The Angelina Benefit Rodeo wrapped up its four-night run on Saturday, concluding another successful year at the George H.
Henderson Jr. Exposition Center. “I’ve been here every night,” said Glenda Deshire, of Zavalla. “It seems like the rodeo is great every year, and I can’t say that this year’s show was any different than that.” Fireworks, fog and flags were again staples of the entertainment at this year’s event, as was longtime rodeo announcer Mike Mathis. “He (Mathis) helps make the whole experience,” said Lauren Boles, of Nacogdoches. “The competition is amazing, and the entertainment level was sky high this year.” While this year’s rodeo may not reach the almost $300,000 that was grossed in 2008, the turnout was certainly a positive one, as Lufkin Host Lions Club President Garry Sorrell predicts at least $100,000 in proceeds &mdash much of which will go to the Lufkin State School. The success of the “Greatest Show on Dirt” should come as no surprise considering the intensity of events like steer wrestling and team roping, and the quality of cowboys like bull riders J.B. Mauney and Cody Samora. “I really enjoy watching these competitors do their thing,” said Clay Prewitt, of Lufkin. “They are extremely dedicated to this sport and when you watch them you can tell. The lights and speakers are awesome, but it’s the athletes to me that make the rodeo every year.”
The Benefit Rodeo began in the early 1960s when the Lions Club was invited to join the Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol Posse in expanding the size and profitability and it has turned into one of the largest charity events in East Texas. Thanks to the continued effort of the Lufkin Host Lions Club and the Angelina County Mounted Patrol and hundreds of local supporting businesses and individuals, the rodeo has continued to have a positive impact on Angelina County.