James Trawick Brings Rodeo Fest to Louisiana With a Mission

Hondo Rodeo Fest CEO Partners with Angola and 1017 Project. Plus, Louisiana Athletes and Full Fest Schedule

4 hours ago

Alyssa Schiaffino,

Hondo Rodeo Fest CEO James Trawick

James Trawick, the Hondo Rodeo Fest CEO, has a passion for rodeo that began not where most people would imagine. It wasn’t out west, but rather far Southeast in Trawick’s hometown of Chipley, Florida.

“The Hondo Rodeo Fest is a three-day event with the world’s best rodeo contestants,” said Trawick. “They’re competing for their piece of a million-dollar purse. We hand select, by way of invitation, eight of the best athletes in each discipline.”

The full-spectrum rodeo, now coming to New Orleans April 10-12, blends the traditional rodeo experience with a music festival that includes six headlining bands across the weekend and a pre-fest with live music, including some native Louisiana performers.

How it All Began, with James Trawick

Entering into its third annual event, the Hondo Rodeo Fest started from a dream of pursuing one’s passion on a large scale, even when the world says you won’t succeed.

The Hondo Rodeo Fest began in 2023 when James Trawick and Blake Cody, co-founder of the fest, were reminiscing on their dreams. Trawick wanted to pursue rodeo professionally and Cody had tried to make it in music.

From that conversation of what could have been, the pursuit of both journeys was born.

“I brought the rodeo side, and he brought the music side,” said Trawick, sharing that they both had communities they could rely on.

The first Hondo Rodeo Fest happened in 2024 at Chase Field in Arizona. In 2025, the fest came back to Arizona, and now, it comes to Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans.

“Most people think about rodeo and they think about small-scale rodeo. They don’t think about stadiums like the Superdome or Chase Field in Arizona,” said Trawick. Along with not considering untraditional venues, people don’t often think of rodeo in New Orleans.

Woman riding horse with lasso in hand at Hondo Rodeo Fest at Chase Field in Phoenix

Hondo Rodeo Fest in Phoenix

Out Southeast and The Louisiana Athlete

“Coming back Southeast with the sport I love is really special because it’s what I grew up in–it’s the culture that I know,” said Trawick. “It’s my family outside of my family. To bring the best of the best back this far Southeast is a dream come true, really.”

Trawick shared that rodeo happens in the Southeast, but it’s fragmented. Traditionally, he says, people have to go to Las Vegas to see rodeo athletes at the caliber of those in the Hondo Rodeo Fest.

“The quality of athlete that comes from Louisiana is something that most people don’t recognize,” said Trawick.

At the Hondo Rodeo Fest, six of the eight disciplines are represented by a Louisiana athlete.

Kade Sonnierm (Bareback)
- Carencro, La.
Rowdy Parrott (Steer Wrestling)
- Mamou, La.
Waylon Bourgeois (Bareback)
- Chuch Point, La.
Tyler Waguespack (Steer Wrestling)
- Gonzales, La.
Cyle Denison (Team Roping, Header)
- Iowa, La.
Shane Hanchey (Tie Down Roping)
- Sulphur, La.
Josie Conner (Breakaway)
- Iowa, La.
Dustin Boquet (Bull Riding)
- Bourg, La.
Jace Trosclair (Bull Riding)
- Chauvin, La.

Trawick shares that there are multiple world titles among the list.

Beyond the Louisiana athletes and musicians at Hondo Rodeo Fest, Trawick brings a philanthropic focus to the event.

James Trawick Spurs Up Change in Louisiana

James Trawick (Center) with First Lady Sharon Landry (Right) and Governor Jeff Landry (Far Right) with the 1017 Project

Trawick and the Hondo Rodeo Fest partnered with Angola for a special side purse before the main rodeo. Those at Angola who have gained the status of trustee will compete among eight disciplines in a 30-minute prelude to the main 2-hour million-dollar rodeo.

Fifty percent of the winnings will go to the Louisiana State Victims Fund, with the other 50% going to the families the inmates left behind.

Additionally, there will be a 30-minute intermission for the 1017 Project, which donates beef to food banks.

With help from Governor Jeff Landry and First Lady Sharon Landry, the Hondo Fest is donating 35 thousand pounds of hamburger across the state.

“When the cowboy shows up and produces an event like this, it’s important that we feed the hungry,” said Trawick. “Cowboy heritage and ranch heritage come from raising beef and feeding people.”