Johnny Ackel Memorial Rodeo and Festival

05/11/2026

🔥 THE FIRES ARE GETTING LIT IN WINNIE, TEXAS! 🔥

Get ready for the Johnny Ackel Memorial Rodeo BBQ Cookoff — an official IBCA Sanctioned showdown happening August 21–22, 2026 at Winnie Stowell Community Park! 🤠🔥

We’re bringing the heat with:
🥩 Ribs, Chicken & Brisket
🍹 Margaritas
🍅 Bloody Marys
👨‍🍳 Chef’s Choice
⭐ Kids Q Competition

💰 80/20 Split PLUS a $5,000 Payout!
💥 Jackpot Entries = 100% PAYOUT!

This isn’t just a cookoff… it’s a full festival experience featuring:
🎡 Carnival
🎶 Live Entertainment
🐂 PRCA Pro Rodeo
🔥 Great BBQ & Great Times!

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just ready for a weekend packed with smoke, music, and rodeo action — you do NOT want to miss this one!

📍 Winnie Stowell Community Park
📅 August 21–22, 2026

Tag your cook team and start getting those pits ready! 🔥🏆

05/05/2026

🔥🐂 BIG NEWS FOR 2026! 🐂🔥

The Johnny Ackel Memorial Rodeo & Festival is coming back BIGGER, STRONGER, and MORE ELECTRIFYING than ever!

We are beyond excited to officially announce…

⭐️ This year’s rodeo will be a PRCA PRO RODEO! ⭐️

That means top-tier talent, world-class competition, and the kind of high-energy action you only see at the best rodeos in the country. We’re raising the bar and bringing something truly special to our community this August!

From the arena to the festival grounds, everything is getting an upgrade — more excitement, more entertainment, and an even greater impact as we continue giving back through scholarships to local youth.

📅 August 20–22, 2026
📍 Liton Sonnier Arena

You do NOT want to miss this year. Trust us… this is the one everyone will be talking about.

🎟️ Stay tuned — more announcements coming soon!

05/04/2026

The Johnny Ackel Memorial Rodeo was founded six years ago by Blue and Jen Jeanes
with one mission—give back to the next generation. What started as a hometown rodeo has grown into a meaningful tradition, with 100% of proceeds each year going directly to local FFA programs through scholarships.

Thanks to the continued support of our community, we’ve been able to invest in the futures of students across the area.

In 2026, we’re taking it even further—expanding into a full rodeo and festival experience to raise more funds, support more FFA programs, and create an even greater impact.

Built on tradition. Driven by purpose. Focused on the future.

05/01/2026