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A Milestone for the

Future of Rodeo on

Bolivar Peninsula was

Bulls on Bolivar 2026

The 2026 Bulls on Bolivar event was more than just an afternoon of rodeo action—it was a major step forward in bringing a permanent rodeo and event venue to the Bolivar Peninsula.

Held at the Bolivar Arena on April 4, 2026, Bulls on Bolivar welcomed more than 1,100 attendees from across Texas and beyond. Families filled the stands to watch professional bull riding, mutton bustin', youth scrambles, vendors, and community fellowship.

The event featured professional bull riders, rodeo entertainers, bullfighters, and stock contractors, providing an exciting experience for both longtime rodeo fans and first-time spectators. The crowd's enthusiasm and support demonstrated that the Bolivar Peninsula is ready for more rodeo and western lifestyle events.

Community Support Made It Possible

Bulls on Bolivar would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, volunteers, vendors, participants, and attendees. Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, auction bid placed, and volunteer hour contributed helped move the Bolivar Arena Association closer to its goal of building a permanent arena facility for the community.

The event also highlighted the power of local partnerships. Businesses, organizations, and individuals from throughout the region came together to support a shared vision: creating a venue that can host rodeos, livestock events, educational programs, community gatherings, emergency staging operations, and much more.

A Strong Foundation for the Future

The success of Bulls on Bolivar 2026 provided valuable experience, increased community awareness, and generated critical funds that will be invested into the development of the future Bolivar Arena.

The Bolivar Arena Association has already taken significant steps toward that goal, including the acquisition of bleachers and continued planning for permanent arena infrastructure. Each successful event brings us one step closer to creating a facility that will serve residents, visitors, youth organizations, first responders, and local nonprofits for generations to come.

Looking Ahead

The overwhelming support shown during Bulls on Bolivar confirms what we've believed from the beginning—there is a place for rodeo and western heritage on the Bolivar Peninsula.

We are excited to continue building momentum, hosting additional events, growing community involvement, and working toward the completion of a permanent arena that everyone can be proud of.

To every sponsor, volunteer, competitor, vendor, donor, and spectator: Thank you for helping make Bulls on Bolivar 2026 a tremendous success.

Together, we're not just hosting events—we're building something lasting for the future of Bolivar.

Take a look at upcoming and past events

1st Annual Golf Tournament
Aug
22

1st Annual Golf Tournament

  • The Ranch "Wallis Smith Community Golf Course" (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Grab your clubs and join us for the 1st Annual Bolivar Arena Association Golf Tournament on Saturday, August 22, 2026!!

This tournament is more than just a great day of golf—it’s a chance to help make a dream a reality. Every player and sponsor helps support the Bolivar Arena Association’s mission to build a permanent rodeo arena for our community.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just want to enjoy a fun day on the course, we’d love to have you!

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026

Time: 8:00 AM Shotgun Start

Location: The Ranch “Wallis Smith” Community Golf Course

Cost to play: $100 per player

We’re also looking for the following Sponsors:

All Around Sponsors @ $2,000

  • includes name and logo on the front of the t-shirt, hosting sponsor on all flyers and signage

Champion Sponsors @ $500

  • includes logo on long sleeve of shirt and signage

Hole Sponsors @ $150

  • includes name in list of all other hole sponsors and sign at a hole

Your support will help create a venue for rodeos, youth events, agricultural programs, and family-friendly entertainment on the Bolivar Peninsula.

Register or become a sponsor: Call Jeff Thompson (214) 574-0281

Come play golf for a great cause and help us build the future home of rodeo on Bolivar!

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Vendor sign-up
Oct
10

Vendor sign-up

🎀 Vendor Information

Bikini Barrel Racing

Saturday, October 10

Hosted by the Bolivar Arena Association

Join us for one of the most unique and entertaining events on the Bolivar Peninsula while supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This family-friendly event will feature exciting barrel racing, shopping, food, entertainment, and activities throughout the day.

🛍️ Vendor Opportunities

We're looking for a great variety of vendors, including:

  • Boutique Clothing & Western Wear

  • Jewelry & Accessories

  • Handmade Crafts & Artisan Goods

  • Home Décor

  • Candles & Soaps

  • Specialty Foods & Treats

  • Food Trucks & Concessions

  • Local Businesses

  • Nonprofit Organizations

  • Breast Cancer Awareness Products & Fundraising Booths

Why Become a Vendor?

  • Reach hundreds of attendees from across Southeast Texas.

  • Showcase your products to locals and visitors.

  • Support a community event benefiting the Bolivar Peninsula while helping raise awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

  • Be part of a fun-filled day featuring barrel racing, music, shopping, and family-friendly activities.

Vendor Space Includes

  • Outdoor vendor space.

  • Vendors are responsible for providing their own tent, tables, chairs, and display equipment.

  • Electricity is limited and available by request (if applicable).

  • Setup instructions and arrival times will be provided after registration.

