MABANK–The Mabank Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) proudly announces the 67th Annual Mabank Rodeo and Western Week to be held Monday, June 20 through Saturday, June 25. The tradition which began in 1955 will consist of Rodeo Queen events, a parade, street dance and game night to name a few activities. 
The MVFD says, “Western Week provides visitors the opportunity to be a part of the excitement surrounding the rodeo and activities of Western Week. For eight days western-themed activities throughout Mabank will engage the young and the old.” The department works to keep costs down and gate fees low to accommodate all socioeconomic levels of the community for this family-oriented event. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 under 13 and free for ages five and under.  
Western Week kicks off at 7 p.m. Monday, June 20 with the Rodeo Queen Rehearsal at the Alene and Andrew Gibbs Memorial Arena. Games are scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 21 with bed races to follow at 7:30 p.m. located in downtown Mabank. A street dance in downtown Mabank will round off the evening. The Rodeo Queens dinner will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 22 at BnR Country and the Youth Rodeo Ride, Rope and Catch will be held Thursday, June 23 at the Cowboy Church. The rodeo begins at 8 p.m. Friday, June 24. Slack will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 25 followed by a parade at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 25 and Rodeo at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 25. 
“We would like to point out that the Mabank Volunteer Fire Department is a 100 percent volunteer service. We are a small volunteer fire department that provides fire suppression rescue, water rescue and basic first responder services to the City of Mabank and parts of Kaufman County, Van Zandt County, Henderson County, northern end of Cedar Creek Lake and Purtis Creek State Park,” says the department. The department consists of 24 professional volunteer firefighters and five cadets. It serves approximately 9,000 people in a 125 square mile rural setting with three stations spread out for faster responses. “MVFD is proactive with nine Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT-B) and over half our members are at least basic fire certified under the State Fireman and Fire Marshal Association of Texas (SFFMA). 
Names are currently being accepted for the submission to 11 local clubs that sponsor the Mabank Rodeo Queen nominees. Nominees will need access to a horse and western attire for the entire event. Girls in grades eighth through twelfth are eligible. Entry forms can be picked up at the Mabank Fire Station and must be submitted no later than Friday, June 3. Entry for the Bed Races must be turned in by 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 21 and entry for the parade must be turned in by 2 p.m. Saturday, June 25. 
For more information about the rodeo or western week events call Johnny Adams at (903) 880-3858 or the Mabank Volunteer Fire Department at (903) 887-4747.