|
The Running of
the Sheep in San Angelo
Photo
courtesy Audrey Herbrich |
It’s
mutton mania, West Texas style.
There’s little other way to describe the ordinarily quiet San Angelo
during The Running of the Sheep. On the last Saturday in September,
local West Texan’s showcase their idea of “fun” by releasing a herd
of sheep in the downtown streets. Not a baaaaaad way to spend the
day.
In what began as a unique celebration in 2003 to coincide with the
city’s centennial celebration, this Wild West version of Pamplona’s
Running of the Bulls transforms the cityscape, nodding to its “Wool
Capital of the World” status from days of yore. A herd of sheep (100
the first year) are released from the back of a trailer and are to
run along marked downtown streets (one of which crosses the Concho
River) lined with human and vehicular barricades to the ending mark
of Fort Concho where
celebrations, including an International Lamb Cook-off, ensue upon
their safe arrival. Simple enough.
Herding sheep, however, especially on city streets, is a bit messier
in practice than in theory.
In 2003, nearly 3500 locals and visitors gathered for the first Running
of the Sheep. A cordon of flag-waving cavalry and a lead goat paraded
the herd down the asphalt, aided by the local 4-H and FFA members.
And several befuddled Border Collies.
The “Running” was more of a stop-and-go trotting. Sheep, by their
very nature, are followers; they simply need something to lead. In
all the chaos, there seemed to be too many leaders. That, coupled
with the wide streets, caused uncontrollable bleating and the subsequent
overtaking of the lead goat. A couple of the sheep broke through the
barricades and were corralled heading towards the river. Several encircled
a minivan with passengers. Some turned around and wanted to get back
into the trailer which brought them there.
A single horsedrawn carriage full of West Texas dignitaries concluded
the parade. Participants then followed it, along the same route the
sheep took, to Fort Concho where the sheep were safely penned. Participants
were rewarded post-ruckus with a celebration including speeches, music,
demonstrations, local artisan displays, and, teams competing in the
Cook-off. Needless to say, the most popular booth that afternoon was
the one selling lamb chops served on tortillas—Sans utensils, sans
napkin.
The Running of the Sheep has now become an annual event, coinciding
with several other exciting activities, some of which have included
the San Angelo Stock Show, 10K Armydillo Run, downtown Fun Fair, Museum
of Fine Arts Family Day, Fort Concho Archaeology Day, and the Rotary
Shrimp Fest.
The 2005 event is slated for September 24. Bring your running shoes.
See San Angelo, Texas |
 |
The beginning
of The Run, with the sheep rounding Oakes Steet against the backdrop
of the historic downtown Cactus Hotel.
Photo
courtesy Audrey Herbrich |
An initial escape
attempt, quickly thwarted
Photo
courtesy Audrey Herbrich |
San
Angelo Tourist Information
San Angelo Chamber of Commerce
500 Rio Concho Drive, San Angelo, Tx 76903
Phone: 325-655-4136, 1-800-375-1206
Website: www.sanangelo-tx.com
© Audrey A. Herbrich
English Instructor at Blinn College — Brenham and Schulenburg
February 16, 2005 column |
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