Seymour became the meeting
point for cowmen from all over the western part of Texas. In 1896, an
event was held in Seymour which was the first of its kind. It was called
a "Cowboy Reunion" and was so popular that it became a tradition
and is still held each year in July. There is no known record of any Cowboy
Reunion held earlier than the one Seymour had in July of 1896.
A retired cowboy, Jeff Scott, had the idea of a reunion for cowboys. The
idea caught the attention of the townspeople, and in July 1896, a 3 day
reunion was held. Rodeo style events were held, along with a barbecue,
baseball games, and a Grand Ball. Hundreds of people attended and it was
so successful, it was decided to have another Reunion the following year.
The Reunion of 1897 was even more successful than the first. The main
event of the second reunion was the attendance of Chief Quanah Parker
and some 300 Native Americans. One night they staged an "Indian War
Dance", dressed in full battle regalia, dancing around a bonfire.
The Cowboy Reunion became an annual event and is held the second weekend
in July each year. It is now known as the "Old Settlers Reunion and
Rodeo".
A. Old Settlers Reunion and Rodeo Queens 2001 and 2000
B. Rodeo Association Riders in the Parade
C. Jodi Gray, age 18
Daughter of Joe and Teresa Gray
Jodi started out riding horses when she was old enough to sit in a saddle
and hold onto the reins, around the age of two. She didn't actually start
competing in rodeos until she was about three. Jodi's love for horses
grew as she did herself. Jodi is still very active with her horses and
the rodeo circuit. Jodi started out competing in the barrel race, flag
race, pole bending and goat hair pulling. She grew up with a rope in her
hand, roping whatever got in front of her. At the age of six she began
roping cattle from a horse. She went to her first team roping competition
at the age of eight. After that she decided that she wanted to rope calves.
Breakaway roping is one event that she is still competing in today, at
the age of eighteen. Jodi also competes in the goat tying and barrel race.
D. Adam Gray, age 17
Son of Gil and Beverly Gray
Adam has been riding horses since he was 2 years old and began competing
in Junior rodeo events at age 6. He has won multiple awards and prizes
in competitions including saddles, belt buckles and plaques. This past
summer Adam competed in the Texas High School Rodeo Association State
Finals and placed 4th in the State in team roping. His next challenge
is steer wrestling, which he says is "pretty tough".
Adam's plans for the future are to continue his education seeking a degree
in engineering and will continue to participate in rodeo events.
February: Chamber Banquet
April:
Baylor County Ag Appreciation Day
May:
Fish Day
June:
Festival in the Park
September: Dove Hunter’s Breakfast
October: Fall Festival
December: Lighted
Christmas Parade
December:
Mistletoe Market
December: Twilight Tour of Homes
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