The Beard Posse exists to preserve and carry forward the proud tradition of Charro Days in a way that is professional, respectful, and full of fun. Rooted in a legacy that began in 1938, we honor Brownsville’s history through pageantry, humor, and community engagement. While our arrests may be humorous, our commitment to serving the community and supporting local historical preservation is sincere. We strive to represent Charro Days with class and professionalism, ensuring that the spirit of camaraderie and celebration continues for future generations. Through tradition, brotherhood, and a shared love for Brownsville, we keep the celebration vibrant, welcoming, and unforgettable.
The Grand Order of the Brush was established in 1938 alongside the very first Charro Days celebrations in Brownsville, Texas. Organized by civic leader Alex Austin, the group was created to encourage public participation in the new binational festival honoring the shared cultural heritage of Brownsville and Matamoros.
Members adopted the appearance of frontier caballeros and vaqueros and introduced the custom of requiring men to grow beards during the season. Those who remained clean-shaven were playfully “arrested” and asked to pay a donation, a tradition that quickly became a signature part of Charro Days.
For decades, the Order of the Brush has remained a recognizable symbol of the festival, preserving early customs, promoting community involvement, and helping maintain the historic character of one of Brownsville’s oldest annual celebrations.
Click the button below to read an in-depth thesis by Kely Rae Loff about the history and culture of Charro Days, The Beard Posse and the related celebrations.
Our 2026 Active Membership Roster/Officers
"Pot Hole"
Doro has ridden with the Beard Posse since 2014. He serves as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Brownsville. One of his favorite moments has been watching his son take part in the roundups and grow up surrounded by the fun and spirit of the Posse. He enjoys the camaraderie and the chance to share the celebration with family and friends. Doro says the friendships, tradition, good times, and good food keep him coming back each year.
"Caliche"
Joe has been riding with the Beard Posse since 2010 and is now retired. He was the proud owner of Cobbleheads and is also one of the founders of Sombrero Festival. Some of his favorite moments come when the group gathers and he shares his classic Irish jokes, usually leaving the whole crowd laughing. He enjoys the fellowship and storytelling that are part of every Charro Days season. Joe says he returns each year for the friendships he has built through the Posse over the years.
"Gato"
Raul has ridden with the Beard Posse since 2011. He works as a Sales Executive with Future Electronics, covering the Northeast Mexico border region. One of his favorite memories stretches back to childhood — dancing along the parade route as an elementary school student in the late 1970s, and then years later having the privilege to do it again as part of the Beard Posse. He enjoys the fellowship and pride that comes with riding each season. Raul says it’s an honor to be part of a brotherhood and tradition that began in 1938 — it’s fun, it’s Charro Days, it’s Brownsville… ¡Viva la Barba!
"Pajaraco"
We believe Wesley joined the Beard Posse around 2011, though it’s hard to confirm because he rarely stops dancing long enough to answer a direct question. It’s rumored that in real life he works as a financial advisor, which may explain why he seems especially joyful once Charro Days rolls around. While he didn’t pause his financial planning — or his dancing — long enough to help with this bio, we’re confident some of his best memories involve dancing down Elizabeth Street and delighting the crowd. He has become known for his enthusiastic moves and fearless parade performances. Wesley clearly sticks around because he considers himself the Posse’s bravest (and possibly best) dancer — and he’s more than happy to peacock about it.
"Mapache"
No one is entirely sure when Pashos officially joined the Beard Posse, as he is often found napping — a fact well documented by his bio photo above. We believe he works in the seafood export business, though he’s rarely awake long enough for anyone to confirm the details. When he does surface, he’s friendly, smiling, and ready to enjoy a few moments of the festivities. He reliably appears each season and quickly settles into his preferred resting spot nearby. We’re just glad to have him with us… even if it’s to the gentle soundtrack of a Posse-side nap.
"Guapo"
Frank Parker has ridden with the Beard Posse since 1988, joining alongside fellow former members Mark Johnson and Rusty Faulk. In his professional life he works in international logistics, but each Charro Days season he gladly swaps that role for boots, a badge, and Posse duty. One of his most memorable experiences was the stormy Saturday evening in 2015, when thunderstorms rolled through but the celebration carried on. He’s also a regular at the cookoff, serving as a chef for several years and even winning the chili cookoff in 2014. Frank says he returns every year for the camaraderie, the roundups, and the fun — and because Charro Days wouldn’t feel right without the Posse.
