One of my fondest childhood memories was loading up on a cold January morning to head on over to the Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. It was about a 45 minute drive over to Ft. Worth, the gateway to the West, as they call it.
Most people don't really think of me as someone who would appreciate the rodeo but those who know me best know that I was indeed a proud member of FFA for part of my High School career. The Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is the second largest in the country, second only to the stock show and rodeo in that city way south of here called Houston. The Ft. Worth rodeo claims to be the first indoor rodeo in the world.
This was a long standing tradition and defining cultural event that my daughters haven't experienced yet but will for the first time on January 31. I did take Lily to the stock yards a couple of years back to enjoy all of the animals when Jade was a wee little one, but she didn't get to experience the excitement of the rodeo. Everyone should experience a rodeo. Nothing can beat the non-stop excitement of bronc riding, barrel racing, men being trampled, chuck wagon races, steer wrestling, calf roping, lasso tricks, and the all important bull riding that includes some very brave clowns. The entertainment is so engaging, I don’t expect my 18 month old to want out of my lap the entire rodeo--something for which even a movie can't boast...
Here’s what you can expect at a stock show and rodeo besides the rodeo:
-cowboy hat makin’
-BBQ
-beautiful animals--lots of 'em
-petting zoos
-shops
-shows
-races
-lots of family fun
I had dreams of Lily and Jade barrel racing one day, until I learned that a horse owner will spend an average of $250,000 over a horse's life time.
Rodeo 101 - http://www.fwssr.com/flash/rodeo.mp3
