89R24317 CW-D
By: Geren 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.