M E X I A
M A G A Z I N E
A New Arena. A New Era
How community support, local partnerships, and a shared vision transformed the Mexia Rodeo Arena for generations to come.
Photo Credit:
6 2 0 2
SUMMER
W W W . M E X I A C H A M B E R . C O M
A NOTE FROM THE CHAMBER As summer begins to wind down, we hope you’ve enjoyed a season filled with family activities, vacations, community events, and plenty of memories—along with the challenge of keeping up with kids who seem to eat everything in the pantry! As our local schools prepare to welcome students back for the 2026–2027 school year, we extend our best wishes to all students, teachers, administrators, and staff for a successful and rewarding year ahead. The Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce is grateful for the continued support of our Chamber members. Over the past year, we have implemented many positive changes and focused on creating greater value for our members. We are excited about the momentum we are building and remain committed to fostering growth, strengthening connections, and supporting our local business community. If you are interested in becoming a Chamber member, we would love to visit with you. Contact us at director@mexiachamber.com or visit www.mexiachamber.com to learn more about membership opportunities and explore our monthly events and networking opportunities. Thank you for being part of what makes Mexia such a special place to live, work, and do business. Taylor Rocheleau - Chamber Coordinator
B¼¯l e¯¯ f ·he M ·h
Flatt Stationers April
BWS Services LLC May
The Old Gin June
A NEW ARENA. A NEW ERA For nearly a century, the Mexia Rodeo has been more than an event—it has been a tradition woven into the fabric of our community. It brings together families, friends, businesses, volunteers, contestants, and visitors from across Texas and beyond. This year, that tradition entered an exciting new chapter. After months of planning, fundraising, and an incredible amount of hard work, the 96th Annual Mexia Rodeo welcomed contestants and spectators into a brand-new arena. What began as conversations about much-needed improvements last year quickly grew into a vision for the future of rodeo in Mexia. Making that vision a reality required tremendous community support. Through funding provided by a private trust, the City of Mexia, the Mexia Economic Development Corporation, and the Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce, combined with countless hours of donated labor, equipment, materials, and expertise, the project came together in an astonishingly short time. In just a matter of months, and with an all-hands-on-deck effort in the final weeks leading up to the rodeo, the new arena was ready for opening night. As construction progressed, it became clear that simply relocating and reusing the existing announcer stand would not be possible. What could have been a setback instead became an opportunity to build something new. Thanks to the generosity of Pioneer Steel, Woodson Lumber, Metal Mart in Fairfield, Matheson Gas, and United Rentals of Buffalo, along with many volunteers who donated their time and talents, a brand-new announcer stand was constructed as part of the redesigned arena layout. The improvements extended far beyond a new announcer stand. The arena itself was reconfigured to create a better experience for contestants, spectators, stock contractors, and event staff. The result is a facility that honors the history of the Mexia Rodeo while positioning it for future growth. The impact of this year's rodeo was evident throughout the four-day event. The 96th Annual Mexia Rodeo welcomed: • More than 530 contestants from across the region • Approximately 1,700 spectators • 150 youth contestants • 10 vendors • Over 50 dedicated workers and volunteers The Mexia Rodeo continues to be the largest annual event held in our community, generating economic activity, bringing visitors to local businesses, and creating lasting memories for families.
A NEW ARENA. A NEW ERA The future of the rodeo grounds is equally exciting. While the new arena marks a significant milestone, it is only the beginning. Future projects being explored include upgraded LED arena lighting, a permanent restroom facility, box seating, a covered arena, a covered pavilion, and improved lighting for the parking lot and vendor areas. Working alongside the City of Mexia and community partners, the goal is to continue revitalizing the rodeo grounds and creating a destination that serves our community for generations to come. Another exciting development is the formation of the Mexia Rodeo Foundation as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation's mission is to preserve the rodeo tradition while investing in the future through scholarships that support local youth and aspiring entrepreneurs. None of this would be possible without the dedicated volunteers who work yearround to make the rodeo a success. Current committee members include Chunky Busby, Taylor Rocheleau, Bobby Joe Hill, Ryan Fleming, Scott Wilkins, Revendy Rhodes, Michael Jones, Brandi Jones, Cheryl Hancock, Kyle Hancock, Bill Dodson, Amy Dodson, Frank Pruitt, Michael Busby, Lance Story, Michael McCurry, James Wiley, JR Noel, and Leonard Smith. If you would like to become involved with the Mexia Rodeo Foundation, volunteer, or support future projects, please contact us at 254-562-5569. To everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, donated, competed, or cheered from the stands—thank you. The overwhelming support from our community made this year's rodeo one to remember. A new arena represents more than new steel, dirt, and fencing. It represents a renewed commitment to preserving one of Mexia's greatest traditions. Together, we are building something that will serve our community not only today, but for generations to come. We look forward to welcoming you back June 23–26, 2027, for the 97th Annual Mexia Rodeo.
