Rodeo season is back in Cleveland, Texas, bringing two nights of thrilling competitions, community traditions, and family-friendly entertainment. The Cleveland Pro Rodeo will take place on Friday and Saturday, March 28-29, at 7:30 p.m. nightly, at the Stancil Exposition Center, 211 Peach St., Cleveland.
Sponsored by Martin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Martin Chevrolet, the event will feature professional rodeo competitions along with crowd-favorite activities such as the “Battle of the Chapters” FFA steer saddling and mutton bustin’.
FFA chapters will compete in the Battle of the Chapters, where three-person teams will attempt to saddle a steer in the fastest time. The team with the best time from both nights will take home three championship buckles. Mutton bustin’ is open to children 7 and under who weigh 70 pounds or less. The entry fee is $40 (cash only), and registration will be held at 5:30 p.m. on both nights. Prizes will be awarded to the top young riders.
Rodeo tickets are $10 for adults, while children 10 and under get in free. Vendor booths and concession stands will be open throughout the event, offering a variety of food and shopping options.
As the rodeo action continues, the Cleveland Livestock Show and Dairy Day Parade will roll through downtown Cleveland on Saturday, March 29, at 3 p.m. The parade is a favorite local tradition, showcasing floats, antique vehicles, and community spirit. The deadline to enter the parade is Monday, March 24, by 4 p.m. Floats must be built on wheels and can be pulled by a car, truck, horse, mule, or even a person. Decorated vehicles are welcome but will not be judged as floats unless they are towing a decorated trailer.
Parade entries will be divided into Commercial and Non-Commercial categories. Businesses will compete in the Commercial Float division, while churches, schools, and other organizations will be judged in the Non-Commercial Float category. All floats must have clear labeling with large lettering displaying the name of the business or organization on both sides.
On parade day, lineup will take place between 1 and 2 p.m. beside Sanctuary Church along Travis Street. Judging begins promptly at 2 p.m., and any floats not in place by that time will not be considered. Winners will be contacted by the Cleveland Livestock Show committee to receive their trophy. The parade will officially begin at 3 p.m.
For those interested in participating, completed entry forms must be emailed to amanda.diane.brooks@gmail.com by March 24. Additional questions can be directed to 936-662-0116.
In addition to the rodeo and parade, the annual rodeo queens contest will also take place, with details on contestants and the crowning of the winner to be shared in a separate article.
The week of livestock shows will culminate in the Cleveland Youth Livestock Auction on Friday, April 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the rodeo arena. This is a major event for young exhibitors, as they sell their livestock and projects to supportive buyers from the community. Prior to the auction, a Buyer’s Appreciation Dinner will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., giving attendees a chance to meet the exhibitors and enjoy a meal in recognition of their support.
For those looking to purchase remaining livestock projects, a Freezer Sale will take place on Saturday, April 5, at 10 a.m. This provides another opportunity for buyers to support local youth and take home quality, locally raised meat.