March 16, 1949
Photo: Undated photo of Tio Sam Myers
Sam D. Myers, pioneer El Pasoan, was the best dressed cowboy of yesterday's parade which marked the opening of the Southwestern Championship Rodeo and Horse Show. Mr. Myers rode in a jeep as grand marshal of the parade.
Contest for the best costumes in the youngster and adult classes was held before the parade and got under way at Virginia and Olive streets. Truett Evans was the chief judge
Ladies' Class Winner Mrs. Juan Escontrias of Lower Valley captured the top award in the ladies' class.
Four-year-old Junior Campbell of Ysleta, who looked as if he was reared in the saddle, got the nod from the judges. He won in the boys' class.
Geraldine Wilcox. seven-year-old daughter of Gus Wilcox. manager of the El Paso Union Stockyards, won top honors in the girls' class. Sporting a white costume, she attracted the crowd's attention as she rode like an expert astride her pony.
Free tickets to the rodeo were awarded all prize winners.
Hundreds of Horses
Hundreds of horses and riders and high school bands participated in the parade.
Seven-year-old Nancy Bain of the Lower Valley enjoyed the distinction of riding with Mr. Myers. She forgot her disappointment at being unable to accompany the other horse riders because her mount developed a limp a few days ago.
Warren Hoyt, parade chairman was kept hopping as he assembled riders and school bands in their proper positions.
Spectators Go Western
The "Go-Western" motif was evident among the crowd that lined the parade route. Hundreds wore gay shirts, cowboy hats, shiny boots and spurs.
Spearheading the parade was a contingent of Sheriffs traffic officers astride motorcycles and headed by Capt. Alton Hollenbeck.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Posse was the largest single group' of horsemen.
The Anthony, N. M. Rangers added to the color of the pageant.
Shouts of "Yippee" and "Ride 'em, cowboy" mingled with band music.
Cap pistols were "fired.
The Ysleta High. School girls' drum corps stirred praise as it marched smartly in white and blue costume.
Seven and a Doe
A motorcycle and side car, carrying seven passengers and a dog, added a comedy note.
The spirit of the Old West was marked by two hay wagons. Aboard were gals in gingham skirts and their straw-chewing fellers.
It's just like in the "movies" was the comment of one youngster.
Two sets of Toni twins, riding in an open car, drew considerable attention.
Most of the crowds admiration was directed at the youngsters. They rode expertly.
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