"El Gordo"
Narciso has been part of the Beard Posse for many years, though by the way he groans about it you’d think he was born into the role. He carries himself like the slightly disgruntled middle brother of the group, always nearby and always with a comment ready. No one is entirely sure what he does for a living, but his wonderful wife has led many of us to suspect he may have things figured out better than he lets on. He reliably shows up to offer plenty of good-natured guff about whatever everyone else is probably doing wrong — while rarely explaining how to do it right. Somehow he remains the Posse’s “most interesting man,” and we’re still not sure exactly why, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
"El Campeon"
John has been riding with the Beard Posse since 2010. He is the owner of Border Press, a custom print shop serving the community. Some of his most memorable moments come from simply gathering with the Posse and enjoying time together, whether during Charro Days events or out on the golf course, where he is an avid golfer. He appreciates the relaxed camaraderie that defines the group. John says he keeps coming back each year for the friendships and the enduring tradition of Charro Days.
"Oso Negro"
Joe has ridden with the Beard Posse since 2010 and is now retired, though he still manages several of his personal rental properties. He is also a certified Master Gardener. Some of his favorite Charro Days memories include dancing along the parade route and spending time with friends at the Posse tent during Sombrero Festival. He enjoys the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to visit with familiar faces each year. Joe says he keeps coming back for the friendships and the welcoming spirit of the celebration.
"El Bean"
Bean has been riding with the Beard Posse since 2010 and is now retired. Over the years he worked with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ronald McDonald House, and Habitat for Humanity, staying closely connected to the community. Some of his favorite moments come from emceeing events and getting the crowd energized — he truly enjoys being on the microphone. He brings enthusiasm and laughter wherever the Posse gathers. Bean says he keeps coming back for the lifelong friendships and the traditions that make Charro Days special.
"Ojo Loco"
Craig joined the Beard Posse in 2014 and has been riding ever since. In his day job he is a real estate broker and owner of GRT Realty in Brownsville. One of his most memorable Charro Days moments came at Sombrero Festival when his beard was shaved off in front of the crowd — followed immediately by the priceless look on his son’s face when he saw him clean-shaven. He enjoys the fellowship, laughter, and organized chaos that comes with Posse season each year. Craig says it may be a lot of work, but the history and camaraderie keep him coming back every time.
"Pope Pink"
Lloyd has been riding with the Beard Posse since 2010 and is now retired. A self-described “downtown Brownsville rat,” he has lived, worked, and owned businesses in the heart of the city for more than 60 years. Charro Days has always been one of his favorite times of year, especially the music, food, and lively atmosphere downtown. He enjoys reconnecting with friends and meeting new faces as the Posse makes its rounds. Lloyd says the camaraderie with his Posse brothers is what keeps him coming back every season.
"El Deputy Dog"
William has been part of the Beard Posse since 2010. He is the owner of Model Laundry an industrial laundry business, which may explain why he’s usually only spotted once a year during Charro Days. In fact, we couldn’t reach him to fill out the questionnaire. Still, when he does appear, he fits right back in and enjoys a few laughs with the group. William keeps coming back because, as we suspect, it’s his one officially sanctioned day to escape work and the house each year.
"La Plancha"
Bob has been a member of the Beard Posse since 2015 and enjoys the camaraderie and fun times shared with fellow riders while helping keep Charro Days traditions alive. Now retired, he spent over 46 years as a banker, assisting local businesses and residents with their financial needs. Some of his fondest memories date back to childhood, participating in Charro Days parades from elementary school through high school. Today he appreciates reconnecting with friends and family during the celebration each year. He says being part of the Posse allows him to continue taking part in a tradition he has enjoyed his entire life.
"Espeedy"
Javier has been riding with the Beard Posse since 2011 and is a retired teacher. Over the years he’s become known for helping keep the Posse organized and (mostly) in line. It takes a strong personality to manage such a lively group, and he handles the role with humor and patience. He enjoys the camaraderie and the laughs that come with each season. Javier says he keeps showing up because, as he likes to joke, the Posse would be lost without him.
"El Monte"
Mike has ridden with the Beard Posse since 2010 and is now enjoying retirement. A lifelong Brownsville resident, he has taken part in Charro Days celebrations since he was a child. He especially enjoys the parades, the bright colors, and the smiles on kids’ faces when the Posse comes through downtown. Each season gives him a chance to share that same excitement with a new generation. Mike says he returns year after year simply for the love of Charro Days and the traditions he grew up with.
"El Fotografo"
Ric has been part of the Beard Posse since around 2010, first serving as the group’s official photographer before becoming a rider himself. A world-renowned professional photographer, he has completed shoots across the globe and continues to operate his own studio and career today. Many of his favorite memories come from capturing the vibrant tradition through his lens, though he now equally enjoys simply being part of the gatherings. Even while living outside Brownsville, the Posse keeps him closely connected to his hometown. Ric says he returns each year for the lifelong friendships he has built along the way.
