Grand Champion Steer sells for $11,000 record; attendance high
By LEWIS SPEARMAN
CROSBY The Crosby Fair & Rodeo Board awarded seven new scholarships, sold the Grand Champion Steer at an all-time record and had good attendance to the rodeo sport and concert shows in spite of rain and rumors.
The Crosby Fair & Rodeo is dedicated to the future of our cause, our community and stronger than ever before. said Doug Hall, Chairman of the Board, We aren’t going anywhere, we’re going to be here for the long haul.
According to Luther Brady Jr. the 57th marked $101,000 in scholarships presented to students of Crosby and Huffman since the board started and added We want to thank everyone that showed up for the auction and the shows for making it possible.
Five scholarships were awarded during the auction and two were awarded to graduate students during the rodeo. Casey Rush, Kathryn Morrison, Kurt Marek, Kaylee Chitty and Tiffaney Bradley received scholarships during the auction. Kimberly Clifton and Jeanelle Windham were awarded scholarships inside the Rock’n C Arena on Saturday night.
Rain pelted each night of the show but that didn’t stop dedicated sports and concert fans from attending. Although Friday night was lighter than usual, owing to the storm. Thursday night was larger than usual with much of the draw credited by attendants to Gene Watson of Baytown being the opening act. Saturday night, concert fans packed in to see a rollicking performance by Patrick Murphy and Cross Canadian Ragweed
According to Gary Clifton, Overall it was a success. We had a lot of new faces and kept our traditions. Including the tradition of bad weather. People fertilizing grass or hay really appreciate us putting on the show because it brings more rain every year. The 57th will go down as a prolific and profitable year. We are looking forward to next year. The large crowd that attended Saturday night pushed back the effects of Tropical Storm Alison, it was very gratifying for us older board members to see that we had turned the corner from weaker years.
The auction total was $164,810 for 96 exhibits. Wade Armstrong exhibited the 1300 lbs., Grand Champion Steer bought by Mr. Owens of Owens Specialty Company for $11,000. Annie Michalsky bought the 57th Crosby Fair & Rodeo Belt Buckle for $2,000. RSMIS Foundation purchased a round trip to Las Vegas for $3,050.
Rodeo Queens put beauty in the show
This year, the Crosby Rodeo Queens Contest attracted five lovely and skilled equestrians. Misty Watkins was crowned Queen. Kathryn Morrison was Duchess. Most photogenic went to Andrea Deajon. Horsemanship also went to Misty Watkins. Nicole McGinty was Miss Congeniality. McGinty paid the cost of taking her award, on Thursday night she sprained her ankle following a hard ride. The spunky rider didn’t let that stop her though, not only did she perform well the next two nights, she delighted everyone with her presence. Also recognized for her participation was Julie Glover.
According to Judge Judy Culbreath of Baytown, Walton Feed & Western Wear supplied the Belt Buckle for Horsemanship, Congeniality, Photogenic and the Queen’s Crown. The saddle’s awarded for Queen and Duchess were donated anonymously. The Queen’s Belt Buckle was donated by Gary Bailey Insurance of Baytown. The Duchess Belt Buckle was donated Highlands Tractor Kawasaki. Lovely floral arrangements of roses were donated by Crosby Florist and Gifts. Goody bags were donated by area merchants.
According to Mary Wright, The Queen’s Contest was determined by judges based 40% on Horsemanship, 20% on personality and appearance, and 40% on an interview.