The 49th Annual Brown County Rodeo kicked off Thursday, a cool night at the Earl Q. Wilson Arena in Brownwood, with 388 entries and a total of $45,000 in prize money up for grabs over the three-day event.

Contestants from across Texas, Colorado and even as far away as Australia entered this weekend’s events of bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, saddle bronco riding, tie down roping, team roping and break away roping. Some contestants included past and present World Champions.

Rodeo royalty was present as well, including Miss Brown County Fair Association Ashley Garrett of Early, Miss West Texas Fair Association Calli Harvey of Abilene, and Miss Rodeo Texas Lauren Graham of Kemp, Texas.

Thursday night started off with the traditional Grand Entry with lots of local riders and beautiful horses.  Powerful rodeo stock from Terry Walls gave the cowboys some tough competition.  KRBC’s Randy Turner has the role of announcer this year.  Entertainment of the skilled riding of the Coleman County Cowgirls and rodeo clown Slim Garner was also featured.

The rodeo will continue Friday, June 8 and Saturday, June 9 (starting at 8pm each night) at the Earl Q. Wilson Arena/ Brown County Youth Fair Grounds on Hwy 377 S.

Advance adult tickets are $8 each, $10 at the gate.  Kids tickets (under 12) are $3 in advance and $5 at the gate.   Advance tickets in Brownwood are available at KOXE, TexasBank, Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Scott’s Western Wear, and Citizen’s National Bank; in Zephyr at Diamond “R” Store and in San Saba at Harry’s.

The 49th Annual Brown County Rodeo Parade will take place on Saturday, June 9th at 10am in Downtown Brownwood.   Entry forms for the parade are available at the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce or online at http://www.browncountyfairandrodeo.com.

The Brown County Rodeo dance will close out rodeo week on June 9th.  This year’s dance will feature Pauline Reese.  Dance tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.    Doors open at the Brownwood Coliseum for the dance at 8pm on Saturday, June 9th.

Please view videos of the grand entry and bull riding below along with pictures of the Thursday night Brown County Rodeo by clicking the photo gallery below.

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