Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo

We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Mr. James Harper. Mr. Harper was a true force, and a pioneer in the world of rodeo. Heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to his family and to the entire rodeo family who will undoubtedly forever cherish his memory.

https://www.johnsonfuneralhome.net/obituaries/james-harper

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2026 SWD LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES.

Pictured from left to right is Ms Rodeo Alabama, Jenessa Sullivan; SW District President, Darrin Manuel; Inductee, Perry Vincent; Inductee Kenneth Fonenot; Inductee Mike Dosie represented by son Luke Doise; Ms Rodeo Arizona Rosie Wiltbank; Ms Rodeo Mississppi, Brinkley Boswell; Ms Rodeo America, Olivia Favero

CONGRADULATIONS TO OUR 2026 PARTICIPATION SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!


The generous support from the following businesses allows us to grant scholarships of $2,500 to each of the following outstanding recipients. These scholarships are available to graduating seniors going to college or vocational school.

1-Pictured is RECIPIENT: Isabel Carbalan - Jeff Davis and Sponsor- GLOBAL ASSET MANAGEMENT Represented by KYLE MESTAYER, INVESTMENT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, On behalf of Tim Andreas, President & CEO

2-Pictured is RECIPIENT: Laura-Kate Miller - Acadia and Sponsor- GLOBAL ASSET MANAGEMENT Represented by KYLE MESTAYER, INVESTMENT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, On behalf of Tim Andreas, President & CEO

3-Pictured is RECIPIENT: Taylor Gilbert – Calcasieu and Sponsor- VENTURE GLOBAL LNG, represented by SARAH ROY, PUBLIC AFFAIRS and ANDY VAUGHAN, V.P. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

4-Pictured is RECIPIENT: Aubrie Richard – Calcasieu and Sponsor- VENTURE GLOBAL LNG, represented by SARAH ROY, PUBLIC AFFAIRS and ANDY VAUGHAN, V.P. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

5-Pictured is RECIPIENT: Libby Baccigalopi - Cameron and Sponsor - B1 BANK represented by JEFFERY DAVIS, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SWLA and ANDY GREMILLION, VICE PRESIDENT

6-Pictured is RECIPIENT: Lexie Swinney - Calcasieu and Sponsor - B1 BANK represented by JEFFERY DAVIS, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SWLA and ANDY GREMILLION, VICE PRESIDENT

7-Pictured is RECIPIENT: Nathan Faulk – Acadia and sponsor- ALFRED PALMA, LLC.; represented by JAMES & DIANA PALMA

8-Pictured is RECIPIENT: Cooper Lemons – Allen and sponsor- ALFRED PALMA, LLC.; represented by JAMES & DIANA PALMA

9-Pictured is RECIPIENT: Brock Greathouse – Calcasieu and Sponsor- RIVERS FENCING COMPANY; represented by ERIC LAMENDOLA

10-Pictured is RECIPIENT: Kadie Fontenot - Evangeline and Sponsors- VINCENT, SHOWS, & GAUTREAUX; and DUHON & PLEASANT represented by Steve Shows


11-J.C. Barman Memorial Beef Achievement Award Sponsored by Barman Family Pictured is RECIPIENT: Addie Bourgeois - Evangeline and SW District President, Darrin Manuel

Congratulations to our 2026 National Anthem vocalists!
Thursday - Hattie Landry
Friday- Parker Sonnier
Saturday 2pm - Ella Claire Welch
Saturday nt - Barbe High Show Choir
The National Anthem is proudly presented nightly by Flea Fest--This year's shows set for April 18-19 & Nov 14-15.
Catch them in the opening ceremonies of the 87th Annual John Deere Sunshine Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo presented by The Roach Law Firm & Southern Quality Ford Dealers... Rorey Lemmel Bucker

**MEET THE BULLFIGHTERS** TODAY at Boot Barn in Lake Charles! Shoot the bull with the SWD Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo Bullfighters Austin Rudloff & Ethan Pittman Friday, Jan. 30th from 3-4 & shop for your new rodeo duds too!

It is OPENING NIGHT!! The 87TH ANNUAL John Deere Sunshine Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo is about to get underway at 7:30 tonight! Tickets still available at Burton Coliseum Complex Box office! Don't miss a second of the action! Come on out tonight! Powered by The Roach Law Firm and Southern Quality Ford Dealers! More info at LakeCharlesRodeo.com
3 MORE CHANCES TO WATCH: Fri, Jan 30 & Sat. Jan 31 at 2 & 7:30 w/the Barbe Show Choir at the Gator 99.5 pre-show party at 6:30 Sat nt!

Join us TODAY AT 3 at Patton's Lake Charles to meet SOME RODEO VIP's!! Rodeo clown Dusty Myers, Announcer Andy Stewart, and Rodeo specialty act--The Misfit Cowboy: Brian Patton will all be on hand for pics & autographs from 3-4 pm! Iit'll also be the perfect chance to pick up some rodeo duds too! (Today, Thursday, Jan. 29)

Join us TODAY at 5 for the official kick-off of the John Deere Sunshine SWD Rodeo, presented by Roach Law & Southern Quality Ford Dealers! THE BEST PLACE TO WATCH is at the Rikenjaks watch party, 4-6 on Ryan St. With $2 Cowboy margaritas, Buck Off burgers & beer! See the trailriders and their covered wagons as today's parade is their final leflg of a week- long ride that started in Gueydan, LA.

This year's parade marshal is Rorey Lemmel,
Rorey Lemmel’s story is a testament to the dedication and innovation that shape the world of rodeo. Raised on a ranch in Meade County, he was immersed in the rodeo lifestyle from a young age. As the youngest of five, his introduction to rodeo came early, with his brothers putting him on his first calf at just five years old. This early start led to a lifetime of achievements in the sport.
Rorey’s rodeo career is marked by notable accomplishments, including nine qualifications for the Badlands Circuit Finals, two for the Dodge National Circuit Finals, and four for the Bullriders Only Finals. His skills and passion for rodeo took him far beyond the local circuit, with experiences in Canada, Venezuela, Brazil, and France.
After earning a degree in radio and television broadcasting, Rorey spent time announcing rodeos in various locations, including Rapid City, Deadwood, and Yakima, WA. However, his true calling emerged in rodeo production. Renowned for his creativity, Rorey pioneered significant events such as the Cinch Shoot Outs and X-Broncs for the PRCA, and he was instrumental in
creating the Governor’s Cup, one of the world’s largest rodeo payouts.
Rorey’s impact on the rodeo industry extends through his ownership of Harper & Morgan Rodeo, one of the PRCA’s most historical cards, and his role in producing the World’s Toughest Rodeo. Additionally, he oversees A Rorey Lemmel Bucker, which produces 15-20 concerts annually. Throughout his career, Rorey credits his work ethic and drive to his parents, Spud and Bernice Lemmel, and his brothers, Rick and Red, for their support and guidance. Above all, he takes immense pride in his family, including his wife Crysta and their children—Kalen, Brynn, Logan, and Cade—who continue the rodeo tradition.
Rorey Lemmel’s journey reflects a blend of deep-rooted tradition and innovative spirit, marking him as a pivotal figure in modern rode

The parade begins at 5pm at the corner of Lagrange and Patrick Street, travels west on Lagrange to Ryan Street, and then south on Ryan Street to McNeese stadium. Then be sure to join us later that evening at 7:30 for the opening performance of the 87th annual Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo - The Greatest Show on Dirt!Crawfish; r