Atlanta, GA – August 4, 2024

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR), widely celebrated as “The Greatest Show on Dirt,” made a Legacy Tour stop at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia, this past weekend, marking its 40th anniversary with three sold-out performances. The rodeo, which took place on August 3rd and 4th, showcased a dazzling array of events and underscored its ongoing commitment to honoring Black cowboy culture and history. The BPIR’s Legacy Tour, travels across the United States, bringing its unique blend of history and excitement to new and returning audiences.

The Conyers stop included two thrilling shows on Saturday and a final, exhilarating performance on Sunday. Audiences were treated to a spectacular lineup featuring Ranch Bronc and Bareback Riding, Bull Dogging, Lady’s Barrel Racing and Breakaway, Lady’s Steer Undercoating, and the crowd favorites, Junior Barrel Racing and Peewee Barrel Racing. The weekend’s events highlighted the rodeo’s rich tradition but also the diverse skills of its participants, leaving the audience in awe of their talent and dedication.

Founded in 1984 by the late Lu Vason, the BPIR has become a hallmark of rodeo entertainment and cultural celebration. Vason, a native of Berkeley, California, and a trailblazing figure in event marketing brought over 50 years of experience to his innovative venture. His move to Denver in 1977 set the stage for creating the BPIR, inspired by his experiences at the Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming and his discovery of Bill Pickett’s legacy at the Black American West Museum of History.

Valeria Howard Cunningham, President and Chief Executive Officer, was elevated to the helm after the passing of her husband, Mr. Vason. Under her leadership and guidance, the BPIR, the only touring Black rodeo, continues growing in size, scope, education, and entertainment value. When asked why the tour does not go to every major city, she said, “I would love to be able to go everywhere. This is a huge ship that we have to turn. We try to look at those cities that have large populations that look like us and have first class facilities that we can offer a first-class rodeo.

The whole reason the BPIR exists is because of the Black cowboys and cowgirls. We have four and five generations of cowboys and cowgirls that have traveled with us the last forty years. And that’s because we have elevated their presence in the community. People did not know that there were Black cowboys and cowgirls. We’ve created the platforms for them to perform and reach higher levels in this rodeo sport.

I am so excited and proud of these cowboys and cowgirls, especially our little peewees, who are three to five years old and already participating in the rodeos. I think we are building a foundation for them so that one day they will be running this rodeo.”

Willie M. Pickett (Bill Pickett), a pioneering figure in rodeo history, is credited with developing steer wrestling, also known as bulldogging. Born in 1870 in Travis County, Texas, Pickett and his brothers formed the Pickett Brothers Bronco Busters and Rough Riders. They gained fame for their expertise in taming wild cattle. Pickett’s contributions laid the groundwork for the rodeo traditions the BPIR celebrates today.

The BPIR’s Legacy Tour’s final event will feature a significant increase in prize money. Contestants are competing for a total of $200,000. This year’s prize purse marks a historic achievement for the BPIR, representing the most significant sum ever offered by a Black-owned rodeo. Contestants qualify for this prestigious event through top placement at rodeos held in Memphis, TN; Oakland, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; and Conyers, GA (Atlanta). At the final bell, over 280 cowboys will have participated, each vying for a share of the substantial prize money.

Acynthia Villery, a key figure in the BPIR’s history, has been with the rodeo for over 37 years. As the Social Media Director and the first African American female rodeo announcer with the Bill Pickett Rodeo, Villery’s contributions have been instrumental in the organization’s success. “This milestone year is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the BPIR,

Villery said. We’re thrilled to celebrate 40 years of rodeo excellence and cultural pride.”

Throughout its history, the BPIR has served not only as a premier rodeo but also as a cultural event that educates and entertains. It provides a platform for families to embrace and enjoy cowboy culture while learning about the contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls to the American West. By highlighting these stories and celebrating this vibrant tradition, the BPIR continues to make history with every performance, leaving the audience feeling enlightened and entertained.

The BPIR’s Legacy Tour, celebrating four decades of education and entertainment, travels across the United States, bringing its unique blend of history and excitement to new and returning audiences.

“A testament to the richness in tradition and appeal is the fact that many families plan their vacations and family reunions around the BPIR dates and schedule,” said Margo Wade-Ladreww, National Development/Sponsorship Director.

The Legacy Tour will culminate at the 5,800 seat Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD, on September 20-21, 2024. Both Saturday shows are already sold out.

 This final event of the tour promises to be a grand conclusion to a landmark year, highlighting the enduring appeal of Black cowboy culture and the BPIR’s role in preserving and celebrating this vital heritage.