XIT Rodeo & Reunion

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XIT Rodeo & Reunion https://xitrodeoreunion.com/

This is the kind of letter that reminds us why we do what we do. ❤️We were so touched by this thoughtful letter sent to ...
10/26/2026

This is the kind of letter that reminds us why we do what we do. ❤️
We were so touched by this thoughtful letter sent to the Dalhart Chamber of Commerce from a couple who traveled from Houston to experience the 90th XIT Rodeo & Reunion.
What makes XIT special isn't just the rodeo, the food, or the festivities. It's the people. It's the hundreds of volunteers who give their time, the generous sponsors who make it all possible, and an entire community that comes together to carry on a tradition unlike any other.
A special thank you to Kelly Kenney Pro Rodeo Announcer for representing the heart and spirit of XIT so beautifully during our opening ceremonies.
Thank you to the Dalhart Chamber of Commerce for all you do to welcome visitors to our community, and to Al and Danna Holland for taking the time to share such kind words.
When people travel hundreds of miles to experience XIT and leave feeling this way, we know we're doing something right.

Last but certainly not least, we're proud to introduce our 3rd Year Director and XIT President, Cole Banks! 🤠Cole is mak...
10/17/2026

Last but certainly not least, we're proud to introduce our 3rd Year Director and XIT President, Cole Banks! 🤠

Cole is making XIT history as the youngest Director ever to serve as President! Along with leading the Board, he oversees the World's Largest Free BBQ — one of XIT's most beloved traditions and an enormous undertaking!
And with Cole serving as President, his wife, Shailee, has an especially busy year ahead, helping bring the directors' wives together and making sure their many XIT traditions and responsibilities are carried out.
We're grateful for the dedication, hard work, and countless hours Cole and Shailee devote to making XIT a success!
And if you think that's impressive, just wait until you read about Cole's family history with XIT!

Cole Banks is a proud Dalhart native who graduated from Dalhart High School in 2017. Deeply rooted in agriculture, he works alongside his brother, father, and grandfather to operate Diamond B Farms, a custom farming and spraying business that has been a staple in the community for generations. Cole takes great pride in continuing the family tradition of hard work and dedication to the land.
Cole and his wife, Shailee, are the proud parents of two children—Parker and Brooks. Family is at the center of everything he does, and he enjoys passing down the values of commitment, integrity, and community involvement to the next generation.
Cole’s dedication to Dalhart extends beyond his professional life, as he is honored to serve as a 3rd year director for the XIT Rodeo & Reunion. His roles include President and BBQ man, ensuring that XIT’s most beloved tradition runs smoothly. Cole’s involvement is especially meaningful, as he is the 8th man in his family to be part of the XIT Board of Directors. He also holds the unique distinction of being a second 3rd generation director, and following in the footsteps of his brother, Wyatt Banks, a fellow BBQ man.

Next up, we're proud to introduce our 3rd Year Director, Dylan Hunter!Dylan serves as both our Treasurer and Hospitality...
10/16/2026

Next up, we're proud to introduce our 3rd Year Director, Dylan Hunter!

Dylan serves as both our Treasurer and Hospitality Director — two BIG jobs that keep him busy! From managing the finances behind this massive celebration to making sure our guests and special visitors are well taken care of, Dylan plays an important role in keeping XIT running smoothly.
And we can't talk about Hospitality without recognizing his wife, Liana, who helps Dylan make it all happen!
We're grateful for the hard work, dedication, and countless hours this duo puts into XIT! We're lucky to have them on our team!
Here's a little more about the Hunter family!

A Mount Vernon, Ohio native, Dylan has called Dalhart home since 2016. What started as a career move to Hilmar has grown into deep roots in this community. Today he manages multiple gas plants across the region with Green Gas Co., bringing serious operational experience to the XIT board.
Off the clock, Dylan and his wife Liana are raising four boys — Bryden, Austin, Abel, and Ivan — so he knows a thing or two about managing controlled chaos!
Dylan’s commitment to hard work, integrity, and community is exactly the kind of energy the 91st deserves.

We're moving on to our 3rd Year Directors, and first up is Chiz Bell!Chiz has his hands full overseeing Concessions and ...
10/15/2026

We're moving on to our 3rd Year Directors, and first up is Chiz Bell!
Chiz has his hands full overseeing Concessions and helping lead our Give Cancer the Boot efforts benefiting the Twilight Cancer Fund!
Keeping everyone fed and happy during XIT is a BIG job, but Chiz has also done an outstanding job supporting a cause close to our community's heart. Through our partnership with the Twilight Cancer Fund, we're helping local families facing cancer with expenses like travel, lodging, and medical costs.
We're grateful for Chiz's hard work, dedication, and heart for serving our community!
Get to know Chiz and his family!

Chiz Bell is a proud Dalhart native with deep roots in the community. He graduated from Dalhart High School in 2006, where he built lifelong friendships and developed a strong work ethic that has carried him through his career. In 2012, Chiz married his wife, Misti, and together they built a loving home with their two children, Jeremiah and London.
Professionally, Chiz works as a Sales Representative for Warren CAT, a leading provider of heavy equipment and machinery solutions. His role allows him to serve businesses and individuals across the region.
Beyond his career, Chiz is excited to be a part of the XIT family, serving as a third-year director. He plays an integral role with Concessions and Give Cancer the Boot. His commitment to this event reflects his passion for giving back to the community and ensuring the success of one of Dalhart’s most cherished traditions.

