North Texas State Fair and Rodeo Read online

  With the increase in hotel occupancy tourism funds and sponsorships from the community and corporations, the advertising budget was put to use promoting the fair on a broader basis. In addition, scholarships and involvement with children’s activities sparked interest from a younger audience and their parents.

  Tom Hadley and Terry Starnes, rodeo announcers whose knowledge of the sport is unsurpassed, have devoted 45 and 30 years, respectively, to the profession and spent many years at the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo. Two more names became synonymous with the Denton County fair—stockman Sammy Andrews and rodeo clown/barrelman Rudy Burns. Andrews brought in a higher quality of bucking bulls that were a major draw for some of the top-ranked cowboys across the United States. His terror-inducing bull, Bodacious, struck trepidation in bull riders unlucky enough to draw him for their ride. Burns became a mainstay on the fair scene, where he has entertained crowds for the past 20 years.

  The early 21st century brought good years for the fair—years of growth, years of stability, and years of progress.

  KEN BURDICK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. Kenneth DeWayne Burdick (1943–2007) served as executive director of the fair from 1999 until 2005. Under his direction, fair attendance increased, especially with the showcasing of major country music artists. Burdick also carved out a portion of the fairgrounds and dedicated it as the Kid’s Zone. Burdick always felt that the Kid’s Zone was his greatest accomplishment during his tenure at the fair. (Left, courtesy of DRC; below, courtesy of NTFR.)

  AN HONORED COMMUNITY LEADER. The attractions at the Kid’s Zone included a petting zoo, a little folks’ rodeo, and bounce houses, all of which were free for children to enjoy. At right, executive director Ken Burdick (wearing his signature Hawaiian shirt) is shown with his wife, Pat; granddaughter Madeline; and two beloved Sheltie dogs. Ken Burdick served on the board of the Texas Association of Fairs & Events (TAF&E) and was posthumously awarded the 2008 Otis Fowler Award for community leadership. His dedication to the fair and foresight into the future laid the groundwork for his successor, Glenn Carlton. (Both, courtesy of Ken Burdick family.)

  MUTTON BUSTIN’. Thousands of children participate in Mutton Bustin’ every year in the United States. These sheep-riding events are an entertaining way to introduce young children to the rodeo “rough stock” events of bull riding, saddle bronc, and bareback riding. The young rider at left—in chaps, helmet, and a protective vest—is attempting to stay on the back of a wild and woolly sheep for the eight seconds required to win a trophy buckle. Rylee Holder (below), who was thrown off her woolly nemesis before the buzzer sounded, was not so lucky. (Left, courtesy of NTFR; below, courtesy of DRC.)

  WESTERN HERITAGE DRESS CODE. Wearing the appropriate attire in the rodeo arena is an important tradition of Western heritage. This young cowboy, Levi Nelson, learned early on that a western hat and long sleeves are required whether one is a contestant or a spectator. (Courtesy of NTFR.)

  RODEO ROYALTY. Taylor Sorrells (left) and her sister Brandy (right) are shown in their full “leathers,” traditional attire for rodeo queens in modeling and formal competitions. Both girls have winning in their genes, having won several NTSFR titles, including Princess, Teen Queen, and many other categories. Contestants are required to pre-sell tickets to the event; total ticket sales between the two girls equals more than $35,000—a record for the competition. Their brother Bret is escorting the accomplished young ladies. (Courtesy of the Sorrells family.)

  RODEO ANNOUNCERS HAVE COWBOY FUN. Tom Hadley (above), a former steer wrestler, made rodeo announcing his profession for more than 45 years. His book Forty-five Years of Cowboy Fun recounts his work experience. Working with just a program, Hadley became a pretty good “ad-libber” who knew how to entertain a crowd. Hadley announced three generations of cowboys and cowgirls, as well as three years at the National Finals Rodeo. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2001. Terry Starnes (below) has been a rodeo announcer for 30 years, traveling all over the United States to ply his trade. Sixteen of those years have been at the NTSFR. Using his sharp wit, he has developed a special technique that holds the crowd’s attention while he explains the rules and informs them about what the cowboys were doing. (Above, courtesy of DRC; below, courtesy of NTFR.)

