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.
When: