GRAND MARSHAL AND GRAND HONORARY MARSHAL

GRAND MARSHAL & HONORARY GRAND MARSHAL GRAND MARSHAL ANTHONY VALDEZ It is a great honor to be named Grand Marshal this year at Finals in Dallas. I was humbled and surprised to receive this honor and want to thank all the members who voted for me. IGRA is an organization that has brought me a family that has been part of my life since 1983 when I attended my first rodeo in Arizona. Being from Arizona I was always excited when the rodeo came to town and was even happier when AGRA hosted their first rodeo. I feel like my life has been inspired by all the athletes, administration, Royalty, Chute and Arena personnel who have worked tirelessly to create this world we call Rodeo. There are people in every association who have been inspirational to me; I consider them family and will do anything for them. Thanks for choosing me for this honor. I can think of many others who also deserve this along with me and I am proud of them as well. To the contestants, have a fun, safe rodeo; to the Royalty, may your next year be a success – one you will never forget. To all the rodeo staff, volunteers and attendees, have a wonderful weekend to be remembered for many years to come.

In Gratitude,

Anthony Valdez, aka Miss Chili Pepper

HONORARY GRAND MARSHAL LUPE VALDEZ Born to Mexican-American migrant farm workers, Lupe Valdez is the youngest of eight children. Raised in San Antonio she started life working in the fields, eventually paying her way through college and earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Valdez began her career as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve and later moved into various positions within law enforcement. In 2004 Valdez announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Dallas County Sheriff as an openly lesbian candidate and won the backing of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund; she was sworn in January 2005. In 2017 Valdez announced her candidacy for Governor of Texas. Although losing the election, she became the first Latina and first openly gay person nominated for governor by a major party in the state.