Rodeo!

George Paul Memorial Bullriding Superbull takes place in Del Rio every April. This is the largest bullriding event in the United States, drawing folks to participate from all over the country. Superbull attracts not just diehard rodeo fans but members of Congress and even Olympic athletes.

The Superbull event is named in memory of George Paul, who was born and grew up in Del Rio. Sadly, he was killed in an airplane accident in 1970 at the age of 23, ending what many in pro rodeo believe could have been the greatest professional bull riding career of all time.

The 2002 Superbull marked 25 years of George Paul Memorial Bullriding. Past champions have included Denny Flynn, Lane Frost, Cody Lambert, Tuff Hedeman and Jerome Davis. The Paul family produces the Superbull each year at the Val Verde County Fairgrounds.

Bad Company Rodeo is known for being the first rodeo production team to use rock music as part of the show, and that tradition has not changed. BadCo still rocks the house every September at the Dále Gas Pro Rodeo. Dále Gas is Spanish for "give it the gas," and that's exactly what happens - BadCo stomps that pedal and revs the crowd. Del Rioans gather at the Val Verde County Fairgrounds to watch some of the finest bullriders, steer ropers, barrel racers, and bucking broncos in the world. A highlight of the show is a daredevil motorcycle jump over the BadCo trailer by Troy "The Wild Child" Lerwill. Rodeo clowns, a children's calf chase, and rock and roll round out the weekend.

For more information, visit badcompanyrodeo.com.

Festivities and Celebrations

In addition to American celebrations such as the Fourth of July, Del Rio also recognizes traditional Mexican holidays and one very special day of friendship.

AMERICAN HOLIDAYS

Fourth of July

Del Rioans observe Independence Day in old-fashioned American ways. Vendors set up kiosks with food and drink for the celebrants. As the sun sets, families gather to watch fireworks downtown. Patriotic feeling is eveywhere.

Oktoberfest

Del Rio began officially observing Oktoberfest in 1995; the celebration takes place each September at the Whitehead Memorial Museum. The dinner menu includes traditional German dishes such as bratwurst, weisswurst, sauerkraut, and authentic German beer. An oompah band provides the dancing music, and a silent auction provides plenty of fun for the family.

Veterans Day

Each year, Del Rio and Laughlin Air Force Base remember their military veterans. The city holds a Veterans Day parade and memorial service. Veterans from the community speak about their experiences; a 21-gun salute honors those who died, while the POW/MIA flag flies for those who never returned.

One unique aspect of the parade concerns the Amistad Kennel Club. For Veterans Day, the AKC's members march with dogs bearing the names of "hero dogs" who helped their troops in wartime.

MEXICAN HOLIDAYS

Cinco de Mayo

This victory day inflames patriotism and pride in the hearts of the citizens of Mexico. Here in Del Rio, kinship with Ciudad Acuña inspires merrymaking on this side of the border as well. In the days surrounding Cinco de Mayo, booths at Brown Plaza offer food, crafts, gifts, and fun for everyone.

Diez y Seis

September 16 (Diez y Seis de Diciembre) is the anniversary of Mexican independence from Spain. As such, it too commands fireworks and revelry. Ciudad Acuña dresses up in red, white, and green, while Del Rio hosts a carnival with a variety of vendors and activities.

DAY OF FRIENDSHIP

Fiesta de Amistad

Fiesta de Amistad promotes the friendship between sister cities Del Rio, Texas, USA, and Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico. The commemoration started as the Good Neighbor Day in 1956 and grew into a weeklong display featuring the only parade in the world that starts in one country and ends in another.

The Miss Del Rio Pageant heralds the start of Fiesta de Amistad each year. Originally called the Miss Fiesta Pageant and held in July, the pageant has been conducted annually since 1934. A similar contest takes place in Ciudad Acuña and both queens are presented in the parade.

Fiesta activities also include a chess tournament, an arts and crafts festival, a bike race, and the Abrazo, a traditional embrace between the mayors of both cities at Amistad Dam.