Annual PRCA Rodeo to be held April 21 and 22 in Longview, Tx.
The Longview PRCA Rodeo (Rodeo) began as a cooperative effort between a local radio station, KYKX 105.7 and Andrews Rodeo Company. In 1997 the radio station was sold to a new investment group and could no longer produce the rodeo. Sammy Andrews approached the Longview (Greggton) Rotary Club of Longview, Texas, Inc. (Greggton Rotary) to take over the production of the Rodeo.
In 2015 Greggton Rotary formed Longview (Greggton) Rotary Charities, Inc. (Greggton Charities) a volunteer supported, 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values. It has produced the Rodeo since then.
Greggton Rotary has close to 100 members. The Rodeo is the largest fundraiser during the year. Multiple area nonprofits apply for grant funding from rodeo proceeds each year. Over $75,000 in funding was provided from proceeds of the 2022 Rodeo. In total, Greggton Rotary /Greggton Charities has donated more than $900,000 to various community organizations since they took over the production of the rodeo.
Greggton Rotary (the founders of Greggton Charities) contributes to the quality of life in the City of Longview, Gregg County and throughout the East Texas area. This is done through a first-class two-day Rodeo, year round fund raising events, and various community and youth oriented programs. Greggton Rotary is true and committed to its mission of supporting Youth and Community. All revenue generated is reinvested into our various programs, scholarships and facilities.
Third generation stock contractor and award-winning Sammy Andrews was introduced to rodeo at a young age. The son of Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame Contractor, B. D. Burr” Andrews, a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Stock Contractor in the 40’s and 50’s, Sammy competed in bareback riding and steer wrestling and eventually followed in his father’s footsteps. Sammy began producing amateur rodeos in 1980 and bought his PRCA Card in 1987. For over 40 years he worked as a pickup man. Sammy along with son James, who manages the breeding program, takes pride in producing and raising some of the rankest bucking bulls in rodeo history, such as: Bodacious; Bo’s Excuse and Bo Dippin; Skat Kat Skoal; Tumble Weed; Wild Weed and Little Weed; Erkel and Erks Me; Fender Bender and Red Onion, along with superior bucking horses such as: Roany Wiggles Skoal; Skoals Roly Poly; Copenhagen Omalene and Faded Star, just to name a few.
Plan to come out for two great evenings of family fun, April 21 and 22. You'll be glad you did!