"ChaChing"
Ancelmo has been riding with the Beard Posse since 2017. In his professional life he works as an attorney. He enjoys telling jokes and spending time with friends at the Posse tent during the festivities. The celebration offers a welcome break from the demands of his work. Ancelmo says he returns each year for the tradition and brotherhood he finds within the Posse.
"Conito"
Rick joined the Beard Posse in 2019. He brings decades of professional experience, having worked in commercial real estate and property management for over 30 years, including general manager roles at Valle Vista Mall, Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets, and Sunrise Mall. One of his favorite Charro Days memories is getting to celebrate his birthday right in the middle of the parade festivities. He enjoys the fellowship and energy that comes with Posse season and interacting with the crowds downtown. Rick says he likes to stay active in the community and to help promote the city of Brownsville each year.
"Pinata"
Edward Rodriguez has been riding with the Beard Posse since 2018. In his professional life he works in marketing and promotions and also serves as a political consultant. One of his favorite running jokes is the one time he actually showed up early to an event — a story the Posse still brings up. He enjoys the humor and good-natured teasing that comes with being part of the group. Edward says he keeps coming back because of the friendships and the guys who never let him forget he’s usually late.
"El Limon"
Juan has been an official rider with the Beard Posse for 2023. In his day-to-day life he works in both real estate and car sales, keeping him busy across the community year-round. One of his most memorable Charro Days moments was the year the Posse escorted Elon Musk through the Sombrero Festival — a story he still laughs about. He enjoys the excitement downtown and the unpredictable adventures that always seem to happen during the celebration. Juan says he keeps coming back each year for the good times and even better people.
"Pansolo"
John has been riding with the Beard Posse since 2022. In his professional life he is a civil engineer and Vice President with Halff Engineers and Associates. One of his favorite Charro Days traditions is helping raid local offices and seeing his friends “arrested” and hauled off to the Posse jail — something he seems to take particular satisfaction in. He enjoys the playful mischief and laughter that comes with each roundup. John keeps coming back each year, always on the lookout for future beardless offenders who dare cross his path and to enjoy the camaraderie and shenanigans.
"Little Mr. Amigo"
Tiny has ridden with the Beard Posse since 2010. A retired U.S. Marine who also worked in the private sector, he now stays busy running a custom printing business. One of his proudest Charro Days moments was serving as a Grand Marshal in the 2024 Charro Days International Parade. He enjoys the activity, laughter, and energy that comes with each season. He says it keeps him young at heart and he loves spending time with this wonderful group of Posse members, both old and new.
"El Wood"
Ed has proudly ridden with the Beard Posse since 2023 and is now retired from work. He continues to serve the community as a member of the Brownsville Airport Board, where he previously served as Chair, and as Vice Chair and Secretary of the Governing Board of Directors for IDEA Public Schools nationwide. A Brownsville native, he appreciates the fellowship of Charro Days and the bicultural spirit the celebration represents each year. One of his favorite moments is seeing the excitement and joy on children’s faces during the parades. Ed says being part of the Posse is a meaningful way to stay connected to the community and its traditions.
"La Pina"
Joey joined the Beard Posse in 2025. Unlike most of the group, he actually works in real law enforcement, which makes his participation especially entertaining. One of his favorite parts of Charro Days is watching the rest of the Posse confidently pretend they have authority. He appreciates the humor and harmless theatrics that come with the badge and jail wagon. Joey says riding with the Posse gives him a lighthearted escape from the seriousness of his day-to-day work.
"Al Pastor"
Dillon is in riding with the Beard Posse since 2024, though he’s been a supporter of the group for more than a decade. In real life he serves as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in San Benito, where he has led his congregation since 2017. During Charro Days he’s already found himself right in the middle of the action, including chauffeuring several Sombrero Festival presidents through parades and events in true Posse style. He enjoys the fellowship and the chance to bring a little laughter to downtown Brownsville during the celebration. Dillon says he keeps coming back to help keep the tradition vibrant, welcoming, and — most importantly — fun for the entire community.
"Waldo"
Matt is one of the Posse’s first true legacy members, joining in 2025 after growing up watching his father ride for many years before him. In real life he serves as a Sheriff’s Deputy, bringing actual law enforcement credentials to the group. Even in just his second year, he has embraced the easygoing camaraderie that defines the Posse. He enjoys the humor, fellowship, and lighter side of “law enforcement” that Charro Days allows. Matt says he keeps coming back for the fun — and because this version is a heck of a lot better than the real thing.