1 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO JULY 2025 It’s the time of year when we celebrate the birth of our nation, the land of the free and the home of the brave. We cherish our freedom and honor the brave men and women in order that we remain free. In today’s world, we can’t afford to take freedom for granted. When the Fourth of July celebrations end, it will be back to the business at hand and the business for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is multifaceted. Planning for 2026 is full steam ahead. Rule books, called the Premium List, are being drafted, entries are being accepted for the 2025 Shooting Sports Competition as well as the Youth Art Show. Planning is underway for the second annual Vine 2 Wine International Wine Competition and we’re getting ready to begin accepting entries for all our livestock shows, horse shows and, of course, poultry, pigeons and rabbits shows. Stay tuned for further developments in the coming weeks on that front. There’s always something going on at the Will Rogers Memorial Center regardless if it’s Stock Show time or not. Besides summer equestrian competitions there’s a lot of dust flying in the Will Rogers Coliseum; just not the type one would normally see. Dust that’s flying off the rafters and metal beams because of a major renovation in the historic building’s concourse. When you walk through its doors for the 2026 Stock Show, you’ll be met with 21st Century amenities – like new restrooms – inside a building that maintains the traditional architectural style that gives our beloved Coliseum its vibe and feel that’s unique to any Western events facility in the nation. Flip through the following pages of this issue of Whoa! for an in-depth report on the Coliseum renovation, the Vine 2 Wine competition, the recent youth art workshop hosted by the Stock Show, a feature on a Stock Show volunteer, Jenna Sykes and the scoop on some Stock Show scholarship winners. Last, but certainly not least, take time to give thanks for the opportunity to live in this amazing place we call the United States of America. Happy Independence Day, y’all. Showing the Love! | Vine 2 Wine Highlights Texas Wine Industry on Global Stage Navajo Artform Embraced by Fort Worth Art Students ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
2 3 JULY 2025 NEWSLETTER Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 16 - February 7, 2026 THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO www.fwssr.com NEWS BRIEF It’s heating up for the final two FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament qualifiers. These last two events are where rising talent battles for a coveted spot in the FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament. Check out these local qualifier rodeos near you. You won’t be disappointed. Wichita Falls Pro Rodeo August 15-16 North Texas Fair & Rodeo Denton August 15-17 September 15 Entries Accepted Livestock, Horse, Poultry, Pigeons, and Rabbits September 27 Youth Art Contest Entry Deadline. Click here to enter October 2 Shoot for Scholarships Fundraiser Learn more here October 17 - 22 International Wine Competition November 7 - 8 Cowboy Artists Of America Exhibition And Sale Guests can purchase works by renowned western artists. Event also showcases the 2025-2026 FWSSR Youth Art Contest winners. Fall of 2025 FWSSR High School BBQ Regional Competition Teams compete in ribs, brisket, chicken, beans, and dessert divisions. VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS 2026 Stock Show volunteer applications accepted through September 2, 2025. Click here for more information. TRADE SHOW VENDOR APPLICATIONS Deadline for the 2026 Trade Show vendor applications is October 31. Click here for more information. WELCOME NEW STAFF Brittney Searcey has joined the Stock Show’s full-time staff as horse show assistant, effective July 7. She is relocating to Fort Worth from Pendleton, Oregon, where she grew up raising and showing livestock and volunteering at the Pendleton Round-Up. Brittany is an outdoor enthusiast who loves traveling, hunting, and fishing, and previously has worked for the show as a seasonal employee. She looks forward to growing in her new role and embracing all that Fort Worth has to offer. Mariah James is joining the Stock Show’s full-time staff as sponsorship assistant. Her background includes coordinating high-impact sponsorships and events at both Rodeo Austin and the Texas Rattlers, where she oversaw sponsor activations, managed logistics, and helped coordinated grassroots marketing efforts. We are excited to have Mariah in this role at FWSSR. Mariah replaces Jared Hammer who recently resigned to join the Rural Media Group. Supporting Lone Star wine industry career opportunities is Stock Show goal. When one conjures up images of Texas agricultural history, cattle or cotton likely come to mind. But right alongside cattle trails and cotton gins in the annals of Texas ag lore are, yes, wine grape vineyards. Franciscan missionaries in the 17th Century brought grape vines with them to be used for sacramental wine and vineyards were established in those days along the Rio Grande. Today, the Texas wine industry generates more than $24 billion in economic value