The 2023 Comanche Springs Rodeo was a huge success, with over 3,000 people attending over three days, cheering on the cowboys and cowgirls as they competed in various events, including bull riding, bronc riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing.

The cowboys and cowgirls put on a great show and an exciting competition. Fans enjoyed the new views of the bucking chutes – putting all of the action front and center for every seat in the Pecos County Coliseum.

The Miss Rodeo Comanche Springs royalty were all on hand to greet attendees, along with special appearances by Miss UPRA and Miss Rodeo Texas Princess. Miss UPRA, and Miss Rodeo Texas Princess are both previous Miss Rodeo Comanche Springs winners, which the Comanche Springs Rodeo is very proud of.

The 2023 rodeo had 227 participants across nine events, with winners taking home almost a total of $46,000 in prize money, and drew attendees from across the region, as well as statewide, plus New Mexico, California, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and even as far away as Canada.

The rodeo concluded with a full day of events on Saturday, March 25, starting with a parade Saturday morning and ending with a free dance Saturday night with live music by The Stateline Band.

The Comanche Springs Rodeo is an annual Fort Stockton Chamber of Commerce event supported by generous sponsorships of local companies and individuals.

The Rodeo Committee, made up of Arna McCorkle, Bob Hayter, Rhonda Golliher, Remie Ramos, Tom Chapman, and Letricia Slater, all serve as members of the Fort Stockton Chamber of Commerce.

All sponsorships are used to produce the rodeo, and proceeds from the sale of concessions and beer at the event benefit local non-profit organizations.

This year, $500 was raised for the Lilah Smith Safe House and $1,000 for Leadership Fort Stockton. The rodeo had 60 sponsors, including the Fort Stockton CVB, Hayter Ranch, Ram Country, Cormint, and Encore Oil (see “Thank You” ad for complete sponsor list).

Rodeo is a time-honored tradition in our community - a chance to unite and celebrate our western heritage. But the rodeo would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the volunteers behind it.

Volunteers come from all walks of life with a shared love of rodeo. They give their time and energy to ensure the rodeo succeeds, working long hours, often under challenging conditions. But they do it all with a smile on their face. The rodeo would not be possible without them.

The following organizations supported the 2023 rodeo with volunteers: Lilah Smith Safe House, Leadership Fort Stockton Alumni, Chamber Ambassadors, Youth Leadership, Leadership Fort Stockton Class of 2022-2023, and the Fort Stockton Chamber of Commerce.

The Fort Stockton Chamber of Commerce and the Comanche Springs Rodeo Committee thank everyone, from participants and volunteers to attendees, for making the 2023 Rodeo one for the books. They are already looking forward to next year.

If you’d like information about becoming more involved with the Fort Stockton Chamber of Commerce or the Comanche Springs Rodeo, call the Chamber at 432-336-2264, or stop by 1000 Railroad Ave.