Longview Juneteenth Rodeo rides on despite excessive heat warning

LONGVIEW, Texas ( KETK ) – The Real Cowboy Association stopped in Longview on their tour to the National Black Rodeo finals on Saturday.

“We put this together to showcase black cowboys, to showcase cowboys that can’t go to Vegas, California, New York City,” Real Cowboy Association general manager Maurice Cowan said.

Real Cowboy Association official timekeeper Jalen James said that it’s all about showing people that there are plenty of local black cowboys who love the sport.

“Just educating and letting people know that there is still black cowboys in the community and in the area doing what we love to do,” James said.

Saturday saw an excessive heat warning in East Texas, but the cowboys and cowgirls didn’t let that stop them from saddling up.

“We trying to beat it, I don’t know how good we doing, but trying to stay in the shade,” Cowan said.

Despite the higher temperatures causing a delayed start to the rodeo, Longview showed up to cheer on their favorite riders.

“You know, your people are out here partying, there’s no drama, there’s no mess, it’s just all good fun, got cowboys, got bull riders, we got barrel racers, it’s a great time,” Cowan said.

It was a night the whole family could enjoy. The Real Cowboy Association National Black Rodeo finals will be held in November in Bossier City, Louisiana.

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