Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo
Fort Worth, Texas

When: mid-January to early February

Where: The Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth

Flags unfurled, a row of riders on horseback lead a procession past the Tarrant County Courthouse at the start of the All Western Parade, kicking off the first weekend of the Fort Worth Show and Rodeo. Over 100,000 Cowtown citizens gather in the downtown area to watch the display of Texas pride before heading to the Will Rogers Memorial Center, where over 950,000 visitors enjoy the world's premiere indoor rodeo.

RODEO EVENTS

• The stars of the Lone Star state, real life cowboys participate in the "Best of the West" Ranch Rodeo and Ranching Heritage weekend, a homage to ranch hands featuring such competitions as Wild Cow Milking and Stock Sorting.
• Hooves kick up dust as 2,000 pounds of power paws at the dirt floor of the arena in anticipation of the 40 PRCA bull riders test both their skill and their spirit during "Bull's Night Out," two evenings of extreme sport.
• Wheels carve grooves into the arena floor later in the week, as a cavalcade of chuck wagons race for the finish line during the PRCA Rodeo, a tradition since 1895. Attendees can also cheer on barrel racers, bronc riders, steer wrestlers and participants in almost 30 other cowboy-style competitions.
• Like the dramatic sweep of a matador's cape, the skirts of folkorico dancers twirl to the rhythm of a mariachi band as charros stampede into the stadium for the "Best of Mexico Celebracion," two evenings of trick rope presentations, bronc riding, bull riding and more.

Children's Activities: Animal-loving little ones will enjoy meeting all the cuddly critters at the petting zoo, and brave buckaroos can sign up for the rodeo's calf scramble. For old-fashioned family fun, spend the day on the ferris wheel, bumper cars and other midway rides.

For more information:

• visit www.fwstockshowrodeo.com