and 136,770 full-time jobs paying more than $6 billion in wages according to information provided by the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association. So, it makes sense that Texas’ oldest major livestock show and indoor rodeo should host a wine competition; the scale, of which, includes wines from around the globe. Matching up with the FWSSR mission, education and highlighting Texas agriculture are priorities for the competition. The FWSSR Vine 2 Wine International Wine Competition was launched in the fall of 2024 where more than 700 wines from 11 nations competed in three divisions. MOVING FORWARD “We want to not only highlight Texas wineries and wine on an international scale, but support career opportunities in the industry,” said FWSSR Special Events Director, Ashley Davis. “Investing in the future of Texas agriculture includes viticulture and viniculture. A long-term goal is to support a scholarship program for viticulture and viniculture students attending Texas A&M or Texas Tech University.” Reaching out to potential community partners and volunteers are goals for the 2025 competition which will be held October 17 through 22. “We want to connect our competition and winners with local restaurants, hotels and special events with hopes to create synergies to not only promote the wine competition, but generate excitement for Stock Show and Rodeo season,” said Davis. Volunteer recruitment for the event is another high priority. “Do you have some time to spare in October,” she asks. “I’m needing a group of wine-centric individuals who can assist in the late summer and early fall months and then during the competition. We need help with flighting, pouring, serving judges and even polishing glasses.” Those interested in helping should contact Stock Show Volunteer Director Rose Alvarez at ralvarez@fwssr.com or Ashley Davis at ashley@fwssr.com. RAISING YOUR GLASS AT 2026 FWSSR Award winners will be swirled and enjoyed at the 2026 Stock Show’s Vine 2 Wine official events. Sip & Shop - January 21 and 28 (Wednesdays) – will allow participants to taste 12 wines from the competition while they browse the aisles of vendors in the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall. Wine Camps on January 28 and February 4 will provide participants tastings of winning wines and the opportunity to learn about winemaking from industry experts. Bubbles & Bites scheduled for February 1 will pair wines from around the world with food from 14 local restaurants in what’s become one of the Stock Show’s most popular events. VINE 2 WINE HIGHLIGHTS TEXAS WINE INDUSTRY ON GLOBAL STAGE THE FINAL TWO GET INVOLVED UPCOMING EVENTS
4 5 SHOWING THE LOVE! IF the walls could talk, the stories they’d tell about the legendary Will Rogers Coliseum. Stories about rodeos, the crowning of cutting horse champions, circuses, Golden Gloves boxing, Billy Graham revivals and the list would go on and on. Preservation of one of Fort Worth’s most significant historical landmarks provides enough reason to renovate the now 90-year-old treasure but strong demand for its continued use makes a $47 million project crucial to the city and region’s economic vitality. The endeavor began during the 2025 FWSSR and kicked into high gear in February with project completion planned for December. The Will Rogers Coliseum has been, arguably, the scene of more significant events in professional rodeo and western equestrian competitions than any facility in the United States. A Texas Centennial rodeo in 1936 and the FWSSR’s move in 1944 triggered performance horse events to follow in the popular building referred to by rodeo and horse show fans simply as “Will Rogers.” When the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) moved its growing futurity to Will Rogers in the fall of 1962, it’s unlikely anyone knew just how significant the impact on Fort Worth and the surrounding area would be 60 years later. More NCHA competitions followed including the association’s Super Stakes in March and April and the Summer Spectacular held in July and August. Other organizations followed, including the American Paint Horse Association’s World Championship Show, the United States Team Roping Championships and others. The most significant additions in recent years included the National Reined Cow Horse Association moved the Snaffle Bit Futurity and Celebration of Champions / World’s Greatest Horseman events. Between these and other events, the Coliseum’s year-long calendar is, today, virtually full. NEEDED REPAIRS AND UPGRADES Heavy use over nine decades has created the need for some serious TLC. Wear and tear from “foot traffic” in the concourse and “hoof traffic” in the livestock infrastructure facilities has taken a significant toll. While maintaining a commitment to keeping the venue’s iconic feel, the project’s plans also call for expanding the concourse by removing outdated structures (rooms and offices) thus creating new sightlines to the arena which, in turn, improves lighting throughout the building. Long overdue restroom renovations will be a very welcome improvement for all Coliseum guests. “This exciting project will transform the facility into a more open environment giving our guests a greater