Congratulating Bradford S. Barnes on his retirement as president of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

89(R) HR 861 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

H.R. No. 861

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Bradford S. Barnes is retiring as president of the

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in April 2025, drawing to a close an

exceptional tenure with FWSSR that has spanned nearly four decades;

and

WHEREAS, Brad Barnes joined the Fort Worth Stock Show and

Rodeo in 1986 as an original member of the calf scramble committee,

and he went on to serve on the Hispanic advisory, ranch horse, and

ranch rodeo committees; he was elected to the board of directors in

1987, and three years later, he was appointed to the executive

committee; he became a full-time staff member in 2004 when he was

named executive vice president, and he was promoted to general

manager in 2007; and

WHEREAS, In 2010, Mr. Barnes was elected president of FWSSR,

Fort Worth's oldest and largest public event, attracting more than

a million visitors each year and awarding grants and scholarships

to 4-H and FFA exhibitors from across Texas; under his leadership,

the FWSSR has experienced significant growth and program

expansions, and Mr. Barnes has also helped guide renovations at the

Will Rogers Memorial Center, the event's home; moreover, he oversaw

the debut of the Cowboys of Color Rodeo in 2010, and FWSSR further

reflects the diversity of the community through the Best of Mexico

Celebración, the Invitational Escaramuza & Charro Cala

competition, and Día de la Familia; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Barnes is expected to take on the role of FWSSR

president emeritus following his retirement; he is an honorary

director of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

and a former president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers

Foundation and the Cattle Raisers Museum; in addition, he is

actively involved with the T & L Ranch Company, a family operation

in Jack County; and

WHEREAS, Brad Barnes has distinguished himself through his

unwavering commitment to the mission of the Fort Worth Stock Show

and Rodeo, and he may indeed reflect with pride on his myriad

contributions as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his

life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas

Legislature hereby congratulate Bradford S. Barnes on his

retirement as president of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and

extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success in all his

endeavors; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

prepared for Mr. Barnes as an expression of high regard by the Texas

House of Representatives.

Geren

______________________________

Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 861 was adopted by the House on May

23, 2025, by a non-record vote.

______________________________

Chief Clerk of the House