WOODVILLE – Since 1968, Western Weekend has been an integral part of the Dogwood Festival, celebrating the region’s deep-rooted western heritage.
What began as a special parade for the trail bosses of various trail rides has grown into a full weekend of festivities, featuring a rodeo, vendors, and traditions that attract visitors from near and far.
Western Weekend’s highlight has always been the Western Day Parade, originally established to showcase the many horseback riders traveling into town for the Queen’s Parade. Over the years, the parade has boasted more than 1,500 horses and has hosted renowned groups such as the Jefferson County Mounted Drill Team, The Orange County Drill Team, San Augustine 4-H Club Drill Team, Owens Country Sausage Stagecoach and Horses, and the Angelina County Sheriff’s Posse.
The Western Weekend Parade will take place on Saturday, March 29, at 2 p.m., featuring trail riders, wagons, floats, and tractors. Additionally, vendors will be set up throughout downtown Woodville, offering food and crafts for visitors to enjoy.
A major draw of Western Weekend is the annual rodeo, once again sponsored by the Woodville Lions Club. This year, the rodeo will be held on Friday, March 28, at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, March 29, at 4:30 p.m. Produced by Bubba Miller’s Branded for Christ Rodeo Company, the rodeo is a CPRA-sanctioned event featuring thrilling competitions such as Junior NFR bull riding, mini bareback riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and team roping.
Children are invited to participate in the calf scramble (ages 10-12) and the goat scramble (ages 3-9), with sign-ups taking place before each rodeo performance.
One of the most anticipated events is Mutton Bustin’, where young riders test their skills in an exciting sheep-riding competition. Entry costs $30 per ride, and participants must be 7 years old or younger and weigh no more than 60 pounds. The Mutton Bustin’ competition will be held on both days, beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday (sign-ups from 5-6 p.m.) and at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday (sign-ups from 2:30-3:30 p.m.). Sign-ups will be located under the cover stand at the Rodeo Arena.
Pre-sale rodeo tickets are available at Sullivan’s Hardware, Tyler County Chamber of Commerce, Tyco Feed, Tolar Feed, and from Woodville Lions Club members. Pre-sale prices are $8 for adults and $6 for children (12 and under). At the gate, tickets will be $10 for adults and $8 for children.
Don’t miss out on this cherished Woodville tradition—Western Weekend promises a weekend full of excitement, community spirit, and fun!
For more information on the parade, go to the Tyler County Dogwood Festival Facebook page or visit our website at www.tylercountydogwoodfestival.org.