  FROM THE FAIR TO A GRAMMY. The North Texas State Fair and Rodeo was an instrumental venue in several contemporary performers’ careers. Thirteen-year-old LeAnn Rimes was one of the musical and variety acts that performed at the TAF&E showcase in 1995. Fair officials signed her, and she performed at the 1995 fair. At age 14, Rimes became the youngest person to win a Grammy, both for Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance (for her song “Blue”). (Courtesy of TAF&E.)

  PAT GREEN. Green is a Texas country singer whose list of achievements includes three Grammy nominations and sales of more than two million albums. Green has released 10 albums since 1995, with his single “Wave on Wave,” from his gold-certified album with the same title, earning one of those Grammy nominations. Green (right) is shown here with Glenn (left) and Chance (center) Carlton after Green’s performance on the main stage at the fair. (Photograph by Mickie Miller Blagg; courtesy of the Carlton family.)

  THE KING IS BACK. In 1991, Elvis impersonator Dave Tapley, of Dallas, performed four nightly shows at the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo as the king of rock and roll. Elvis—er, Tapley—impressed fairgoers with his fake sideburns, a studded white polyester jumpsuit, and dark sunglasses, as well as his voice. The King may be dead, but Tapley is alive and well and currently acts as an agent for dozens of fellow impersonators. (Courtesy of DRC.)

  HAIR! Vince Vance & the Valiants became a mainstay at the fair for several years. Dedicated followers reveled in singing along with the rockin’ tunes of the 1950s and 1960s and delighted in the antics of Vance. The lead guitarist of the group was Bob Powers’s son Troy, also known as the “teenage heartthrob.” Vance (right) is shown here having fun with Woody Woodward during a performance. (Courtesy of DRC.)

  “ONE-ARM BANDIT.” One of the many specialty acts in the rodeo world is John Payne, an Oklahoma performer without a right arm. Payne worked for years training Black Mouth Cur dogs and cattle and quarter horses, incorporating them into his one-of-a-kind act. Signaling with a bullwhip and his voice, he guides his unbridled horse and four steers to the top of a cattle trailer. True trust and understanding of his animals has led to his success. (Courtesy of DRC.)

  ALL-AMERICAN TRICK RIDER. Trick riding originated in the early days of rodeos and Wild West shows. Cowboys and cowgirls would compete for prize money by performing death-defying stunts on the back of galloping horses. Today, this sport includes jumping on and off of a fast-moving horse or hanging upside down off the side of the horse. This unidentified trick rider proudly displays an American flag as the horse gallops around the arena. (Courtesy of NTFR.)

  MAKING LEMONADE FROM LEMONS. Don Olson, purveyor of lemonade, holds the record as one of the longest-running commercial vendors at the fair, with 27 continuous years under his belt. He held a corporate job while enjoying his fruitful hobby and retired to pursue this mouth-puckering business, proving that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Olson has expanded his business enterprise to include making handmade trays from repurposed wood. (Courtesy of DRC.)

  MCKINNEY’S CORN DOGS. The McKinney family is known for its colorful and profitable stands, which shine brightly on the midway. In addition to their hand-dipped jumbo dogs, they offer tasty funnel cakes, hand-squeezed lemonade, and hot and zesty nachos. After the untimely death of Tim McKinney, his wife, Michelle, their three daughters, and other family members continued to provide customers with delicious fair fare. (Courtesy of NTFR.)

  WHERE’S THE BEEF? Ed Bradford and Bob Powers argued over who could cook the best barbecue and what type of cooker was superior. That argument resulted in the fair’s first barbecue cook-off, held in 1975, which has become one of the most popular traditions at the fair. These boastful aficionados often travel all over the co
untry plying their culinary skills. They produce finger-lickin’, smokin’-good ’cue. Sometimes they win a little bread to cover their expenses, along with bragging rights for having the tastiest grub. Not everyone uses a traditional smoker to produce their barbecue, as shown in these photographs of Joe Amyx’s Texas Jack cooker (at right) and Lonnie Green’s armadillo smoker “Bubba” (below). (Right, courtesy of NTFR; below, courtesy of DRC.)

