Horton, B. (2024).
The Barnes Group recently played a big role in the success of the inaugural PRCA sanctioned RodeoCelina. Severe weather and loads of mud couldn’t wash away the competitive spirit of the cowboys and cowgirls nor the drive and enthusiasm of its organizers and volunteers. And, that included The Barnes Group, headquartered in Celina. The Barnes Group’s CEO Todd Barnes is a founding member. He lives what he believes: that giving back to the community and building a stronger future for others, especially the youth, are the right thing to do. So, he makes that a founding principle of the Barnes Group’s way of doing business.
“It is a blessing to be a part of this rodeo team!” says The Barnes Group CEO Todd Barnes. “I am so proud of the legacy that this rodeo will create for Celina, Texas, the people that live here and the people that love it.”
Despite a tornado tearing through Celina a week prior to the rodeo and relentless downpours and stormy weather during rodeo week, the event garnered a lot of attention. Two Dallas-area television stations highlighted the new rodeo during its newscasts and healthy crowds came out all three days even selling out Saturday night’s performance. The Barnes Group team also helped collect $5,000 for the Celina-tornado fund to support those impacted by the storm.
RodeoCelina is quite an accomplishment knowing the rodeo’s humble start about seven months ago when a group of determined Celina civic leaders, business owners and volunteers worked together to create a new tradition of philanthropy, competition, and wholesome entertainment with no budget. Prior to the start of the event, the Celina Rodeo donated $25,000 to its beneficiaries including the Celina ISD Agricultural Department and FFA program.
Some 350 entries competed in nine events including Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding, Tiedown Roping, Women’s Bronc Riding and Mutton Bustin’.
The event not only helped area youth and members of the community hit hard by the tornado, but engaged the staff of The Barnes Group. The team further bonded by helping others. They even had fun working together outside of the office, despite the mud!
Want to be a part of the next event? We are hoping for better weather! Regardless of what Mother Nature does, the 2nd Annual Rodeo Celina will be bigger and more exciting than this remarkable first year. Mark your calendars, the 2nd Annual Rodeo Celina will run Friday, May 30th to Sunday, June 1st, 2025 at the Southfork Ranch.
Chalker, D. (2024).
