Texas history is alive and well at The George Ranch, as this year, 2024, marks the 200th Anniversary of the Ranch believed to be the oldest and largest ranch in Texas.
Established in 1824, this significant milestone in Texas history was kicked off with a champagne toast for the Planning Committee in the 1930s George Ranch House, offering exclusive access to the home of Mamie and Albert P. George. Chairman of the year-long 200th Anniversary Celebration Tim Kaminski toasted The George Ranch and their commitment to student education. “Congratulations to The George Ranch, an integral part of our community for the past 200 years – a milestone worthy of distinction and celebration,” said Kaminski to stakeholders. “This anniversary marks a unique opportunity to pay tribute to not only our Texas heritage, but to the dedication of The George Ranch’s commitment to enriching youth education through interactive, authentic programming. Cheers to 200 more years!”
Tim Kaminski, Chairman of The George Ranch 200th Anniversary Celebration, with Representative Suleman Lalani, M.D., House District 76 and Patti Parish-Kaminski at the Planning Committee Kick-Off in the 1930s George Ranch House.
Representative Suleman Lalani, M.D., House District 76, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Kaminski in honor of The George Ranch’s Bicentennial Celebration and their extraordinary efforts to preserve the history of Fort Bend.
The 200th Anniversary Celebration is a once in a lifetime opportunity to honor the legacy of Fort Bend County. Events throughout the year include: Black Cowboy Student Education Day on February 9th; the opening of a new state of the art Visitor Center on February 29th; a multi-day sanctioned Rodeo May 2nd thru 4th, along with a Rodeo VIP Event in the spring; The Great Pumpkin Round Up and The George Ranch Stampede Family Walk in October; and the 200th Anniversary Edition of The George Ranch Frontier Days November 15th and 16th.
The George Ranch 200th Anniversary Rodeo in May will be the showcase event for the celebration featuring two nights of Rodeo events, including saddle bronc, steer wrestling, bull riding, barrel racing and roping events produced by Byrn Rodeo. Additional events include kids’ games, a petting zoo, longhorn photos, pig races and live music.
A VIP event in April will kick off the Rodeo with stellar entertainment, a whiskey tasting and a gourmet Texas-style meal.
Members of the Planning Committee for The George Ranch 200th Anniversary Celebration toasted 200 years of Fort Bend history at the January event inside the historic 1930s George Ranch House.
Also new for the 200th Anniversary is the formation of a 501c3 charged with managing the 475-acre education space on The George Ranch, which includes the historic home sites, The George Ranch Arena and multiple social event spaces. Executive Director of the new organization is Adrienne Barker. Barker, with over 35 years of leadership in the non-profit community, said, “We are very excited to share how The George Ranch has impacted our community, State and Country for 200 years. From the days of Texian settlers to the present, we want everyone to come out and celebrate the success and challenges of all the people who helped form this great legacy.”
A unique opportunity to participate in The George Ranch’s 200th Anniversary Celebration was debuted at the committee kick-off event: “The Two Hundred for Two Hundred.” To assist with supporting student education, this exclusive opportunity, limited to 200, includes permanent donor recognition in The George Ranch Visitor Center in addition to ticketed 200th Anniversary events. The opportunities range from $1,200 to $20,200. For more information about joining “The Two Hundred for Two Hundred,” contact Adrienne Barker at abarker@thegeorgefoundation.org.
A complete list of 200th Anniversary Celebration events and opportunities to participate as a sponsor, volunteer or event attendee is available at www.georgeranch.org.