As Celina’s cornfields give way to new housing developments and historic buildings on the square transform into bars, restaurants, and boutiques, Rodeo Celina is looking back to the town’s ranching roots. Inspired by the “Playdays” once hosted by the Celina Riding Club, Rodeo Celina is entering its third year with a renewed commitment to celebrating the values that shaped the community, even as the town continues to grow and evolve.
Reflecting the changes seen across Celina, the board is introducing updates of its own, beginning with a new location. Rodeo Celina is moving from Southfork Ranch to Myers Park in McKinney, just 15 minutes from downtown Celina. The decision to bring the rodeo closer to home highlights the organization’s mission to preserve the spirit and heritage of the community.
“As Celina continues to grow, one of the principal motivators is protecting the Western culture and cowboy heritage that define this area, while reinforcing the legacy of ranching and agricultural life,” Apffel said. “The only way to do that was by moving closer to Celina.”
Apffel, who volunteered during the rodeo’s first two years, has stepped into the role of chairman with a vision for growth. One of his first initiatives was restructuring the board to support that vision. The current board includes Dorothy Allen, John Hickman, Brian Murphy, Ceasar Rodriguez, Jared Hubbell, and Andy Hopkins.
“The goal is to expand both the scope and the impact of the rodeo,” Apffel said.
That vision is already taking shape in several ways. Along with the new location, the board has invested in its own arena, drawing inspiration from renowned events like Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Calgary Stampede.
“It creates a much better guest experience from a viewing perspective,” Apffel said. “Guests are right on top of the action.”
While enhancing the guest experience remains a priority, Apffel emphasized that the rodeo’s mission extends beyond entertainment.
“We want to create awareness for the Warhorse Cavalry Foundation,” he said.
The foundation was created in response to the ongoing mental health crisis among veterans and first responders. Many veterans across the country struggle with mental health, underscoring the urgent need for meaningful support. Many who have served face elevated rates of depression, PTSD, and chronic stress, often without the resources or community needed to navigate those challenges.
Warhorse Cavalry is working to address those silent battles through equine assisted programs, community connection, and purpose driven ranch work. The goal is to provide a place where veterans and first responders can process trauma, reduce stress, and rediscover a sense of purpose, ultimately helping to restore hope and prevent more lives from being lost.
“What we are building here in Celina is intended to become a central hub for meaningful support of the veteran community across Texas,” Apffel said.
That sense of purpose is grounded not only in future ambitions but also in appreciation for those who laid the foundation for the event.
“I would like to thank the founders for their continued support through all of the changes,” Apffel said. “The support from both the founders and the community means a great deal to us. The future is bright.”
Rodeo Celina will take place May 29 through May 31 at Myers Park and Event Center, located at 7117 County Road 166 in McKinney. Tickets and additional information are available at RodeoCelina.com
For more information on Warhorse Cavalry Foundation, visit WarhorseCavalry.org