Music icon Taylor Swift may have dropped a new album Wednesday, but the Kilgore Rooster has left some tracks of his own on this corner of East Texas.
Especially after going on an impromptu adventure Wednesday, the fine-feathered fowl is now an ‘Honorary Citizen’ of Kilgore, Texas, following a proclamation by Mayor Ronnie Spradlin Thursday afternoon – Kilgore Rooster Day in the City of Kilgore.
The honors for the local eggs-plorer also net a healthy donation for local police officers. After Gabriel/Jordan Buick GMC‘s Tim Capps issued a light-hearted challenge to spotlight the recently-recovered rooster, Kilgore Tourism Manager Megan Payne and her colleagues at City Hall hatched a plan.
“The Rooster needs a Mayoral Proclamation of his emancipation, honorary citizenship, and a key to the City! Gabriel/Jordan Buick GMC would make a $500 donation to KPD’s 501(c)3 or organization of choice if said event can be organized,” Capps posted in response a post on the Kilgore PD Facebook page.
(Update: Carrollton-based Taylor Lightning Protection is sending another $500 to Kilgore Police Department after employees mistakenly absconded with the Kilgore Rooster Wednesday. Read more…)
As of 3 p.m. Aug. 14…
PROCLAMATION
Kilgore Rooster – Honorary Citizen
WHEREAS, the Kilgore Rooster has become an iconic symbol of our community, representing the spirit, resilience, and pride of the City of Kilgore; and
WHEREAS, the Kilgore Rooster has inspired joy, brought smiles to residents, and contributed to the unique character of our city; and
WHEREAS, the Kilgore Rooster embodies the values of community, creativity, and local heritage that make Kilgore a special place to live, work, and visit; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to recognize those who, through their presence and influence, enrich our community and foster a sense of unity and pride among our citizens;
WHEREAS, let it be known that the Kilgore Rooster is hereby made an official citizen of Kilgore, Texas, and afforded all rights, opportunities, and privileges hereto.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, R.E. Spradlin, III, Mayor of the City of Kilgore, do hereby proclaim the day of August 14, 2025
Kilgore Rooster Day
in the City of Kilgore
FURTHERMORE, as Mayor, I ask all of the citizens of Kilgore to join me in continuing making the Kilgore Rooster feel at home in our incredible town.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the official seal of the City of Kilgore, Texas.
PROCLAIMED this the 14th day of August, 2025
#CurrentKudos to everybody – definitely something to crow about.
