XIT Rodeo

So I got off work early on Friday so Katy and I could drive out to Dalhart, TX to attend the XIT Rodeo.  Each night of the 3-day rodeo they serve a free dinner.  We got a free meal sponsored by Cargill pork and got free pork chops!  It was awesome!  The feed they have on Saturday is the largest free barbecue in the world.

So the XIT Rodeo started out as a reunion for cowhands who used to work on the famous XIT Ranch.  In the 1880's, the Texas government sold 3,000,000 acres to some investors in order to raise money to build the Texas State Capitol building in Austin.  The XIT ranch was the largest fenced ranch in the world and at one time had 150,000 head of cattle on it.  In the early 1900's it was eventually parceled and sold off.

The rodeo is a part of the PRCA circuit, so we got to see some world champion rodeo men.  It was pretty awesome.  Katy and I have loved the faith and patriotism of the people here in Texas.  It was evident at the Rodeo as they started with a prayer and went through the opening ceremony.

Looking good. . . 

Yes, that is a limo truck.  Only in Texas.

Texas flags are as common as the US Flag.

Some good bronco riding.

Katy and I took a second trip to Palo Duro Canyon on Saturday to do some hiking and enjoy the sites. 

Lots of prickly pear in these parts.

The canyon was really green this year with all the rain they've got.