BIG SPRING, Texas – The people that produce the Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo have a pretty good idea of what makes a great event.
Not only is it celebrating its 77th year, but the West Texas community regularly welcomes some of the biggest names in the business to town for the rodeo. This year’s championship will be no different, with champions displaying the talents through each of the three performances, set for 8 p.m. Thursday, June 17-Saturday, June 19.
“The talent runs pretty deep here every year,” said Skipper Driver, president of the rodeo committee.
He was talking about the cowboys and cowgirls who make their livings in ProRodeo. But the same could be said about the great animal athletes that make up half the equation in each of the events. When it comes to bucking horses and bulls, the Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo is a hotbed of athletic ability featuring the athletes from Dallas-based Carr Pro Rodeo, which is in its fourth year providing stock in Big Spring
“We typically draw fans from three or four counties around here, and from the get-go, it’s been nothing but positive comments about the stock,” Driver said.
Over the past three years, at least 10 Carr animals have bucked at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, and the horses’ and bulls’ performances at rodeos like Big Spring is one of the reasons.
“This is the 77th year of their rodeo, so we feel pretty privileged just to be involved,” said Pete Carr, owner of the livestock firm. “I can’t say enough about Skipper Driver and the group of people on that committee.”
The partnership will continue for a few years longer, and a contract has been signed to assure that. It’s just an extension on what has been positive for both entities.
“A few years ago, we were looking for a stock contractor,” said Driver, who noted the rodeo parade will open the festivities at 5 p.m. and that mutton busting will be part of every performance. “He really wanted to work with us. We’ve been very satisfied. Pete is probably one of the better stock contractors I’ve ever worked with.”
Carr’s side of the rodeo consists of the best in the business, he said. From Sandy Gwatney, a timer who can double as a secretary while handling much of the event’s production, to her husband, John Gwatney, the timed-event chute boss who handles many of the in-arena duties, to the pickup men – Paul Peterson has been one of the best in the business for a couple of decades and has been voted to work the NFR three times, and Guy Allen owns 18 steer roping world championships and nearly three dozen qualifications to the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping.
“His whole operation is top notch,” Driver said of Carr. “Each one of them does a fantastic job, and it shows in the production. It’s just gotten better every year. I think the Carr organization has helped us draw contestants. Pete wanted to grow with us, and he’s been right there with us.“He’s probably the easiest contractor I’ve ever worked with. His people are a delight. Anytime they roll into town, they do everything they can to help us. Pete’s approach is just fantastic, and my whole board feels that way.”