Next up, we're proud to introduce our 2nd Year Director and XIT Vice President, Gavin Valdez!Gavin also serves as our Ro...
10/14/2026

Next up, we're proud to introduce our 2nd Year Director and XIT Vice President, Gavin Valdez!
Gavin also serves as our Rodeo Director, and that's a BIG job! The rodeo is at the heart of the XIT Rodeo & Reunion, and bringing it all together takes countless hours of planning, coordination, and hard work. From the contestants and livestock to the action in the arena, there are a lot of moving parts that go into producing a great rodeo!
We're grateful for Gavin's leadership, dedication, and commitment to carrying on XIT's proud rodeo tradition!
Get to know Gavin and his family!
Gavin Valdez was born and raised in Dalhart and is a 2012 graduate of Dalhart High School. He attended West Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant and Soil Science in 2016. While at WTAMU, he met his wife, Alex, and the couple married in 2017.
Gavin and Alex are the parents of two children, Violet and Colter. He is currently employed as a feed salesman at Stockmen’s Feed Bunk. Deeply rooted in the western lifestyle, Gavin team ropes and trains horses in his spare time and brings that firsthand experience and passion to his role as Rodeo Director.

Next up, we're proud to introduce our 2nd Year Director, Ryan Walker! Ryan is back overseeing the Free Pork Chop Feed, o...
10/13/2026

Next up, we're proud to introduce our 2nd Year Director, Ryan Walker! Ryan is back overseeing the Free Pork Chop Feed, one of XIT's biggest fan favorites! Those famous pork chops are a tradition thousands look forward to every year, and making it all happen is no small task. We're grateful for Ryan's hard work and dedication to keeping this beloved tradition going strong!

Ryan Walker was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. In 2009, he began working in Dalhart while supporting an expansion project at Hilmar Cheese. Shortly thereafter, Ryan and his wife, Melissa, relocated their family from Amarillo to Dalhart, where they have since made their home.
Ryan and Melissa are high school sweethearts and have been married since 2008. They are proud parents to two wonderful children, John and Lucy.
In 2014, Ryan founded Anzco Industrial, LLC alongside his family in Dalhart, where he serves as Owner and Chief Operating Officer. Anzco Industrial is a full-service industrial company providing services across Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, and Oklahoma. The company specializes in electrical, instrumentation, controls, process piping, and has recently expanded to include a civil construction division.
Ryan is deeply grateful for the warm welcome his family has received from the Dalhart community and is honored to be part of the XIT Rodeo and Reunion family. As a second-year director, he is thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the long-standing XIT tradition and help carry on its outstanding legacy.

Excited to have Ryan and Melissa back for the best Pork Chops all year!

Next up, we're excited to introduce our 2nd Year Director, TJ Trimble! TJ is back overseeing Dance & Merchandise for ano...
10/11/2026

Next up, we're excited to introduce our 2nd Year Director, TJ Trimble! TJ is back overseeing Dance & Merchandise for another year, bringing experience and dedication to two important parts of the XIT celebration! We're grateful for his continued hard work and commitment to making XIT a success. Get to know TJ and his family!

TJ Trimble has called Dalhart home for the past 18 years. He and his wife, Melanie, are proud parents to Emarald, Tripp, and Lanie and are deeply rooted in the Dalhart community. TJ works for Western Equipment, while Melanie is employed with Dalhart Funeral Home.
TJ previously served 11 years with the Dalhart Volunteer Fire Department, where he held multiple roles and demonstrated a strong commitment to service. The Trimble's are active members of First Baptist Church, and TJ grew up in Briscoe, Texas.
As a 2nd year XIT Director, TJ oversees Dance & Merchandise.
We are so happy to TJ and Melanie back this year! What bands will be here in 2027 🤔?

It is our honor to introduce our third 1st Year Director, Wes Ralston!Wes will serve as Assistant Director of the World’...
10/11/2026

It is our honor to introduce our third 1st Year Director, Wes Ralston!

Wes will serve as Assistant Director of the World’s Largest Free BBQ—and feeding thousands is no small task! He’ll also oversee Watermelon, Parade, and Hoopie. He’s got a full plate (pun intended!), but we know he’s up for the challenge! We’re excited to have Wes on the team!

Wes Ralston has called Dalhart home since 1991 and graduated from Dalhart High School in 1997. He and his wife, Sarah, are proud parents of three children: Parker, Payton, and Preston. Sarah serves as the Director of Surgery and Pharmacy at C**n Memorial Hospital in Dalhart.
Wes works for Western Equipment as an Integrated Solutions Consultant, where he enjoys helping farmers overcome challenges and find solutions through precision agriculture technology. He takes pride in working with area farmers and helping them make the most of the technology available to improve their operations.
As a second-generation director of the XIT Rodeo & Reunion, Wes is proud to continue his family's involvement in an event that celebrates the rich history, western heritage, and community spirit of the Texas Panhandle. The XIT Rodeo & Reunion holds a special place in the community, bringing families and friends together while preserving the legacy of the legendary XIT Ranch for future generations.
Wes is honored to carry on this family tradition and serve an organization that means so much to Dalhart and the surrounding area. He looks forward to helping preserve the history and traditions of the XIT Rodeo & Reunion for years to come.
Let’s give a big warm welcome to Wes and Sarah!

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