Stock Show & Rodeo, Santa Fe Trail, connected at hip
Jim Sánchez/ Conexión San Ángelo
SAN ANGELO – The San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo, entering its’ 87th year, is scheduled to be in town on February 1, 2019 for its opening curtain act, set for 7:30 p.m. Wouldn’t you know it that the very next day its’ “little cousin” 16-year-old, Santa Fe Trail Ride and Wagon Train will come down the streets of North Chadbourne, originating from the Foster Communications Coliseum before the route stops off at the Fort Concho grounds.
The point man behind the origins of the Santa Fe Trial, Mr. Lynn Donaho, Trail ride co-chairman, was not in town as of this interview but took time to email his questions to Conexión. The other Co-Chairman is Tabitha Baker as she and Lynn are both on the Trail Ride Committee.
“When I first started the Santa Fe Trail in 2004, we had about 10 riders and three wagons,” said Donaho. 16 years later, people from the Dakotas, Utah, Missouri, Louisiana, and from other parts of the country will be here which consists of about 100 Riders and 20 plus wagons.
While Lynn is the person in charge, he has given the reins over to his trail boss, Charlie Bowers, who has led the Santa Fe group of outstanding riders for the past four years.
As for who is the youngest rider participant, Donaho stated it was a 10-year-old with the oldest one being Joe Howard. Howard who is from East Texas and will be 87-years-old, was previously a Texas Rodeo participant.
Donaho concluded the interview by saying. “The reason I do this is for the kids.” “All the money we raise goes to the scholarship fund.” “That's what the San Angelo Stock Show Rodeo is all about--providing education for our future generation.”