Formation
The Williamson County Sheriff's Posse was formed in 1943 with the purpose of assisting the Williamson County Sheriff's Department as needed. The Posse was originally named the Williamson County Fair and Rodeo Association, however, in 1943 under the direction of County Sheriff Robert Davis the name was changed to the Williamson County Sheriff's Posse. Sheriff Davis would deputize the members and call upon them to assist law enforcement in times of crisis. The WCSP assisted during WWII when the Sheriff's Posse was short on men and more recently during the Jarrell Tornado's, the rescue efforts of missing person Rachel Cook and with animal relief during the Bastrop Fires.
Rodeo
The Williamson County Fair and Rodeo Association held its first rodeo in San Gabriel Park in 1938 and continued to host Rodeos through 1943 when it was Chartered and became The Williamson County Sheriff's Posse. The rodeo was held at the same location through 2018. The rodeo became a popular event, and the growth required more seating which was constructed in 1946. Unfortunately, in early 1950 the arena collapsed during a flood. The Posse members raised $40,000 and Mr. Buck Steiner of Steiner Ranch loaned The Posse another $20.000.00 to build a new arena. The arena remained almost exactly as it was re-built in the 1950's through 2018 when it held its 81" consecutive rodeo and the 75" Rodeo under the WCSP name.
History
As the years moved on and the Williamson County Sheriff's Department no longer needed the assistance of the WCSP the direction of the Posse changed. The Posse began facilitating things such as Western Week which included BBQ Cook-offs, Cowboy breakfast and the parade which all lead up to the grand finale, The Rodeo. The WCSP Rodeo became the second longest running rodeo, held in the same location, in the state of Texas.
In 2019 the arena was required to relocate. The new arena is now located in the neighboring town of Jarrell, TX. The Posse did not allow this interruption to break the Rodeo tradition and was able to put on the same great Rodeo events at the new Jarrell location without missing a beat. Unfortunately, when the COVID pandemic hit in 2020 the Rodeo was cancelled breaking the nearly eighty-year tradition. The one-year gap marks 2024 as the 80th Annual Rodeo for WCSP.
As of today, the WCSP continues to be involved in the community of Williamson County and surrounding areas. The Posse hosts the long running tradition of Rodeo in June, rides in local parades to show community support and actively hosts events to raise money to support local charities as well as to maintain the arena.
The WCSP is a non-profit 501(c) charitable organization and is not associated with the Williamson County Sheriff Department.
Drill Team
The Posse has their own Drill Team that practices throughout the year to open for the Annual Rodeo. Drill Team members also assist with Rodeo setup and with community events. The Drill Team rides in parades and other events across the area helping to keep Western Heritage alive!
Members
The Posse is always looking for members so come be a part of history. Consider joining the WCSP whether you would like to try out for Drill Team, to volunteer to help during the Rodeo or volunteer during our fundraising events. We can't keep the tradition alive without our Volunteers! Membership is open to residents of Williamson, or adjacent counties, who are 18 years old and older. Owning a horse is not required to become a member unless you desire to ride on the Drill Team.