The annual Rodeo Heritage Honor Benefit banquet will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13 in the Dublin High School Cafetorium on E. Highway 6 with a program to honor Ralph “Jasbo” Fulkerson and Adolph J. Stricker.
The banquet pays tribute to the World Championship Rodeo and those people who lived the western life and helped make a difference during the Rodeo’s formative years and who contributed to rodeo history.
The honorees will be introduced through the Rodeo Honors documentary film for 2021 and historian Dr. Vernon L. Williams. Jasbo Fulkerson was one of the greatest rodeo clowns of the early twentieth century. Although he passed from this life in a tragic truck accident in 1949, during his career he compiled a significant record in the rodeo arena, saving the lives of many competitors through his innovative style of entertainment and diversion techniques.
Adolph J. Stricker was a blacksmith who worked for Everett Colborn on the Lightning C Ranch in the early days of the rodeo in Dublin. He began working for Colonel W. T. Johnson and the World Championship Rodeo in 1934 and two years later, joined Everett Colborn when the rodeo moved from South Texas to Dublin. Stricker spent his life working with livestock and using his talents as a blacksmith in support of ranchers and farmers in Texas. His life on the land and his commitment to the values of living the western life continue to live on in the memory of those who knew him.
The museum invites all those interested in rodeo history to celebrate with dinner, entertainment, the 2021 honor film, auction and drawing of our Collectible Rifle Raffle Program.
It all begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Dublin High School Cafeteria, Dublin, Texas on November 13, 2021.
Pick up tickets at the Rodeo Heritage Museum, open Wednesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. or send check to P.O. Box 321, Dublin, TX 76446. Tickets are $20. Proceeds support the preservation of Dublin’s rodeo history.
From 1937 to 1959, the “World’s Championship Rodeo” company was headquartered outside Dublin, Texas on the Lightning C Ranch, owned by Everett Colborn and partners. Famous actorcowboy singing star Gene Autry joined the partnership in 1942 and got top billing which helped to boost rodeo attendance.
The World’s Championship Rodeo Company, which traveled the rodeo circuit on a 24-car train, produced the Madison Square Garden Rodeos in New York City and the Boston Garden Rodeos, along with other national rodeos during the late 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.
With the world famous rodeo company headquartered outside Dublin, the World’s Championship Dublin Rodeo drew thousands of nightly visitors to Dublin and brought commerce and thrills to the people of Dublin and the Erath County area.
The community and rodeo fans are encouraged to help support the museum by donating an auction item or serving as a sponsor for $250. Donations are tax deductible and receipts will be supplied.
For more information about tickets, sponsorships or donations, call the Dublin Rodeo Heritage Museum at 254 445-0200 or email rodeoheritagemuseum@centurylink.net.
—submitted