Saddle up: Rodeo plays big part in Route 66 Festival in Shamrock

SHAMROCK, TX (KFDA) - Just about all walks of life have come out to Shamrock for the Texas Welcomes the World Route 66 Festival's first return to the city since 1932.

This year's rodeo is no exception.

Miss Route 66 traveled cross-country for the festival.

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"I actually love it. I came all the way from California and so I wanted to attend this festival so much so I made it happen and came out here but to be in Shamrock and I have friends here," said Monica Burrola, Miss Route 66.

Burrola says she won the title years ago and still honors it to this day.

"Quite a few years ago, I won it through the pageants in Barstow, California, and now I'm actually Route 66 through the Chamber of Commerce," said Burrola.

Bringing a true Texas tradition to the Shamrock rodeo, one crew brought their Longhorn cattle from San Antonio.

"We try to keep the Western theme alive and teach someone about Longhorn cattle, so that's what we do," said Russell Tiner, a participant in this year's rodeo. "We ride them in parades, we bring them to festivals, we do something different."

Tiner says they plan to enjoy their time in town while soaking up the historic road and the festival surrounding it.

"We're just doing some stuff around town, doing photo opportunities with kids and we're just hanging out with families, and we're just hanging out, enjoying Route 66 Festival. We're glad to be here," said Tiner.

Another presence at this year's rodeo is dedicated to sharing the history of the Native Americans.

"We travel all over, trying to keep the real history of the Native Americans and the Comanches alive," said Kevin Browning with War Pony Productions.

Bringing photo opportunities and period clothing, the experience is interactive, adding just one extra bonus to this year's Route 66 Festival and Rodeo.

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