Photo courtesy GC Fair.
(Guadalupe County) — A longtime Guadalupe County family with deep ties to the rodeo and fair community will lead this year’s Guadalupe County Fair Parade.
The Guadalupe County Fair Association has named the late Rodney Kelso and his wife, Sylvia Kelso, and the Kelso Family as this year’s parade marshals.
The honor comes as Rodney and Sylvia Kelso — also stock contractors — are being recognized as 2027 inductees into the Rodeo Cowboys of South Texas Hall of Fame.
Gail Damerau of the Guadalupe County Fair Association says the honor is a perfect way to recognize the Kelsos’ many years of service to the fair, rodeo and the community.
“They have just been such a part of the fair for so many years,” said Damerau. “We felt like this was really exciting and something special to be able to honor them and have the Kelso family kick off our parade.”
The Rodeo Cowboys of South Texas organization was formed to recognize South Texas rodeo individuals age 60 and older. According to the fair association, the organization honors people from a variety of areas of the rodeo industry, including rodeo directors, cowboy artisans, rodeo photographers, empty-saddle honorees, bullfighters and stock contractors.
The 2027 induction event is scheduled for March 20 at the Mesquite Hall in Adkins.
Sylvia Kelso served as president of the Guadalupe County Fair in 1991 and 1992 and was a member of the fair’s board of directors from 1980 through 2008 — a total of 28 years.
Damerau says Sylvia also has served as a rodeo secretary for numerous organizations throughout Texas, “adding to a legacy of involvement in the rodeo industry.”
“Mrs. Kelso has worn so many hats over the years, and she has given so much of her time and service,” said Damerau. “We are so thankful for the generations of support that the Kelso family has given to the Guadalupe County Fair.”
Damerau says the family’s presence as parade marshals will give the community an opportunity to recognize the continued support of the community by all members.
“We’re super honored to have them as our parade marshals,” said Damerau. “We salute the Kelsos, and we’re just proud and thankful to have them leading off our parade.”
The Kelso family will be on hand to officially kick off this year’s Guadalupe County Fair Parade. The parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9 in downtown Seguin.