This year’s Wimberley VFW Independence Day rodeo is the continuation of a summer tradition dating almost to the beginning of settlement in the valley.
Life was hard, and isolated residents looked for ways to relax, let off steam and socialize. Local cowboys would get together to show off their skills in horseback riding, bull riding and roping. Following the Civil War, Independence Day gatherings were held on the riverbank at what is now The Waters Point.
As the annual rodeo grew, a rodeo association was formed to bring serious planning to the event. In 1935, the rodeo moved to a site near the present Wimberley High School. The rodeo grounds included a quarter horse racetrack.
In 1946, the newly formed VFW Post 6441 took over the rodeo, which by that time was a Wimberley tradition, as a fundraiser to help local charities.
In 1948, the owner of Eagle Rock Resort (now Woodcreek), offered to let the VFW use 10 acres on Jacobs Well Road near Cypress Creek. It became known as the Rodeo Bowl with an arena, a racetrack, dance floor, concession stand and barbecue pit.
In 1951, the rodeo moved to a site next to the old VFW hall at the corner of Cypress Creek Road and Ranch Road 12.
The VFW and the rodeo arena moved to the present location in 1985. The Chester Franklin Rodeo Arena, named for the post member responsible for its construction, today remains much as it was built 37 years ago.
15,000 spectators attend the annual rodeo during its three-day run—a Wimberley summer tradition.
This year’s rodeo is July 1,2 and 3. For tickets and information, visit www.vfw6441.com.
