The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo began its 23-day run a few days ago with thousands of visitors making their way to Cowtown, but residents, staff and special guests of The Stayton at Museum Way got their own personal rodeo experience right on campus at the retirement community in Fort Worth as professional cowboy and owner of Fort Worth’s Double R Rodeo Livestock Company CK Reid made an appearance to discuss the real and rugged lifestyle of true Texas cowboys. He was the featured speaker at The Stayton’s Red Carpet Speaker Series™ event and was joined by award-winning trick roper Ketch Weaver, who wowed the audience with multiple specialty rope spinning acts including the “Texas Skip” and “Walking the Dog.” Buck Reams, western swing singer and guitar player, then provided music that kept everyone’s boots tapping. At the conclusion of the event, guests and residents enjoyed some authentic Texas barbecue together. It was a great way to bring the sights, sounds and flavor of the rodeo to The Stayton community.
CK Reid discussed his experiences working the longest-running rodeo livestock company in operation in Texas, which he took over in 1993 from his own rodeo hero and uncle, Roland Reid. The audience was able to ask questions and learn about how CK has been providing livestock for The Stockyards Championship Rodeo of Fort Worth for more than 20 years. CK also has been producing the Billy Bob’s Texas Bull Riding Show for about 10 years. His “Tales of the Rodeo” gave everyone insight into what life on the rodeo circuit is truly like.
“We enjoyed the open dialogue portion with CK Reid when everyone could ask specific questions and gain a better understanding of and appreciation for those who make events like The Stock Show & Rodeo possible,” said Scott Polzin, executive director of The Stayton at Museum Way. “It was fascinating to learn about how that industry has developed into the overwhelmingly successful business and incredibly popular sport it is today.”
In addition to professional performers Ketch Weaver and Buck Reams, several of The Stayton residents had their own flair for the Wild West culture to show off. “The Stayton Steppers” enjoy a weekly country-western line dancing class offered at the community, which is led by Philp Ware. They demonstrated their dancing skills for the opening and closing acts of the event.
“Seeing our community come alive and embrace the rich culture of Fort Worth through events like this one is a great experience for all of us at The Stayton and for our guests to witness and be a part of firsthand,” said Polzin. “From the informational portion with CK Reid to the entertainment portion with rope tricks, live music and line dancing, it was a fun-filled evening, and we were happy to provide it.”
ABOUT THE STAYTON AT MUSEUM WAY
Located in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, The Stayton at Museum Way is an 11-story, three building community featuring 188 independent living residences with a variety of spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans. In addition to resort-style independent living, The Stayton provides onsite assisted living, memory support, and private skilled nursing for life care residents and others in the community.
The Stayton at Museum Way, a Masterpiece Living® community, is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit senior living community sponsored by Senior Quality Lifestyles Corporation (SQLC), a Texas-based nonprofit organization that sponsors sister communities The Buckingham in Houston, Edgemere in Dallas, Querencia at Barton Creek in Austin, Mirador in Corpus Christi and The Barrington of Carmel in Indianapolis. For information call (817) 439-6936 or visit www.thestayton.com.
Images courtesy of Bruce Maxwell Photography