The late E. Paul Waggoner, heir to the half-million acre Waggoner Ranch located in Vernon,Texas (Wilbarger County), decided in 1945 that he wanted the best rodeo arena money could buy.
With nothing (including a budget) to stand in his way, Waggoner proceeded to construct Vernon’s Santa Rosa Rodeo Grounds, a ninety-acre complex featuring an outdoor lighted rodeo arena, ten bucking chutes, roping chutes, a bandstand, announcer’s booth, and private owner’s box known as the “Crow’s Nest”.
The grandstands, brought from the Arlington Downs Race Track, held a seating capacity of 4700 and an additional five bleachers provided seating for another 3,000 spectators.
Nearby, Waggoner built a stud barn and horse stalls, offices, a vet clinic, corrals and pens, and a 28,000 square-foot, covered riding arena that also served as a dance floor complete with band stage.
Waggoner’s notable quarter horse, “Poco Bueno”, even had his own private pen with a water vat for soaking his feet.
Today, this historic rodeo complex continues to host the Santa Rosa Roundup, Vernon’s annual Santa Rosa Rodeo Grounds tradition begun in 1946.
In 2020,the Arena was definitely showing its age. A small group of dedicated volunteers struggled every year to make it safe enough to continue the tradition.
Through my Family Charity (Miller Family Funds), I worked with the non-profit association that puts on the annual Rodeo to help restore the Arena. Three truck loads of treated 2x12 treated lumber; two truck loads of 2x8 treated lumper; a new roof; fiber optic connectivity; new seating for the “luxury boxes”; and thousands of volunteer hours and we have returned this rodeo arena to its former glory.
I was privileged to attend four days of events for this years 76th annual Rodeo and I am confident that the Santa Rosa Arena will survive for another 76 years.
I hope you enjoy the video.
https://youtu.be/Jf6zhtVA8K4
