A Tradition Since 1932

For generations, the Texas Cowboy Reunion has selected an official hostess to serve as an ambassador for one of Texas’ most treasured celebrations. Since 1932, local women have been chosen to welcome visitors to Stamford and represent the hospitality, heritage, and community spirit that make the Texas Cowboy Reunion so special.

The Texas Cowboy Reunion is proud to announce Sharon (Starr) Pierce as the 2026 TCR Hostess.

Born and raised in Stamford, Sharon graduated from Stamford High School in 1980. Her first job was working as a teller at Big Country Savings & Loan. After her children were born, she operated an in-home daycare until her daughters began school. She later returned to the banking and finance industry, where she has worked alongside Gary Decker for the past 26 years.

Sharon and her husband, Pat, have been married for 44 years and have built a family rooted in faith, love, and service. Together they are the proud parents of two daughters, Amber Engelke and her husband, Mark, and Courtney Walton. Following the passing of Sharon’s sister, Pam Cox, from cancer, Sharon and Pat remained deeply involved in the lives of their nephews, Justin and Preston, sharing in their milestones, challenges, and accomplishments throughout their upbringing.

Today, their greatest joy comes from being “Nana” and “Paw” to Peyton, Kendal, Hayden, Haze, Atlee, Kenley, and Ryan. Family remains at the center of their lives, and much of their free time is spent cheering on grandchildren at sporting events and other extracurricular activities.

Those who know Sharon know that her kindness is often expressed through food. Whether delivering homemade meals to someone in need of encouragement or inviting others to gather around her table, she has spent much of her life caring for people through cooking and baking. Since the construction of the TCR VIP Skybox, Sharon has faithfully provided homemade desserts and baked goods every night of the rodeo.

She is perhaps best known throughout the community for her famous pink thumbprint cookies, a longtime favorite that frequently appear at fundraisers and charitable events. On occasion, she simply shares them with others for no special reason at all.

Like many families in Stamford, Sharon’s connection to the Texas Cowboy Reunion spans generations. Some of her favorite TCR memories include watching her daughter, Courtney, and niece, Kenley, serve as TCR Sponsors and cheering on Ryan as a pickup man with the TNT Group. She also treasures the sight of children and grandchildren playing in the arena after each night’s performance, continuing traditions that have been part of the Texas Cowboy Reunion for generations.

One particularly special memory came during last year’s rodeo when Kenley and Cody became engaged on the final night, creating a moment Sharon will never forget.

During rodeo week, Sharon and Pat’s home becomes a gathering place for family and friends. It is not uncommon for 30 to 40 people to pass through their doors on a given evening. There is always food in the kitchen, stories being shared, and plenty of laughter filling the house. Add a rented waterslide or two and some ice-cold watermelon, and the result is a reunion all its own.

Although Sharon has spent a lifetime serving others, she has never sought recognition for those efforts. Being selected as TCR Hostess places her in a role far more public than she would normally choose for herself, but she is sincerely honored to represent a tradition and community she has cherished her entire life.

Her love for the Texas Cowboy Reunion began early. Instilled by her parents, Don and Margaret Starr, the TCR became more than an annual event—it became part of her family’s heritage and identity. Sharon does not recall ever missing a rodeo since early childhood.

The distinction of serving as TCR Hostess carries a rich legacy and reflects the heart of what makes the Texas Cowboy Reunion community so special. For Sharon Pierce, being chosen as Hostess is a meaningful reflection of a lifetime spent loving, serving, and supporting the people of Stamford.

The Texas Cowboy Reunion proudly honors Sharon Pierce as the 2026 TCR Hostess and thanks her for the countless ways she has helped make this community stronger through her generosity, hospitality, and unwavering commitment to family and tradition.