Kueckelhan Ranch Rodeo
Duane Clawson
7/28/20262 min read
All Images © Red River Current Media / dc photowerx
There are certain things you will always remember: your first kiss, your first car, and in Texas, your first rodeo. My first was the Kueckelhan Ranch Rodeo. In fact, it was my first rodeo anywhere—I was fifty-seven years late to the party!
Just outside the city limits of Bonham, Texas, on Highway 78, you will find Kueckelhan’s Rodeo. They have hosted this annual tradition since 1955, when it was started by family patriarch Haynes Kueckelhan as a friendly competition among local ranch hands in and around Fannin County. Over the decades, it has grown from humble beginnings into a three-day event, typically held the last full weekend in July.
This year’s festivities featured Mutton Bustin’, Bull Riding, Breakaway Roping, Steer Wrestling, and Bronc Riding. Between the action, Pro Rodeo Barrelman and Entertainer Brandon Dunn kept the crowd laughing with his signature dad jokes and by selecting the "Fan of the Night." We were also treated to a performance by specialty act Amanda Payne, who is carving her own path in the arena while following in the legendary footsteps of her father, the renowned PRCA entertainer known as the One-Armed Bandit.
With plenty of vendors and food options, your thirst will be quenched and your belly will be full. Just a friendly tip: some vendors are cash-only, so be sure to hit the ATM before you arrive. If you have never attended a rodeo, Kueckelhan's is definitely the perfect place to start!