feel for the excitement on the arena floor while maintaining the Coliseum’s nostalgic feel and look that they’ve always loved,” said Stock Show President and General Manager Matt Carter. “Besides the concourse and restroom improvements, these upgrades will include replacing the major HVAC and electrical systems, adding fire and life safety systems, as well as accessibility accommodations for all guests” he added. Rooms adjacent to the Coliseum’s south end are being transformed from warehouse space into features such as meeting rooms, food preparation and dining facilities thus giving the building expanded usefulness to Stock Show and other year-round tenants. EXTERIOR ENHANCEMENTS Restoring the exterior’s original look as well as improving the overall aesthetic is also a priority. Guests approaching the Coliseum will gain a refreshed perspective of the Art Deco style by the removal of an obsolete awning (originally installed years after the original construction) that covered the building’s westside doors. Historically accurate doors with windows on both east and west sides will not only compliment the exterior’s classic look but will Will Rogers Coliseum undergoing first phase of comprehensive renovation project for iconic Fort Worth structures. TOP PHOTO: Rendering of the WRMC Coliseum concourse and stairs highlights the updated design for an improved flow. BOTTOM PHOTO: Rendering of the WRMC Coliseum shows the view from the VIP area, offering a clear look into the arena for an enhanced guest experience. TOP PHOTO: Historic photograph of original roof design with metallic, decorative ribs. Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 16 - February 7, 2026 www.fwssr.com
6 7 allow more natural light into the concourse. The building’s appearance from the east will also be freshened with an entrance being installed to the newly created multipurpose space in the Coliseum’s southeast corner. Additionally, much care is being taken to bring back the original aluminum ribs that were part of the iconic look of the building when the roof is replaced. PARTNERING FOR THE FUTURE The longstanding partnership between the City of Fort Worth and the Stock Show is, again, limiting taxpayer exposure while taking advantage of the strengths and efficiencies of both organizations. The City of Fort Worth will allocate $41 million to the project. The Stock Show’s taking up the remaining obligation through a $5 million grant, it’s $1 million portion of the savings from the 2024 Sheep & Swine Barn project, and contributing a lighting system designed for sporting events. Moreover, the Stock Show is serving as project manager, at no cost, working closely with the City’s Public Events Department and the contractor Sedalco Construction Services. The renovations are the first of several phases currently being planned for the original 1936 buildings that include the Auditorium and Tower. With a goal of completion by their centennial year, 2036, the next decade promises plenty of hope and excitement for our beloved Will Rogers. TOP PHOTO: Rendering of the proposed Southeast Entrance at WRMC Coliseum showcases the updated gathering space design, offering a modern and welcoming entryway for guests. BOTTOM PHOTO: East side of the WRMC Coliseum with aluminum and glass doors that match the original look and the restoration of the original aluminum ribs in the roof. Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 16 - February 7, 2026 www.fwssr.com JULY 2025 NEWSLETTER NAVAJO ARTFORM EMBRACED BY FORT WORTH ART STUDENTS Canvases, boards, brushes and pencils are among the first tools that a young person will likely use during the early stages of an artistic journey. Most wouldn’t consider stone, but 12 young artists held Dremel power tools while working under the tutelage of a Navajo stone carver during the third annual Cowtown Art Partnership Teen Initiative organized by the Fort Worth youth arts organization, Imagination Fort Worth. Stock Show Art Contest Manager, Jordan Simons, played an important role in the workshop that was held at the Will Rogers Memorial Center last month. Alvin Marshall, a member of the Cowboy Artists of America, traveled from the Four Corners area of New Mexico to share his knowledge, skills and passion for the art form that dates back to the paleolithic age when the use of tools used to carve stone for artistic and other purposes originated. Native Americans embraced stone carving techniques to create not only sculptures, but petroglyphs that can be found across the Southwest. Workshop participants began by choosing their stone and sketching their visions for their unique creations. Marshall personally guided each student using a large saw that helped shaped each piece for finer details that each student would apply. Engaging the students in conversations about his Navajo heritage, Marshall explained the storytelling aspects of stone carving. “This hands-on experience exposed students to a rare art form that few their age get to appreciate,” said Simons. “Alvin not only left a lasting impression on these youth but allowed them to connect with a tradition of the amazing Navajo culture that’s such an important component in the history of the American West.”
