The Mineola Volunteer Fire Department will welcome thousands of spectators this weekend as it hosts the 63rd annual Mineola Fire Department Rodeo, continuing a tradition that has entertained genera-tions while raising funds to support the department’s firefighting operations.
The rodeo will be held Friday and Saturday, July 10 and 11, at the Mineola Fire Department Rodeo Arena on U.S. Highway 69 North. Nightly performances begin at 8 p.m., with slack competition scheduled for Thursday, July 9.
Produced by Flying C Rodeo Company, this year’s event features more than $10,500 in added prize money and will showcase many of rodeo’s most popular events, including bull riding, barrel racing and other professional rodeo competitions. Guests can also enjoy performances by rodeo clowns and a patriotic grand entry celebrating America’s Western heritage.
A highlight of each evening will be the Rodeo Royalty Coronation at 7:30 p.m., recognizing the young women selected to represent the Mineola Fire Department Rodeo throughout the coming year. The coronation has long been a favorite tradition for families and contestants alike.
The Mineola Fire Department Rodeo has been a summer staple in Wood County since 1963 and re-mains one of the department’s largest annual fundraisers. Proceeds from the event support the volun-teer fire department by funding equipment, training and other operational needs that benefit the Mine-ola community.
Residents from across East Texas are invited to attend and support both the competitors and the volun-teer firefighters who make the annual event possible.
General admission tickets are $10, and children age 4 and younger are admitted free. Concessions and adult beverages will be available for purchase. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
The family-friendly event is expected to draw competitors from across the region, offering two nights of fast-paced rodeo action while continuing a tradition that has become one of Mineola’s signature community events.
For more than six decades, the Mineola Fire Department Rodeo has combined Western heritage, fami-ly entertainment and community support, making it one of East Texas’ most anticipated summer tradi-tions.