Parker County Today June 2017 | Page 24

tradition began in March of 1947 when the Posse rode in the opening parade for the Fort Worth Fat Stock Show, now known as the Southwestern Exposition Livestock Show and Rodeo held in January of each year. The Posse has a website that chronicles the group’s history and the information given about its members. It reads much like a family Bible. The births of members are not what are recorded; instead it’s the entrances of new members and the deaths of its longtime supporters that are listed herein. When a member passes away, the Posse upholds a longstanding cowboy tradition to honor him. On the last night of the rodeo when the Posse rides in, the member’s horse is led into the arena, saddled with the cowboy’s boots in the stirrups turned the wrong way. And the member list reads like a who’s who of Weatherford history. The buildings, longtime businesses, schools, streets and events named after Posse members are too numerous to list. The Posse can count mayors, Continued on page 35 and The Ranch Rodeo. The Posse took over the sponsor- ship of the rodeo from the Lion’s Club in 1948 and began holding the event at their new arena beginning in 1950. The Parker County Sheriff’s Posse participates annually in numerous events. They saddle u