The 59th annual Jim Bowie Days Celebration opening on the weekend with not only rodeo arena action, but golfers were burning up the green and barbecue was smoking at Pelham Park.
Bowie’s largest western celebration that runs June 21-28 opened on Friday with the first ever Smokedown event that continued into Saturday. Golfers then took to the tees for the golf tournament at Top of Lake Golf Club. The fishing tournament was postponed due to high water conditions at Lake Amon G. Carter. The lake had been closed due to flood, but reopened on June 20.
The father son team of Parker and Benton Brown won first in the golf tournament. Watch for photos and full results in the next edition.
In its first year the Smokedown welcomed a total of 24 teams for the barbecue competition. The cook included chicken, pork spare ribs, beans and brisket, along with a steak jackpot. Coordinator Cory Hickey said he was very pleased with the turnout and looks forward to watching it grow.
The overall champion who garnered the most points across all categories was Bud Brown, with reserve champion Chris Hatcher. Each of the cookers earned points in the Outlaw BBQ event as the compete across the region.

4D Barrel Racing made a move to Sunday for its events at the rodeo arena as some of the fastest cowgirls in the region competed. See results and photos in today’s sports section.
Rodeo action
The two-night youth rodeo runs June 24-25. On Tuesday the youth rodeo featured speed events and mutton bustin’ and on Wednesday the roping events and mutton bustin’ ran. Youth rodeo is open to ages 4-19. Watch for coverage in next week’s Bowie News.
The first night of the UPRA rodeo is at 7:30 p.m. on June 26 with mutton bustin’ check-in at 6:30 p.m. On this night there also will be an FFA calf scramble and children’s calf scramble. Slack will follow the performance.
Tickets to the rodeo are $10 in advance and available online at jimbowiedays.org or from any of the queen or princess contestants.

Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.