Los Fresnos News

Los Fresnos 33rd Annual Rodeo

Photo taken by Emilio Flores, Los Fresnos News

Emilio and Emilia Flores
Los Fresnos News

The Los Fresnos Rodeo has done it once again! Completely sold out all three days of the Rodeo. The Saturday night Rodeo cheers could be heard all through Los Fresnos. The night was truly electrified. Many great artists gathered to create truly memorable concert experiences for the community. The live entertainment lineup for the weekend included the Eagles Ronstadt Experience, Eros and the Drifters, along with American country artist Michael Ray.


“Another great successful rodeo has been put in the books!” says Larry Cantu, Rodeo Chairman for the last two years. With three sold-out performances last year and three this year, that’s a total of six sold-out performances in a row!


Cantu thanks the Rodeo Committee along with all the sponsors and volunteers that helped make this possible. A special thank you to the PRCA cowboys and cowgirls, Stace Smith Pro Rodeos, PRCA staff, and their event partners, the Cameron County Fair & Livestock Show, and the Heart of America Shows for helping make the weekend a huge success.


On Monday, Feburary 21st, Chairman Cantu posted “THANK YOU TO OUR SPECTATORS!!! The cowboys and cowgirls said that you all make Los Fresnos one of their favorite rodeos they participate in because your excitement and cheering spurs them on.”

Photo by Los Fresnos News


He also stated “The Corral Activity Area was very successful having huge crowds enjoying the great music of our Local Bands, Speciality Acts, and a great Market Place.” At the market place, local vendors had a variety of items to sell at the Rodeo, which was a great way for local small businesses to showcase their skills. One small business featured at this year’s Rodeo was the Los Fresnos 2018 Rodeo Queen, Madelynn Hill-Birdwell. At this year’s rodeo Madelynn promoted her growing business “Cookies 4 College,” which she started to help pay for university and plans to use to help other students pay for school.

Parade
On Saturday, February 18th, the Los Fresnos Rodeo kicked off the second day of festivities with their annual Rodeo Parade.
Winners for the 2023 Los Fresnos Rodeo Parade were as follows:
Float:
1st Place: Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer (#18)
2nd Place: LFRC Rodeo Entertainer (#6
3rd Place: Vasquez Drive Thru (#48)
Band:
1st Place: Los Cuates Middle School Cougar Band (#44)
2nd Place: Liberty Memorial Middle School Patriot Band (#28)
3rd Place: Resaca Middle School Gator Band (#26)
Drill Team/Dance/Walking:
1st Place: Lopez-Riggins Elementary Dance Team (#46)
2nd Place: Los Fresnos – Your Health Matters (#28)
3rd Place: Los Fresnos High School Stars Dance/Drill Team
Equestrian:
1st Place: Los Fresnos Construction (#57)
2nd Place: Guerra Brothers Trailriders Association (#54)
3rd Place: Vaqueros y Charros Unidos (#58)

Geronimo Sheldon who was recently honored for his many years serving as a Firefighter. Sheldon road on the City of Los Fresnos’ float. Photo by Daniel Sanchez.


The City of Los Fresnos invited a special guest, Geronimo Sheldon, to accompany the City’s representatives on their 2023 parade float. Geronimo Sheldon was recognized by the City for his many years in the Fire Department. Sheldon has retired with forty-two-and-a-half years of service to his community.


Mayor Alejandro Flores shares, “It is an honor to recognize Geronimo Sheldon as the Citizen of the Year for his many years of service as a firefighter. He is an example of what it means to be a true public servant, and he deserves to be recognized for his hard work and dedication.”


Local Rodeo Competitors
The only local competitor listed on the 2023 final results was Matt Garza from Harlingen. Matt Garza was a competitor in the Team Roping. Garza and Romeo Moreno from Golliad, TX, got 8th place overall in the Team Roping getting a time of 6.4 seconds.


The Los Fresnos Rodeo reputation reaches all across America, with many professional competitors traveling far and wide to participate in our local rodeo. This year the rodeo was honored to welcome competitors from all over the country including Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Minnesota, South Dakota, and more!

Final Words
Mayor Alejandro Flores expressed his gratitude, saying “I’d like to thank all of the people who have come together to make the Los Fresnos Rodeo a reality. From the volunteers, sponsors, and local businesses who have donated their time and resources, to the residents of Los Fresnos who have supported this event year after year, we are grateful to all of you for your commitment and dedication.”


With another outstanding rodeo under his belt, Chairman Cantu says “We’ll see you all next year when we say Let’s Rodeo – February 16th, 17th & 18th.”