8 9 When you’re born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, there’s a good chance you’ll develop an appreciation for the Western way of life. Should your grandfather be employed by the famed Waggoner Ranch in nearby Vernon, the odds are even greater. Thus, it’s no surprise that from an early age, Jenna Sykes was drawn to livestock, wildlife and the ecosystems that sustained them. The stories she heard and the experiences had on the Rolling Plains of North Central Texas captivated her, thus, when Texas Christian University drew her to Fort Worth, she was quickly embraced by the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. “The Stock Show, for me, has been steadfast in my life, as a rodeo spectator, employee and volunteer,” said Sykes. “Being involved has brought me good friends, wonderful learning opportunities and a great way to serve the community. I love it deeply.” An internship opportunity in 2005 got her foot in the FWSSR door. The TCU senior’s hard work and dedication paved the way for a fulltime role the following year when she began assisting with special events. Sykes eventually left to pursue new and exciting career opportunities, but Stock Show remained in her blood. Today, Sykes and her husband, Dr. Kevin Sykes, live in Aledo, Texas. Besides parenting their children Alice (8) and William (6), she keeps a busy schedule as a member of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Business Development department supporting the company’s Domestic Engagement Team. THE FABRIC OF FORT WORTH After joining the Junior League of Fort Worth, Sykes jumped at the opportunity to “yell and sell” the Rodeo Souvenir Annual in 2012. It wouldn’t be long before she joined the Guns and Roses committee where she could assist with the Stock Show’s youth art contest. “I can’t believe how talented these young Texans are,” said Sykes. “My favorite day is art show judging. The art contest opens the door for so many who may not otherwise participate. It’s inspiring to see them beaming with pride over the work that not only honors our heritage but highlights the importance of the arts in education.” Sykes’ love for what makes Fort Worth unique makes her a model volunteer. “The FWSSR has worked hard to preserve tradition while stepping into the modern experience of a venue as grand as Dickies Arena,” said Sykes. “It’s a place to come and feel at home, and a place to come to experience something new. It feels familiar and fresh at the same time. It’s the fabric of Fort Worth.” “My favorite memory, among many,” Sykes recalls, “is my daughter and her mutton bustin’ ride. I had explained to her who Lane Frost was and the unique crowd wave that he made popular. We talked about Lane and practiced his wave. She made it her own and I’ll never forget how the crowd cheered for Alice. I was so proud of her.” CALLED TO VOLUNTEER Volunteerism is ingrained in Sykes DNA. “I volunteer because service before self was instilled in me early as I watched my mother volunteer when I was young,” Sykes said. “Being part of a team, working and supporting the community we love is rewarding at the soul level. We give back to the agricultural community, which, in addition to our nation’s defense industry, is central to Fort Worth and the backbone of our community.” VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT JENNA SYKES www.fwssr.com Supporting dreams, rewarding excellence and shaping tomorrow, FWSSR awards scholarships to Texas youth. This year, we proudly awarded a total of $96,000 in scholarships to 12 outstanding 4-H members. These scholarships were presented during the Texas 4-H Roundup during the Texas 4-H Foundation Banquet held in College Station in June. Recipients include: FWSSR AWARDS $112,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS THIS JUNE In addition, Texas High School Rodeo Association student athletes were the recipients of $16,000 in scholarships. Four deserving students: Breanna Collier, Braylee Dyer, Tatum Roberts, and Barrett Shelton each received a $4,000 scholarship during the THSRA finals. Texas FFA winners will receive $96,000 in awards during their state convention in Fort Worth this month. Look for more on those winners in the September issue of Whoa! LAINEY BONE BRAZOS COUNTY CLAIRE ELLIS THROCKMORTON COUNTY ROSS HISER KAUFMAN COUNTY MADELYN MCFARLAND MONTAGUE COUNTY CADE PARKER SCHLEICHER COUNTY ALLISON PHILLIPS WALKER COUNTY JANE GAUNTT BELL COUNTY KADANCE GLOSSON COLLIN COUNTY DANIEL HEMMI DALLAS COUNTY ASHLEY BROGAN ROCKWALL COUNTY CAMRYN CHUMLEY ANGELINA COUNTY LILAH EAKES JOHNSON COUNTY
