknowledging both its heroes and hypocrites.

His truth to power articles are a no-holds-barred zone for rodeo reviews, cowboy movie takedowns, and ranching tricks that work. He’ll tell you why your country singer’s a fraud and how to fix a fence with only baling wire and spite.

Peter despises corporate factory farms taking over and cherishes the DIY grit of real Americans. Politically correct? Nope. Trustworthy? Damn straight. He’s saving the West, one brutal truth at a time.

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