SAN ANGELO, Texas — Ernie Cantu has been shining the Concho Valley’s boots at the San Angelo Rodeo for more than two decades. Now in his seventies, his fire for his craft could not be warmer.
“They (local residents) treat me for what I do, and I love that because I love my work," Cantu said.
His “why” for this craft runs deeper than the love for your favorite leather cowboy boots. His daughter has been the recipient of four kidney transplants throughout her life. It is this business that keeps the medical bills at bay.
“She has been through a lot. She has been through four kidney transplants. Four. I gave her the first one when she was a year and a half old. Medicaid helps her but not enough to where she can make it. All (of) this is for her,” Cantu said.
Cantu knows he will not be able to shine boots for another 70 years, but he hopes someone can take the reins once his time is up at the rodeo.
"I am hoping that in the future, there is somebody that might take over. I think it is a lost art, and it would be great if somebody would keep doing it,” Cantu said.
You can visit Ernie's shoe shiner parlor inside the First Financial Pavilion on the San Angelo Rodeo fairgrounds throughout the week.