10 11 AND TO MANY MORE SUPPORTERS WHO HELP MAKE THE STOCK SHOW A WORLD-CLASS EVENT. MAJOR SPONSORS A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR OFFICIAL STOCK SHOW PRODUCTS & SERVICES • Western Apparel: Ariat • Beer: Anheuser-Busch • Casino and Resort: Choctaw Casinos & Resorts • Automotive: North Texas Chevy Dealers • Workwear: Dickies® • Satellite and Streaming Video Service: DIRECTV • Mattresses and Massage Chairs: Mattress Firm® • Energy Provider: Reliant • Bank: Simmons Bank • Health System: Texas Health • Whiskey: TX Whiskey • Soft Drink: Pepsi® MEDIA SPONSORS • 95.9 The Ranch / 92.1 Hank FM Grounds Announcements and Music • La Grande 107.5 FM / Puro Tejano Fierro 107.5 HD2 co-presents Best of Mexico Celebración and Dia de la Familia • NBC 5 presents Rodeo Leaderboard • New Country 96.3 • Telemundo 39 co-presents Best of Mexico Celebración, Dia de la Familia and presents Cowboys of Color Rodeo • WBAP 820 AM STOCK SHOW ART CONTEST SPONSORS • The Amon G. Carter Foundation • Debbie and Albon Head • Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP • Marsh McLennan Agency • Whataburger SPECIAL EVENT SPONSORS • AgTrust Farm Credit presents Chuck Wagons, Livestock Appreciation Day Luncheon, Mustang Magic, Texas High School Rodeo Shootout and Shooting Sports • American Warrior Asssociation: R3 CrowdSync Light Show experience • Ariat presents Auditorium Entertainment Series, presents Best of the West Ranch Rodeos, Ranching Heritage Weekend and Ariat Alley • Bank of Texas Chuck Wagon Sponsor • Big Tex / Trailers Direct presents Ranch Rodeo Champion Team Trailers • BNSF Railway presents Steer Wrestling • Boot Barn® presents Breakaway Roping • Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design Ranch Rodeo Awards • Cavender’s Boot City Chuck Wagon Sponsor and Arena Crew Shirts, Shooting Sports • Central Market presents the Moo-seum Experience and supports Vine 2 Wine “Wine Camps” • Chase presents Barrel Racing • Chicken Express Chuck Wagon Sponsor • Chick-fil-A Rodeo Crowd Engagement Sponsor • Choctaw Casinos & Resorts presents Aerial Rodeo Camera • Dickies® Chuck Wagon Sponsor and Dickies Day • Enterprise Mobility Foundation Scholarship Programs • Frost presents Bareback Bronc Riding and Justin Mutton Bustin’® • Grapevine Powersports UTV provider • H-E-B presents Junior Sale of Champions, supporting sponsor of The Milking Parlor, School Tours and High School BBQ Competition • Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services presents Pony Up! 50/50 Raffle and supporting sponsor of Junior Sale of Champions • Hillwood, A Perot Company presents Military Appreciation Day • HOLT CAT presents PRORODEO Tournament Opening Night, Tower Promenade and Scholarship Programs • Junior Agricultural Mechanics Project Show and Texas M.A.D.E. Sponsors: Andes Coil Processors, Big Tex, Harris Products Group, HOLT CAT, Lincoln Electric, Norfolk Iron & Metal, Miller/Hobart, ONEOK, Panther City Industrial Supply, Priefert, RDO Equipment Co., , Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Saint-Gobain, and United Ag & Turf. • Junior Ag Robotics Challenge: Lockheed Martin Corporation, Meta and Texas Capital Bank • Justin Brands, Inc. presents Scramble Fore Scholarships, Justin Sportsmedicine Team and co-presents Justin Mutton Bustin’® and Calf Scramble • Kendra Scott presents Timed Event Challenge Barrel Races • Levi’s presents Timed Event Challenge Roping Events • Los Pastores Restaurant Bakery and Meat Market co-presents the Charro Cala Escaramuza and Mariachi Competitions • Mattress Firm® presents Bull Riding, Rodeo Replay and Petting Zoo • Michelob Ultra® Roadhouse and Busch Light® Chuck Wagon Sponsor • National Farm Life Insurance presents Poultry, Pigeon and Rabbit shows • North Texas Tollway Authority presents TollTag Tuesdays • Standard Meat presents High School BBQ Competition • Sundance Square presents Contestant interviews and Rodeo Countdown • Tarleton State University Dairy Cattle Judging Contest Buckles, Lunch and Dinner Sponsor • Oncor presents Mobile Jumbotron • PlainsCapital Bank presents PBR Last Cowboy Standing • R. Watson Boots presents Tie-Down Roping • Texas Department of Agriculture presents GO TEXAN Market • Texas Farm Bureau Insurance® sponsors Doorways to Agriculture produced by Texas Farm Bureau® • Texas Health Chuck Wagon Sponsor • Texas Hot Tub Company supports International Wine, Shooting Sports and High School BBQ Competition • Texas Mutual Insurance Co. co-presents Calf Scramble • TX Whiskey presents Saddle Bronc Riding • UMB Bank presents Team Roping and Heifer Superintendent’s Beef Challenge • Visit Fort Worth presents Music Experience • Wild Fork presents Bubbles & Bites • Zimmerer Kubota and Equipment presenting sponsor Rodeo Tractor Drag ENTER HERE Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 16 - February 7, 2026 www.fwssr.com
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