As we all have heard, everything is big in Texas and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is no exception. The biggest one of its kind in the world, the Houston Livestock Show and rodeo gathers a sizable crowd in its 20 day long event, over 2.6 million people and a whopping 35.000 volunteers.
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History of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The livestock show has been happening since 1932 (with a break in 1937) when it was called Houston fat stock show. In the early years, the show was held at the Sam Houston Hall, later knocked down to make space for a 10.000 seat arena called Sam Houston Coliseum. In 1961 the Houston Livestock show and rodeo got its official name.
Then, in 1966, it was moved to the Astrodome and it got the bowlegged H as its mark. And the changes have been happening over the years, in 1973 a Hispanic trail ride from Reynosa, Mexico made its journey to Houston. In 1974, seventeen teams participated in the BarBeque contest..
Before the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Start
There is plenty of fun to be had even before the show starts. You have a chance to visit the NRG park (there is where the festivities are held) and participate in the following activities:
Go Texas Day
It’s the unofficial start of the rodeo season. It happens on the Friday before the rodeo begins. Houstonians are encouraged to honor the western heritage and dress in jeans, cowboy boots and hats. Many schools and businesses join in on the celebration.
Trail Rides
There are currently (as of 2020 season) 12 trail rides making the trip to Houston, recreating the westen history.
Parade
The Houston livestock show and rodeo is the ultimate signature event in town and every year, hundreds of horse riders along with decorated floats inundate the downtown area.
Rodeo Run
Every year a slew of runners show up to make this event a success. You can run a wheelchair race, a 5K fun run or a 10K race.
Bar-B-que Contest
Over 250 contestants compete for the title of “World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest”. This happens the weekend before the Houston livestock show and rodeo starts. The good news is that the carnival rides and games are open this weekend and so is The Garden with some performances for artists in Texas country.
The Livestock Show
Auction
The livestock show, being the biggest indoor show and the greatest exhibition in the world, brings representatives from many countries and contributes to a large amount of the funds raised at the Houston livestock show and rodeo. With not only an open show for attendees of all ages, there is also a junior show for students to have a chance to show the work they have done throughout the year.
Rodeo
There are a few different events and they are all incredible to watch. Each of these cowboys are athletes in their own rights.
Tie-Down Roping:
The way this competition works is, the cowboy needs to lasso the calf, then jump from the horse and tie 3 of the steer’s legs and raise his hand to stop the clock. It seems simple but the cowboy and his horse need to be in sink to get this right.
Bareback Riding:
Very physically demanding, this one has some rules that need to be followed even before the horse leaves the chute. The cowboy needs to be laid on his back with his feet higher than the horse’s shoulder.
Team Roping:
As the name says, this one is a team effort. The cowboy on the left ropes the head of the steer and the one on the right needs to rope both back legs.
Steer Wrestling:
Wrestling a steer that can weigh up to 600 lbs is the challenge here and doing in a timely fashion, that is the challenge. The cowboy needs to dismount his horse and grab the steer by the horns and flip it over on their back.
Bull Riding:
One of the scariest events since the creatures can weigh over 2.000 lbs. The cowboy needs to hold to the rope with one hand and have the opposite hand in the air, if at any time that hand touches himself, the rope or the animal, he is disqualified.
Barrel Racing:
This women’s only event is all about speed. The cowgirl needs to run in the arena and go around the barrels fast trying not to knock them over.
Activities
With 1.4 million square feet of grounds to cover, there is something for everyone.
Carnival:
There are more than 80 rides sprinkled around the NRG park. The variety is substantial and you rest assured will find something that will accommodate you and your family. The price for each ride varies and you can buy some half price tickets online on the Houston livestock show and rodeo website before it the the Houston livestock show and rodeo begins.
The Junction:
Very family oriented, this area has many activities for the little ones and the young at heart. Lots of classic carnival games, rides and educational adventures. Among them are: petting zoo, mutton bustin, pig races, fun in the farm, pony rides and much more.
AGventure:
Full of exhibits ranging from live animals to agriculture, there’s a plethora of activities in this area.
Wine Garden:
Enjoy over 70 wines and some live music while relaxing in a shaded area across from the NRG stadium.
Shopping and dining:
There is an array of shopping opportunities around the NRG park, some indoor (NRG center, NRG arena and NRG stadium) and some outdoor as well (Lone Star market, located between the astrodome and NRG stadium). Then, there is the food, a multitude of fair food stands with everything from funnel cakes to delicious kabobs. You have to try some of the “Gold Buckle Foodie Award” to make your experience complete.
Entertainment at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Some of the best entertainers have graced the Houston livestock show and rodeo. Among them are Elvis Presley, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Usher, Cardi B, to name a few. Every year thousands of locals and out of towners visit the park to see their favorite singer or band, the record holder at this time is George Strait with 80,108 fans in the stadium.
Rodeo Rockstar:
It’s a competition that goes on during HLSR, the singers compete in three categories, Junior Division (ages 6 to 15), Senior Division (ages 16 to 21) and Group Division (ages 6 to 21).
Star Over Texas:
The stage features up and coming Houston artists. Also, houses a Rodeo Rockstar competitions.
Hideout:
Located on the west side of the NRG arena inside a giant white tent, the hideout brings you the best up and coming of Houston artists. It has an expansive dance floor for your enjoyment (you have to be 21 and over to enter).
Concert
With different starting time, depending on the number of rodeo competitors, the concert will commence as soon as the last competition ends and the stage is set. The rodeo starts at 5.45 p.m. on week days and 3.45 p.m. on weekends and the performers will take stage after that.
The Lineup for 2020
- March 3 – Midland
- March 4 – Willie Nelson
- March 5 – Beckie G
- March 6 – Chance the Rapper
- March 7 – Maren Morris
- March 8 – Ramon Ayala
- March 9 – Chris Young
- March 10- NCT 147
- March 11- Cane Brown
- March 12- Kody Johnson
- March 13- Lizzo
- March 14- Jon Pardi
- March 15- Dierks Bentley
- March 16- Keith Urban
- March 17- Gwen Stefani
- March 18- Khalid
- March 19- Chris Stapleton
- March 20- Marshmello
- March 21- Brad Paisley
- March 22- Luke Bryan
Special Days
Being such a diverse city, the fourth largest city in the country is proud to celebrate prouds itself in celebrating its population with this events:
- Armed Forces Appreciation
- Black Heritage Day
- First Responder Day
- Go Tejano Day
- International Days
- Special Needs Day
Have you been to the Houston livestock show and rodeo? What are your thoughts?
Let me know in the comments. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our emails so you don’t miss any articles coming up.
“To Travel Is To Live” – Hans Christopher Anderson Patricia M.