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, October 10
📍 Location: Bolivar Arena Association – Swede's Park, Bolivar Peninsula, Texas
🎀 Theme: Pink Out for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Reserve Your Spot Today!

Vendor spaces are limited and are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

Join us as we combine western heritage, community spirit, shopping, and a meaningful cause to create a memorable day on the Bolivar Peninsula! 💕🐴🎀

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Bikini Beach Barrel Racing
Oct
10

Bikini Beach Barrel Racing

Bikini Beach Barrel Racing

Coming October 10

Get ready for a unique day of Western fun on the Bolivar Peninsula! Bikini Beach Barrel Racing combines the excitement of fast horses, talented riders, and a beachside atmosphere for an event unlike any other.

This family-friendly event will feature barrel racing action, vendors, food, music, and activities for all ages. While the riders compete for prizes and bragging rights in the arena, spectators can enjoy a fun-filled day with friends and family.

Bikini Beach Barrel Racing events are held across the country and have become a popular way to combine horsemanship, competition, and entertainment. Whether you're a longtime rodeo fan or simply looking for something different to do, this is an event you won't want to miss.

Save the Date: October 10
More details, schedules, vendor information, sponsorship opportunities, and additional activities will be announced soon.

Bring the family, bring your friends, and come enjoy a day of beachside Western fun at Bolivar Arena Association! 🏇🌊☀️

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Courir de Mardi Gras
Jan
16

Courir de Mardi Gras

Motley is EXCITED to announce this Mardi Gras season, The Motley Krewe of Crystal Beach, will be partnering with the Bolivar Arena Association to bring a unique spin on a traditional “Courir de Mardi Gras” to the Bolivar Peninsula. This spin on the Cajun Tradition of a Chicken Run will feature a family fun day of chasing chickens, cooking gumbo, dancing to Cajun music and a whole lot more to raise money for the new Bolivar Arena! Save the Date-January 17th, 2026 and stay tuned for more info on registration and sponsorships coming this September! It’s going to be a Clucking Good Time!

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Gumbo Cook-off
May
9

Gumbo Cook-off

Benefitting the Bolivar Arena Association

The Texas Crab Festival Gumbo Cook-Off proudly benefits the Bolivar Arena Association, a local nonprofit committed to building a permanent arena on the Bolivar Peninsula. Proceeds from the cook-off help support a future venue for community events, educational opportunities, youth programs, and emergency services training—strengthening the peninsula’s resilience, preparedness, and sense of community for years to come.

Want it shorter, more festive, or more “gumbo-and-good-times” focused? 🍲

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Mutton Bustin
Apr
4

Mutton Bustin

🐑 Little Buckers – Mutton Bustin’ at Bulls on Bolivar

Get ready for big smiles and even bigger cheers! Little Buckers Mutton Bustin’ is where our youngest cowboys and cowgirls take center stage, showing off their grit, courage, and rodeo spirit as they hang on tight and give it their all.

This fan-favorite event is all about fun, safety, and unforgettable memories for kids and families. Helmets and protective gear are required, trained staff are on hand, and every rider is celebrated — whether they ride for two seconds or eight.

Hosted as part of Bulls on Bolivar, Little Buckers helps support the mission of the Bolivar Arena Association, raising funds to build a permanent arena that will serve our community, support local volunteer fire departments, and provide a home for future events on the Bolivar Peninsula.

👉 Spots are limited. Pre-registration required.
Come cheer on the next generation of buckers and be part of a Bolivar tradition in the making!

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Bulls on Bolivar
Apr
4

Bulls on Bolivar

🐂 Bulls on Bolivar – Coming Easter Weekend!

Bringing the Buck back to Bolivar!

Date: Saturday April 4th, 2026

Excitement is in the air! Plans have begun!

Are you going to be ready?‍ ‍

We are happy to announce that we are working towards having our inaugural event and of course what should it be? Well of course “BULLS ON BOLIVAR” and we contacted the Port Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department to make sure we could use the name as it was their event initially.

We encourage you to mark your calendars and plan to be here April 5th to attend this fun event.

This event will celebrate our community, start a new tradition, and help us raise a permanent arena to hold more exciting events in the future.

We’re currently looking for individuals, sponsors, and local businesses interested in helping us bring this event to life. Your support will help make “Bulls on Bolivar” a tradition to remember!

📅 Save the Date: April 4, 2026
📍 Location: Bolivar Peninsula Arena

Stay tuned for more details, and get ready — because we are Bringing the Buck is Back to Bolivar!

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Drinking with chickens
Jan
16

Drinking with chickens

Get Ready For The Newest Mardi Gras Event to come to the Bolivar Peninsula as the Motley Krewe of Crystal Beach with the Bolivar Arena Association present the Courir de Mardi Gras Chicken Run & Gumbo Cookoff January 16th-17th.

