When: late Feb. – mid-March
Where: Reliant Park
Round up the whole family for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a salute to the western way of life that’s been a Texas tradition since 1932. Over one million rodeo devotees head to the state’s fourth largest city each year for this agricultural and educational extravaganza. Following are just a few of the activities that will rope you in:
Rodeo Competitions: The trusted sidekick of every true buckaroo, horses are the star of the show in a number of events, ranging from the synchronized skill between man and animal in barrel racing to the thundering hoofbeats of a four-horse team pulling a mess wagon across the finish line in a nod to yesteryear, the Chuck Wagon Races.
Gripping the reins, brave buckaroos get ready for the wildest eight second of their lives during Saddle Bronc Riding and Bareback Bronc Riding, and horse and rider become Texas tandems during Tie-down Roping. Equine enthusiasts can also enjoy a variety of classic horse shows at Reliant Arena, where riders put appaloosas, Arabians and palominos through their paces.
Bulls and steers are also showstoppers, as fleet-footed kids race from FFA and 4-H students in the Calf Scramble. For more dangerous feats of derring-do, buy a ticket to steer wrestling, bull riding and the heart-stopping spectacle of Xtreme Bulls.
Food & Dance: The seductive smell of smoked meat tempts attendees to the World Champion Bar-B-Que contest, a three day cook-off offering awards offering awards in several categories.
If the competition’s contents leave you with a hankering for a heaping plate of spare ribs or brisket, join the chow line at The Chuck Wagon, then burn off the calories on the dance floor at The Garden, where Texas twosomes do the boot-scootin’ boogie to music provided by live acts.
Connoisseurs of the grape can taste the best Texas spirits at the Roundup and Best Bites Competition inside the Reliant Astrodome, where a variety of wines from Lone Star vineyards accompany culinary creations from Cow Town’s top restaurants.
Theme Days: Special theme days celebrate the cultural diversity of Texas. At Go Tejano Day, the state’s south of the border bond is showcased with a battle of the bands mariachi-style during Fiesta Charra, while awareness of the African-American culture during the birth of the Lone Star state is highlighted during Black Heritage Day.
Entertainment: Since Gene Autry took to the stage in 1942 as the event’s first musical performer, The Houston livestock Show and Rodeo has showcased internationally-known acts representing the best in country and western, pop, rock and soul.
Elvis Presley, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Alicia Keys, Hilary Duff and Beyonce are just a few of the top notch names which have appeared on the rodeo’s entertainment roster over the years.
Children’s Activities: The top of La Grande Wheel, one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels, offers a panoramic perch from which to view all the amusement park rides at Carnival, while Kidland Carnival, a playground for little cowpokes, provides life lessons at the Barnyard Babies Birthing Center and sing-alongs and roping demonstrations at Rodeo University.
Texas tots can dream of the day when they can ride into the rodeo area as they take the reins for a slow-paced Welsh pony ride or climb aboard a carousel stallion, then learn about four-legged farm friends as they milk a cow at Capital One AGventure.
For more information:
• visit www.hlsr.com