Ranger Rodeo Comes to Town

"Today it's a little bit of nervousness, a little bit of excitement," says Ranger College Rodeo Coach Llew Rust.

The road to get here was bumpy and met with a lot hesitation from many people, including the rodeo competitors.

"They didn't know if they wanted to leave Ranger and go somewhere else. But since they got here and been working on the arena they say it's a great facility and they're all good with it," explains Rust.

The city of Brownwood welcomed them with open arms and so far has played a crucial role in the rodeo's success.

"We haven't asked for anything that they haven't helped us get. They've been fantabulous," says Rust.

Last year the rodeo had about 2000 people in the stands. This year with a bigger arena and a bigger city, they hope to double that.

"You just have more opportunity here. There's more motels, more businesses," he explains.

Many local businesses have sponsored the rodeo and are anticipating the benefits.

"Nine time out of ten something like that helps us a lot so we always try to help support any big group that is coming through plus our local communities," says section hand steak house owner misty farrow.

They expect business to boom this weekend, doubling their usual count.

"Yeah we're expecting to have a big crowd this weekend. We're expecting a huge crowd," says Farrow.

Scott's Western Wear is also a sponsor and he says his sales also double when rodeos come to town.

"You know, it's probably 40-50% up when we have the big Brown County Rodeo," says Doug Scott, owner of Scott's Western Wear.

But even if this event does not increase sales, he's confident it still helps.

"Any event that comes to town, if it doesn't benefit me directly, it will benefit others which will indirectly benefit me," says Scott.

And as far as next year's benefits are concerned....

"I anticipate talking to Brownwood about coming back in the future," says Rust.

For now, the show will gallop on.