35th Western Heritage Classic in Abilene Celebrates Life of the Cowboy

ABILENE, TX – More than 3,000 out-of-town guests and their animals will arrive this week as the Western Heritage Classic marks its 35th year May 9-12 on the grounds of the Taylor County Expo Center. The four-day festivities showcase the daily lives of working cowboys and celebrates classic Western traditions. The public is invited to attend, and tickets can be purchased on the Western Heritage Classic website or at the Taylor County Expo Center.

WHC is internationally known for its expansive exhibit halls, food booths and one-of-a-kind ranch rodeo, and 30,000 people will attend events this week, not counting downtown parade watchers. Hotels will be full or near capacity as guests bring more than $816,000 direct spending into the city.

The fun will kick off Thursday with Ranch Horse Competitions and trade shows, a parade downtown at 6 pm, street dance to the tunes of Swing Machine, and Cowboy Poetry Under the Stars. See a full schedule of events at www.westernheritageclassic.com. This year the WHC will honor a parade grand marshal posthumously. Mike Alexander, who passed away prematurely in March 2018, was one of the first participants and supporters of the event in 1985.

Ten teams will compete at this year's Ranch Rodeo: Green Land & Cattle Co., Guitar Ranches, Haythorn Land & Cattle Co. Matthews/Nail Ranches, Muleshoe Ranch, Pitchfork Land & Cattle Co., Spade Ranches, Stuart Ranch, Swenson Land & Cattle Co. and Tongue River Ranch.

New this year is the Craig Cameron Horse Clinic, Roy Cox Cow-dog Demonstration and Cowboy Poetry Under the Stars. Children's events and the horse sale will take place in the new livestock barn, a first for those well-established activities.

Western Heritage Classic supporters have contributed almost $250,000 in sponsorships this year, proceeds that will benefit the programs of the Expo Center. The WHC has contributed $2.9 million to the Expo Center during the event's 35-year history.

The Taylor County Expo Center is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit that hosts more than 231 annual events on its 127-acre, multi­facility grounds, including the West Texas Fair & Rodeo, Western Heritage Classic, and Evening for the Expo. The Expo Center brings in an estimated $20 million dollars to the area by attracting visitors from throughout the state and nation. To maintain that mission, voters passed a $55 million bond in 2016 to fund renovations and expansions to the facilities. A new Livestock Barn, Covered Outdoor Arena, and Multipurpose Arena are complete, while the Coliseum, Midway should be completed by fall 2020. For events and more information, see taylorcountyexpocenter.com

Schedule of Events