Seymour became the meeting point for cowmen from all over the western part of Texas. In 1896, an event was held in Seymour which was the first of its kind. It was called a "Cowboy Reunion" and was so popular that it became a tradition and is still held each year in July. There is no known record of any Cowboy Reunion held earlier than the one Seymour had in July of 1896.

A retired cowboy, Jeff Scott, had the idea of a reunion for cowboys. The idea caught the attention of the townspeople, and in July 1896, a 3 day reunion was held. Rodeo style events were held, along with a barbecue, baseball games, and a Grand Ball. Hundreds of people attended and it was so successful, it was decided to have another Reunion the following year.

The Reunion of 1897 was even more successful than the first. The main event of the second reunion was the attendance of Chief Quanah Parker and some 300 Native Americans. One night they staged an "Indian War Dance", dressed in full battle regalia, dancing around a bonfire.

The Cowboy Reunion became an annual event and is held the second weekend in July each year. It is now known as the "Old Settlers Reunion and Rodeo".

A. Old Settlers Reunion and Rodeo Queens 2001 and 2000

B. Rodeo Association Riders in the Parade

C. Jodi Gray, age 18 - Daughter of Joe and Teresa Gray

Jodi started out riding horses when she was old enough to sit in a saddle and hold onto the reins, around the age of two. She didn't actually start competing in rodeos until she was about three. Jodi's love for horses grew as she did herself. Jodi is still very active with her horses and the rodeo circuit. Jodi started out competing in the barrel race, flag race, pole bending and goat hair pulling. She grew up with a rope in her hand, roping whatever got in front of her. At the age of six she began roping cattle from a horse. She went to her first team roping competition at the age of eight. After that she decided that she wanted to rope calves. Breakaway roping is one event that she is still competing in today, at the age of eighteen. Jodi also competes in the goat tying and barrel race.

D. Adam Gray, age 17 - Son of Gil and Beverly Gray

Adam has been riding horses since he was 2 years old and began competing in Junior rodeo events at age 6. He has won multiple awards and prizes in competitions including saddles, belt buckles and plaques. This past summer Adam competed in the Texas High School Rodeo Association State Finals and placed 4th in the State in team roping. His next challenge is steer wrestling, which he says is "pretty tough".

Adam's plans for the future are to continue his education seeking a degree in engineering and will continue to participate in rodeo events.

February: Chamber Banquet

April: Baylor County Ag Appreciation Day

May: Fish Day

October: Fall Festival

December: Lighted Christmas Parade

December: Mistletoe Market Tour

December: Twilight Tour of Homes

Myra Busby
Managing Director • Chamber of Commerce
301 N. Washington / P.O. Box 1379
Seymour, Texas 76380
Phone: 940-889-2921
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