Big Spring increases local money

BIG SPRING, Texas – Officials with the local rodeo didn’t want to just dip their toes into making a big move for the annual event.

They wanted to make a splash for all to remember. They’re doing that by nearly tripling the local money for this year’s Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo, set for 8 p.m. Thursday, June 16-Saturday, June 18, at the Rodeo Bowl.

“We’ve got an excited, progressive board, and they came in with ideas,” said Dane Driver, a longtime member of the volunteer committee that organizes the event. “We’ve worked really hard to grow this rodeo for the spectators, and I’ve been pushing for years not to forget the cowboys.

“The board came to me and asked what they can do for the cowboys as well as the fans, and I told them that money is what talks. We talked about stair-stepping the increase a little bit, but the board was brave enough to step out there and do it.”

It’s already made a difference in the number of entries. More cowboys and cowgirls have put their names in the hat to compete at this year’s event.

“This is going to turn Big Spring into a whole different caliber of rodeo, especially at the time of year that we have our rodeo,” Driver said.

Yes, it is. A year ago, the committee’s portion of the purse was $16,000. This year’s “added money” – which will be mixed with the contestants’ entry fees to make up the total payout – is $45,000. That included making it the same purse in heading and heeling as it is in tie-down roping and bull riding, which hadn’t been the case in years past.

“We didn’t have a team roping last year because we didn’t have enough entries,” he said. “We’ve got a lot more teams this year. I think this will have to be a commitment. It’s a growing process, and it takes time to make sure the contestants know about it. We have a great rodeo that pays good this year.

“I think we’ll have growth in 2023, just because it takes a little bit of time to get the word out. I think our says something for the community. Not only will this be good for the community and the spectators, but the increase in contestants is more tanks of fuel bought here, more diners in our restaurants. It’s good for our community overall.”

The committee is also making another change in bringing in Anthony Lucia of Weatherford, Texas, as the new voice of the rodeo. He will be joined by rodeo clown and entertainer John Harrison.

“I expect they’ll work great together,” Driver said. “John’s energy is always there, whether he’s in the arena or not. He’ll do well with our crowd.”

Fans will also see something else that’s different inside the arena.

“Our bowl is 80-some years old,” he said. “For the first time in my recollection, we have a totally new timed-event end of our arena. We reworked the bucking chutes in 2018, and we have made the upgrade on our timed-event end this year. I hope the spectators enjoy it, but hopefully it’s another big thing that will attract more cowboys to our rodeo.”

That is a common theme amongst the local officials for 2022, and it’s already paying off.