  FIDDLE-DEE-DEE! It would be fair to say these gals are just fiddlin’ around at the fair. The annual fiddler contest at the NTSFR has attracted some of the most talented artists in this field. Michelle Kolbrek (left) and her sister Heather (right) participated in the North Texas Old Time Fiddlers Contest in 1988, competing against more than 30 fiddlers of all ages from across the United States. (Courtesy of DRC at DCOHC.)

  DO-SI-DO. In 1982, Pres. Ronald Reagan signed a Congressional act proclaiming square dancing the official national folk dance. Its origins began in the Colonial period of rural America. Although urbanization and newer dance forms nearly led to the demise of this folk dance, square dancers—including these dancers at the Denton fair—enthusiastically continue with their do-si-dos, spin chain the gears, and Ferris wheels at competitions held at county and state fairs throughout the United States. (Courtesy of NTFR.)

  WEE-WEE-WEE ALL THE WAY HOME. Pig racing is an entertaining sport that is popular at most county fairs. In this event, pigs race around a small, enclosed track. There is no betting on the bacon in Porkchop Downs races, and winners grunt their pleasure while oinking for joy. Cheerleaders’ pompoms match the colors of the racing pigs’ silks, and the winning pig is awarded with Oreo cookies at the finish line. (Courtesy of DRC at DCOHC.)

  EGGS-ACTLY RIGHT. The egg-tossing competition is a contest of daring and dexterity. Competitors definitely do not want fellow contestants to say “the yolk’s on you!” At right, Joy McManus, of Aubrey, mishandles an egg tossed to her in the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo egg toss; she even cut off her fingernails to give her an edge in the competition. (Courtesy of DRC at DCOHC.)

  TWO FOR TWO. Team roping requires precise timing and anticipation between the header and the heeler, making it the rodeo’s only true team sport. A header must rope a steer around the neck or horns and turn it so that the heeler can rope both hind legs. A five-second penalty is assessed if only one leg is caught. In this image, the unidentified cowboy on the left is the header; and the unidentified cowboy on the right is the heeler. (Courtesy of DRC at DCOHC.)

  TYING THREE ON. Tie-down roping, also known as calf roping, begins with a mounted cowboy giving a head start to a calf, roping the calf, then tying any three of the calf’s legs together. This timed event requires a great athlete to accomplish this in a matter of a few seconds. Here, David Wilkinson throws both hands in the air to celebrate his successful tie-down roping practice. (Courtesy of DRC at DCOHC.)

  BULL BLOWOUT. The Bull Blowout tests the skill, strength, and endurance of every cowboy and the agility, power, speed, kicks, and drops of every bull that participates in this annual event at the fair. Riders must stay on the back of bucking, rearing, kicking, spinning, and twisting bulls weighing as much as 2,000 pounds for a minimum of eight seconds. Bull riders are also judged by their constant control and rhythm with the bull. It is no wonder that bull riding has been called the most dangerous eight seconds in sports. Here, Matt Ward found the sweet spot for a successful eight-second ride. (Courtesy of NTFR.)

  CARLTON CATTLE COMPANY. Glenn Carlton not only serves as executive director of the fair but is also a rancher who raises world-class bucking bulls. His bulls compete in—and have won—many national events, including a year-end championship with the National Bucking Bull Association. Carlton Cattle Company’s bulls also participate in PRCA and PBR events. Pictured here is 690 Cowboy Colt, a Carlton bull, throwing off Sam Wyatt at the Bull Blowout. (Courtesy of NTFR.)

  SAMMY ANDREWS, STOCK CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR. Andrews, a third-generation stock contractor, started producing outstanding amateur rodeos in 1980 and has operated an award-winning breeding program for bucking bulls and horses at the Andrews Ranch for more than 35 years. Andrews was nominated for Stock Contractor of the Year in 2000 and 2004 and selected by the PRCA as 2002 Stock Contractor of the Year. Andrews has produced multiple bull and bronc winners and hundreds of National Finals Rodeo qualifiers. Below, Andrews is shown with his son James (at right) and his saddle bronc, Roaney Wiggles (at left) in 1992. (Left, courtesy of Sammy Andrews; below, courtesy of DRC.)