It will be a weekend filled with a unique spin on the Rural Cajun Mardi Gras Tradition-Courir de Mardi Gras.

Friday, Kicking off the event with a “Drinking with Chickens” social, sponsored by the Ships Wheel, featuring Hill Country Band-The Heartbreak Outlaws, performing an entertaining tribute to Classic Country Legends.

Saturday, at the Swedes Park Pavilion Grounds in Crystal Beach, will be a day of:

*Chicken Runs for all ages to join & catch chicken, Sponsored by Turner Industries.

*Music on the Chicken Run stage featuring David Varnado & Kevin Wright

*Grand Finale of local business sponsors & Mascots participating in the Motley & Gumbeaux’s Mascot Challenge.

*Gumbo Cook Off and Public Gumbo Tasting sponsored by Cowboy’s Services Inc & SR Tilley Builders.

*Zydeco Music on the Main Stage by Horace Trahan and the Ossun Express sponsored by J&J Exterminating.

*A Children’s Area sponsored by RE/MAX on the Water Bolivar & The Cravy Reality Group of Texas.

Join in the Fun-Registration is Now Open for all events and sign up forms can be found in the comments below.

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$1,000 Academy Gift Card
Jan
5
to Apr 4

$1,000 Academy Gift Card

For a $ 20 donation, get a chance to win a $1,000 Gift card from Academy Sports & Outdoors.

  • Winner does not need to be present to win

  • Winner must comly with all federal, state and local laws regarding firearm purchases. Gift Card may be used for any eligible merchandise at Academy Sports & Outdoors

  • Draw will be held on April 4, 2026 during the Bulls on Bolivar event

  • Tickets can be purchased online, in person or by phone

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6th Annual Robert P. Van Zandt Sr. Memorial Cookoff
Oct
25

6th Annual Robert P. Van Zandt Sr. Memorial Cookoff

6th Annual Robert P. Van Zandt Sr. Memorial Cookoff

Date: Saturday, October 25
Location: Port Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department (PBVFD) Station
Benefiting: Bolivar Arena Association

Cookoff Categories:

Gumbo - Open Seafood - Bloody Mary - Dessert - Beans

Sign up on this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_q4ssiF4iCtUDik1s0MUBUKxyS7wjnDHJKA8mrf-ccETzDg/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawMr8jlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFGcURZeGF2bHlWcnM3VlFGAR57JO24qhlhOBtS2SePatwKIwTXY-1fU8Sm5lm925Yh5EyIelZfvhRPO-WlZQ_aem_o9kWOW5KeJI09ucHnfxXEA

Food: Pulled pork sandwich, chips & drink served starting at 11:30 AM (until sold out) for a $15 donation.

Costume Contest: 3:00 PM

Prizes for 1st Place in 0–6 yrs & 7–12 yrs categories

Come dressed to impress!

Join us for a day filled with food, fun, and community spirit — all while supporting the Bolivar Arena Association!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1QgfM14e6f/

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Bolivar Rig Run
Aug
16

Bolivar Rig Run

We were honored to be the recipient of the funds raised during this event.

Beautiful day to go sailing and they had a great turnout. Thank you to all who continue to make this an annual event for the peninsula.

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Groundbreaking, Crawfish boil & Auction
Apr
5

Groundbreaking, Crawfish boil & Auction

We pulled it off, the groundbreaking for the Bolivar Arena Association was a hit. Weather held out and we appreciate all who came out and the volunteers who showed up and helped us pull it off.
I would like to personally say thanks to the volunteers who helped out. I know i will miss someone so i apologize but an happy to edit and add.
Bill and Sue Bingham. Bill worked hard helping getting those bleachers together and both if them came an worked hard at the event.
Caitlyn CToney & Jordan McMillan, who brought a chicken for chicken poop bingo and helped put everything together, including Jordan and George doing so much work with the bleachers.
Jose's Cantina feeding everyone with amazing crawfish and serving up drinks.
Tommy and Malcolm Comeaux for help during the day, bring ice and keeping the kids happy.
Tracie Welch, Samantha Toney and the young girls from Crenshaw.
Tom and Dennis for being their early with me and helping get things moved.

Our BOD, Brian Camp, Roz Faulhaber, Stacy Williams, Bradley and Christina O'Dell, Jeff Thompson, Jennifer Tate Thompson and myself, Leanne Comeaux would like to thanks all of you because it that's the community to do this.
Thank you for your support!!!

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Nauti's Chili Cook-off
Jan
25

Nauti's Chili Cook-off

Chili & Beans Cookoff at Nauti's Beaver Hut!

Hey, Chili lovers! Join us for an amazing day at the Chili & Beans Cookoff hosted at Nauti Beaver Hut! It’s going to be a fun time with delicious food, friendly competition, and great vibes!

Important Notice :

We want to remind everyone that no outside alcohol will be allowed at this event due to our TABC license. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! There will be dedicated servers outside to take your drink orders throughout the event.

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