The Association - The History - The Future - The Board of Directors -
The Association - The History - The Future - The Board of Directors -
SIMPTON RODEO in Port Bolivar, TX
A Look Back - The Spark of an Idea
Over 40 years ago, the Simpton Rodeo Arena brought the community together for rodeos and local events. Decades later, in 2020, Kelly and Charlene Clark of Chute 2 Productions approached the Port Bolivar VFD with the idea of reviving rodeo on the peninsula as a fundraiser. The first Bulls on Bolivar was held July 14, 2021, on Texas Crab Festival (TCF) grounds, followed by a second, even bigger event in April 2022. Both drew hundreds of attendees, vendors, music, and excitement—raising funds for PBVFD and sparking community buzz. By 2023, challenges like manpower and rental costs made it clear a permanent arena was needed. After conversations with TCF board members and community input, the vision gained support. In 2024, the TCF board gave us the green light. And now, in May 2025, the dream has become official: the Bolivar Arena Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, building an arena to serve our entire community for generations to come.
Looking Ahead - The Future We’re Building
The Bolivar Arena is more than a structure—it’s a gathering place, a symbol of resilience, and an investment in our peninsula’s future. What began as a spark has grown into a movement to bring back rodeo, concerts, school events, festivals, and community celebrations to Bolivar.
In the years ahead, the arena will:
Host traditions and create new ones—from Bulls on Bolivar to concerts, holiday festivals, and youth programs.
Support local causes—providing a home for fundraisers that strengthen our VFDs, schools, and nonprofits.
Fuel the local economy—drawing visitors, rentals, and events that keep “the Buck on Bolivar.”
Invest in our future generations—with scholarships for students pursuing careers in agriculture, emergency services, and medical fields.
The arena is designed not just for today, but for decades to come. With every rodeo ticket, every event, every scholarship awarded, and every gathering, we’re writing the next chapter of Bolivar’s story—together.
Future Dreams
Vision
Meet the Bolviar Arena
Board of Directors
Leanne Comeaux - President
Leanne Comeaux, originally from Canada, grew up riding and showing hunters and jumpers before transitioning into the thoroughbred racehorse world. During that time, she owned a few racehorses but primarily managed the Thoroughbred Division of Greenhawk Harness and Equestrian Supplies.
She now serves as President of the Bolivar Arena Association and remains deeply involved in her community. Leanne is a member of the Chamber of Commerce Board, volunteers with the Port Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department, and organizes housing and meals for medics and fire personnel during Jeep Weekend for GCESD2.
In addition, she owns and operates the Bolivar Escape Room, a local entertainment venue.
Leanne and her husband, Malcolm, first approached members of the Texas Crab Festival with the idea of building a permanent rodeo arena on their property. After gaining approval, she spearheaded the effort to bring people together and officially establish the Bolivar Arena Association.
Bryan Camp - Vice President
Bryan is a B.O.I. Galveston County native who started living the western lifestyle at an early age. Bryan could always be found at Horse shows, working cattle, and participating in FFA activities. Later, Bryan competed in timed rodeo events and Ranch rodeos.
Bryan is a life member of the Houston Livestock show and rodeo and served for over 25 years as a member of the Horsepatality committee. Currently Bryan is a lifetime committeeman.
Bryan is retired from the Texas Department of Public Safety with 25 years of service as a State Trooper and Criminal Investigator. Bryan is a resident of Crystal Beach with his wife Tracie.
Jeff Thompson - 2nd Vice President
With 17 years of experience as a professional bull rider, Jeff Thompson brings both passion and firsthand knowledge of the rodeo world to the Bolivar Peninsula. His excitement to help bring rodeo back to the community is matched by his dedication to creating opportunities for future generations.
Jeff believes in the power of the arena—not only as a home for rodeo and livestock events but also as a place to inspire young people to connect with animals, learn responsibility, and explore potential career paths in agriculture and emergency services. His vision is to ensure the arena serves as both a vibrant community gathering place and a training ground for tomorrow’s first responders and leaders.
Roz Faulbaher - Secretary
Roz Faulhaber and her husband, Ken, built a home in Crystal Beach four years ago, and this past year Roz became a full-time resident. She serves as Secretary for the Bolivar Arena Association and is also dedicated to supporting local students and families as the School Counselor at Crenshaw.
With over forty years of experience working in nonprofit organizations, Roz has served communities in various roles, including as a Coordinator of Fundraising. Her involvement with the Bolivar Arena Association began after attending Bulls on Bolivar, where she recognized her passion for helping establish an arena that could provide opportunities for rodeos, concerts, and community events.
Jennifer Tate Thompson - Director of Governance
Jennifer Tate Thompson grew up on a 40-acre property outside of San Antonio, where she was a barrel racer and part of a family deeply rooted in rodeo. Her father was a veterinarian, and he instilled in his children a lifelong love of animals and the outdoors. More recently, Jennifer volunteered with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, continuing her connection to the western lifestyle and community.
An attorney for over 20 years, Jennifer runs a thriving solo practice in Crystal Beach, where she focuses on dispute resolution, family law, and estate planning. She and her family moved to the Peninsula in 2018, drawn to its natural beauty and welcoming community after years in Houston. Crystal Beach has been a wonderful place to raise her children, Josie and Dalton, who both attend Crenshaw.
The opportunity to help the Bolivar Arena Association succeed in bringing an arena to the Peninsula—and to create a unique outdoor event venue for the community—was one Jennifer knew she couldn’t pass up.