  “WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS BUCKING BULL.” Sammy Andrews’ ability to produce quality stock is well noted in regard to 1999 Hall of Fame Bucking Bull Bodacious (aka Bo), who has 135 outs and only 8 qualified rides. Bodacious (above) won Bucking Bull of the Year in 1994 and 1995 and Bucking Bull of the National Finals Rodeo in 1992, 1994, and 1995. “Bo” (1988–2000), a Charbray, developed a trick of unbalancing a rider, then lifting up his head with full force, injuring the rider. This head-butting trick eventually resulted in Bo’s retirement from professional bull riding, as he was deemed too dangerous to ride. In 1999, Bodacious was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. (Photograph by Aaron Semas; courtesy of Sammy Andrews.)

  BODACIOUS. The Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show honored Sammy Andrews in 2004, awarding him with a bucking chute—the last one Bo bucked out of—to use as a memorial for Bo’s grave. (Photograph by Aaron Semas; courtesy of Sammy Andrews.)

  “DO SOMETHING FUNNY.” Rudy Burns started his rodeo career by accident in 1970 after being dared to ride a bull and suffering a broken nose. After his first incident with a bull, he started riding bulls in various rodeos. When one of the clowns did not show up for work, the rodeo manager told Burns to “get out there and do something funny.” From then on, Burns was asked to come back as a clown and not a bull rider. Burns uses various animals in his act. This skunk shown at left came from a Mississippi prison road crew that captured it, de-scented it, and sold it to Burns—drum roll, please—for a few scents. It stinks that he had to buy it! (Both, courtesy of NTFR.)

  PRCA BARRELMAN OF THE YEAR. In 1995 and 2000, Rudy Burns was named PRCA Barrelman of the Year, a title voted on by bull riders, cowboys, and various rodeo participants. Burns, who is now semiretired, considers this acknowledgment to be his greatest professional achievement and continues to entertain crowds at the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo. For 46 years, Burns has been painting his face the same way and wearing his trademark pink hat and rainbow wig. He has been the “face” of the NTSFR on several occasions, appearing on billboards, business cards, posters, and brochures. (Both, courtesy of NTFR.)

  THE HEROES OF THE RODEO. Bullfighters, whose job is to put themselves between a fallen cowboy and a rampaging bull, are required to be both gifted athletes and fearless competitors. Their job is to distract a bull from a fallen cowboy and allow the cowboy to get to safety; many times, bullfighters actually place themselves between the bull and the rider. Barrelmen, sometimes referred to as rodeo clowns, also protect cowboys by luring a bull away from a rider—but that is not their only job They also entertain crowds during breaks in the action. Clowns, with their painted faces and funny costumes, also provide entertainment. Ronny Collins organized the first Rodeo Clown and Bullfighter Reunion in 2014. The North Texas State Fair and Rodeo bullfighter, barrelman, and clown alumni pictured here are, from left to right, Jimmy Council (who performed at the fair in 1988 and 1989); Collins (1974); Randy “Nubbin” Oliver (1972, 1973); Bill “Snuffy” Lamb (1970–1974, 1976); Weston Rutowski (2013–2015); Zach Arthur (2014); and Rudy Burns (1996–present). (Courtesy of NTFR.)

  Five

  THE COWBOY WAY

  A NEW ERA (2005–2015)

  Building upon the work of executive director Ken Burdick, the North Texas State Fair Association (NTSFA) board of directors hired executive director Glenn Carlton and executive assistant Nanci Kimmey in 2005 to carry forward and expand his legacy. Carlton and Kimmey have taken the fair to new heights through innovative advertising, attracting
national entertainment performers, ramping up fundraising, and expanding rodeo venues. In 2009, the University of North Texas conducted an economic impact study that revealed that the fair had a $6 million impact on Denton County (and an approximately $3.5 million impact on the city of Denton).

  In 2009, the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo (NTSFR) won its first Texas Association of Fairs and Events (TAF&E) Award of Excellence. This honor reflects the NTSFR’s advancements in professional rodeo, quality of entertainment, financial success, and attendance. The fair is a member of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, as well as the TAF&E.

  The next two years accelerated at a pace that raised the fair’s stature not only in Texas but also in the nation. The NTSFR was recognized for excellence again in 2012, when the Texas State Historical Commission honored the fair with a historical subject marker—the first one given to a fair in the state.