Texas Stampede
Dallas, Texas

When: early to mid-November

Where: American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

The motto of Texas' third largest city is "Live large, think big," and the urban utopia of six million residents lives up to this maxim each November during a three-day tribute to the American spirit.

Pre-rodeo Events: Painting a portrait of the past for present-day Dallas denizens, the colors of the Lone Star flag waves proudly in the wind as a cavalcade of cowboys rustle 100 longhorns down a skyscraper-lined Main Street to announce the arrival of the Texas Stampede Wrangler ProRodeo Tour Championship.

Rodeo Events: Root for your favorite wranglers as cowboys and cowgirls from the pro rodeo circuit enter the arena for bareback and saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling and bull riding competitions.

Entertainment: The sounds of southern rock and Top 40 country hits provide a pulsating backbeat to the festivities as nationally-known acts take the stage each evening.

Shopping: Miss the mall rush during the holiday season by rustling up some Texas-themed treasures at Christmas Stampede, where your cute cowpoke can sit on the knee of a Stetson-wearing Santa as you browse among a bevy of western boots, 10-gallon hats and bluebonnet-adorned t-shirts.

Children's Activities: Kids from six to sixteen can register for an afternoon of cowboy camaraderie at Rodeo U, a meet and greet featuring the current Miss Texas Stampede, football stars and rodeo pros.

For more information:

• visit www.texasstampede.org