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In the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, where the spirit of the Wild West thrives, there’s a legacy that weaves seamlessly into the fabric of the iconic Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design, a name synonymous with craftsmanship and tradition, has long etched its brand into the rich history of this legendary event.
In an exclusive interview with Sally Brumbaugh, the owner and lead interior designer here at Brumbaugh’s, we explore the family’s profound connection with the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, delving into cherished memories, long-standing traditions, and their significant contributions.
Within this blog, we also spotlight the competitive history of Elizabeth Brumbaugh Quirk, Sally’s daughter, from childhood competitions to her present-day participation in the FWSSR. As a fascinating side note — a story worthy of an article of its own — Elizabeth and her husband, Todd Quirk, established the Ten/27 Ranch in 2012 with a primary focus on Cutting Horses. Both Todd and Elizabeth have been active participants in the National Cutting Horse Association, competing in the Non-Professional division for the past 16 years and making steady appearances in the FWSSR. Their dedication to showing and breeding operations has resulted in an impressive achievement of nearly one million dollars in the arena, adding an extra layer to the Brumbaugh legacy and showcasing the family’s commitment to excellence beyond the world of furniture and design.
Q: How did the Brumbaugh family's involvement in the Stock Show and Rodeo begin, and what inspired you to become part of this tradition?
Sally:
Back in the 70s and early 80s, Brumbaugh’s presence at the FWSSR wasn’t just a display of furniture; it was a commitment of time and passion. Having a booth at the FWSSR takes many man hours and a cross-section of product to go for the 3-plus weeks of the stock show. This segwayed into Elizabeth showing everything from dairy goats, heifers, and eventually her cutting horses at the FWSSR. Tradition is what brings us back each year.
Q: Can you share some memories of Elizabeth's early experiences participating and competing in the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo as a child?
Sally:
Elizabeth was very involved in 4H from a Clover Kid and on up throughout the years. She started showing dairy goats early on mainly because that was about the only thing she could hold onto to lead into the arena — and we actually loved it! I think it was a good start learning the skills of showmanship. The judge would ask questions about the animal from conformation, health, feed and more. The contestant had to be knowledgeable of their animal.
Q: What motivated Elizabeth to continue competing in the Stock Show and Rodeo into adulthood? Are there specific events or aspects of the competition that hold special meaning for you?
Elizabeth started showing cutting horses at the age of 10. The best way to learn a sport is to compete and so she did. There are competitions all over the country that hold great accolades but competing and doing well in your own backyard is very special. You are around the people you know and who know you. Having an established retail business such as Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design puts a familiar local name with Elizabeth as a contestant. The horse business in general is really a very small ‘family of people.’ Our family connection in the horse world put Elizabeth as an already familiar name. So much ranching heritage is steeped in the FWSSR and cutting in general. The sport of cutting comes directly from what ranches have been doing for hundreds of years. When it comes time to weaning calves, the cowboys have to ‘cut’ or drive out the calves from the mother cows in order to wean them. They are then separated and not allowed to rejoin the main herd. This became the competitive sport of cutting we know today.
Q: As sponsors of the Ranch Rodeo Night, can you tell us about the significance of this event and how it aligns with the Brumbaugh family's values and interests?
Sally:
As ranchers ourselves, the Ranch Rodeo aligns with everything we identify with. Several of the ranches that competed in this year’s competition are either personal friends or ranch owners who we have done business with. Ranches such as 6666 Ranch, RA Brown Ranches, and Bonds Ranches. The cowboys and cowgirls representing these ranches are 7 days a week people. Ranching is what they do and have chosen to make a life career.
Q: The Cowtown Collection Night is a notable initiative. How did the idea for this event come about, and how did it contribute to raising money for the Stock Show and Rodeo's student artist competition awards?
Sally:
The Cowtown Collection has seen much growth since 2020. We love to foster the arts and cultivate the Western lifestyle, and this event does just that. Local artists come together on this one night to showcase their amazing talents while enjoying live music from such artists as, Tracy Byrd, Stoney LaRue and Cody Canada. Most importantly, each year Brumbaughs and The Cowtown Collection are able to give back to local non-profit organizations that support the Western lifestyle. This past Cowtown Collection supported the Fort Worth Stock Show Art Contest. Allowing the future of the art industry to earn scholarship money is so very rewarding. We look forward to seeing what this next year has in store.
Q: In what ways has the Brumbaugh family seen the impact of their contributions for different Stock Show events from the Cowtown Collection proceeds?
The Cowtown Collection is an amazing art event in and of itself, but it is also a great party! A great evening with friends, customers, and our incredible employees who are at the heart of all Brumbaugh’s is about.
Q: Can you share any unique or special traditions that the Brumbaugh family has developed within the context of the Stock Show and Rodeo?
Tradition and legacy mean a great deal to us as a family. We have been in business for 58 years right here in Fort Worth, Texas and the FWSSR is part of our tradition. Elizabeth is competing this year like she has been doing year after year right here where we call home.
Bringing the elegance of timeless tradition to your home
Discover for yourself why so many all over the world look to Brumbaugh’s to create something legendary within their own space. Visit us online or in person today at our Fort Worth, Texas location.
