STEPHENVILLE, Texas — The annual L.V. Risinger Memorial Bonfire will blaze once again this Friday, Oct. 16. The bonfire event, part of Tarleton State’s ongoing Homecoming Week itinerary, will be held at the Tarleton State University Agriculture Center at 8 p.m.
A long-standing Tarleton State tradition, the bonfire goes as far back as the 1920s. The celebration has since been renamed for alumna L.V. Risinger, who bravely defended the bonfire from rival North Texas Agricultural College students in 1939.
Each year, the Plowboys spirit organization assembles the towering bonfire as a tribute to spirit and tradition. The Plowboys work tirelessly for months, building a space for alumni, students and the Stephenville community to gather as one.
“There is nothing quite like seeing our Plowboys’ hard work light up the sky and bring our Tarleton State family together,” said Lathes Towns, Executive Director of Traditions, Spirit, and Family Engagement. “That flame, like our Texan spirit, will always burn bright.”
Parking space at the agriculture center is reserved, and those without an entry pass will not be permitted to park onsite. Attendees are strongly encouraged to use the free shuttle service, with rides to and from the agriculture center available at two pickup points: Stephenville City Park and the Tarleton State campus, at the corner of Rudder Way and Cain Avenue.
Shuttle service to the bonfire begins at 6 p.m., with the last shuttle departing at 8:45 p.m. Return shuttle service ends at 11 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the food trucks offering snacks and beverages for purchase. Clear bags are required, and no outside alcohol, food or drinks — including water — will be allowed on the shuttle or at the bonfire. Water will be available onsite.
Only ADA-compliant service animals are permitted at the bonfire. ADA-compliant shuttles will be available at each pickup location.
For those unable to attend the bonfire in person, a livestream of the event will be offered.
For more information about Tarleton State Homecoming and live updates, visit tarleton.edu/homecoming/.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 28,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 127 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real-world learning and address regional, state and national needs.