Smooth Rides for Rodeo Weekend Thanks to Timely Roadway Repairs

Coincidentally, Just in time for the Independence Day Rodeo, the County Fairgrounds just received an infrastructure face lift. The 18-wheeler access roads have been reinforced with tons of fresh caliche, including the main entry road, bulk road, and circle around. As thousands of passenger cars are preparing to descend upon the fairgrounds, dozens of rodeo trailers have already begun unloading. Thankfully, the recent roadway repairs should keep the traffic flowing.

Rodeos are one of Val Verde County’s largest annual visitor attractions. According to the Chamber of Commerce, the rodeo brings in more revenue than any other event in town. Maintaining the venue infrastructure is crucial to continued event success. Precinct 1 Commissioner Kerr Wardlaw said the timing of roadway improvements wasn’t intentional, but he was grateful to see it completed in time for 4th of July festivities to benefit.

Wardlaw said material hasn’t been hauled into the fairground for decades. He estimated 30 to 40 years since caliche has been brought on site. There are plans to repair the fairground’s asphalt roads in the future, but that has yet to be set in stone. Other roads such as Rose Avenue and Echo Cliffs are taking priority and will be addressed first.

Trees on the fairgrounds property also got some much-needed attention. Important for erosion and dust prevention, the trees along the fairground’s roadways serve a greater purpose than simply curb appeal. Recent drought conditions have placed the trees under threat. As a solution, now all palm, oak, and ash trees are encircled with a 2’ border wall. Each tree has their own little moat to help with water retention when the fairgrounds water trucks complete their rounds.

The rodeo is a collaborative effort. The county and fairgrounds crew work together to maintain the property. The Rotary Club exerts enormous efforts in planning and coordination. The City of Del Rio provides HOT funds, and the Chamber of Commerce helps with marketing. Local businesses join in through sponsorships and special events. With these infrastructure improvements in place and the community's continued dedication, the Independence Day Rodeo is set to be a roaring success for years to come.