Photo Credit: Shoot The Gap
Celebrating growth
Azzuro Touch Massage Therapy
Heritage Real Estate by Coldwell Banker Realty Cooler Shades Window Tinting Pack N Mail - Mexia
Celebrating growth
Fabian Valdez - State Farm Insurance
The Warehouse at 1776
August Events 06
21
26
Business After Hours Sponsored By: Farm House 1401 E Milam 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Grounds For Growth Sponsored By: Lee’s Wrecker 214 N Sherman 8:00 - 9:00 AM
Learn Over Lunch Sponsored By: LMC Behavorial Health 214 N Sherman 12:00 - 1:00 AM
Looking for a great way to meet new people, build relationships, and stay connected to what's happening in our community? Join us at our Chamber events! From Grounds for Growth morning networking, to Learn Over Lunch educational sessions, and Business After Hours social gatherings, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a business owner, employee, or community member, these events are open to all and designed to help you make meaningful connections, learn something new, and grow your network. Come once, and you'll see why so many people keep coming back!
THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE 96TH ANNUAL MEXIA RODEO POSSIBLE "Because of your generosity, the tradition continues, scholarships are awarded, and our community comes together to celebrate one of Mexia's most cherished events."
PLATINUM SPONSORS DIAMOND SPONSORS CIRCLE H AG SERVICES LEE’S WRECKER SERVICE HIGH TECH INDUSTRIES H-E-B THE OLD GIN CITY OF MEXIA BWS SERVICES, LLC ANNOUNCER BOX FARM HOUSE
SPECIALTY SPONSOR PARKVIEW REGIONAL HOSPITAL
CHUTE SPONSORS MEXIA EDC BI-STONE BUILDING SUPPLY SWARCO DCB RV REPAIR CIRCLE H AG SERVICES DAY BOYS SHOP
ARENA SPONSORS CITY OF MEXIA MEXIA EDC MEXIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MATERIAL SPONSORS MATHESON PIONEER STEEL METAL MART WOODSON LUMBER TAILGATE SPONSORS VERABANK VYVE P & P TIRE
COMMUNITY KIDS WALMART HIGH TECH INDUSTRIES
ADVERTISING SPONSOR TEXAS LOCAL MEDIA
EVENT SPONSORS SHIRT SPONSORS NELSON PROPANE HERITAGE REAL ESTATE NUCOR PARKVIEW REGIONAL HOSPITAL FARMERS STATE BANK BRONZE SPONSORS LONG INDUSTRIES CENTEX CITIZENS CREDIT UNION REP. ANGELIA ORR WOODSON LUMBER MIKE TERRY AUTO GROUP JOHNSON SPD JACKSON RANCH & REALTY CENTRAL KUBOTA INCOMMONS BANK TURQUOISE SPONSORS BUFFALO LIVESTOCK MARTY’S PLACE MUTTON BUSTIN MEXIA PEST CONTROL R & M FEED SUPPLY HALO - DON CORBITT FARM HOUSE S & S MACHINING
ONCOR NAVARRO COLLEGE TERRACON S & S MACHINING TAQUERIA MEXICAN GRILL MEXIA PUMP & MOTOR
97th Annual Mexia Rodeo June 23rd Youth Night June 24 - 26 UPRA Coming 2027
"For 96 years, the Mexia Rodeo has been built by hardworking volunteers, loyal supporters, and generous sponsors. Thank you for investing in our youth, our traditions, and our community."