Andy Stewart – 24 Years of Rodeo Announcing

by Tony Vindell/LFN

It takes a lot of work to hold a rodeo whether it be here in Los Fresnos or at the country’s biggest one in Wyoming.

Just ask any member of the local Rodeo Committee.

And although most people buy tickets to watch the cowboys riding bulls and broncs as well as other rodeo events, the jobs of others are equally important.

Andy Stewart’s job is among them.

A professional rodeo announcer with 24 years of experience, the Louisiana man averages some 160 performances a year.

Stewart has been the announcer at the Los Fresnos rodeo for the last 12 years.

“I have been the announcer at the world’s largest rodeo,” he said, referring to the nine-day event at Cheyenne, Wyo. “They average 1,200 contestants there.”

Stewart, who is 48 years old, likes to include patriotism and freedom of religion themes as he starts announcing a rodeo.

He also reminds the audiences the United States is the greatest place to live in this planet despite the problems and differences the country has today.

Stewart said an announcer has to have knowledge of the sport, be an entertainer and must have a good personality.

“We have to be able to work with the parameters of a rodeo,” he said. “You have to be able to announce well and be understandable.”

Stewart said a rodeo has its roots on William “Buffalo Bill” Frederick Cody, who his Wild West shows in 1883.

“The rodeo business has progressed tremendously in the last 50 years,” he said. “We are independent contractors and rodeo companies are in charge of that.”

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