As the
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo made its first appearance of the new
millennium, it was an event noteworthy for record-breaking action, celebrations
of Houston's history and groundbreaking visions of the future.
Recently, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
has taken unprecedented measures to increase the popularity of its sport. No longer content
to take a back seat to other professional sports, the PRCA is aggressively pursuing avenues
that will raise professional rodeo to the next level. The PRCA has a new, highly qualified
commissioner, a charismatic new superstar, and, in Houston, a new stadium in the works that
is sure to create fresh enthusiasm for a cherished local tradition.
Although the Houston Livestock Show and
Rodeo was established in 1931 by seven men, women have played increasingly
important roles ever since. In the early years, Show officials' wives
and daughters volunteered in supporting roles without official recognition.
Today, women comprise more than 35 percent of committee volunteers and
hold leadership positions throughout the Show's hierarchy.
For more than 30 years, the Houston Livestock
Show and Rodeo has been a member of the International Association of
Fairs and Expositions, the industry authority on fair management and
development. Membership in IAFE has proven beneficial for the Show,
and now IAFE will benefit from the Show's leadership.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo can
credit a large part of its dramatic growth and success to its volunteers.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the ranks of volunteers experienced almost
explosive growth from less than 5,000 to now nearly 13,000. In some
ways, this has caused a predicament. With the committee slots near capacity,
how does the Show add and attract the new members so necessary for its
future growth and success yet honor and retain longtime volunteers who
have dedicated so much of their time and effort. This posed quite a
problem — until now.
The motto of the Houston Livestock Show
and Rodeo, "Benefiting Youth and Supporting Education," is evident throughout
the Show in high-profile events such as the calf scramble and the junior
market auctions, as well as through the millions of dollars in scholarships
awarded to deserving students each year. Meanwhile, with no fanfare
or acclaim, another group of young people benefits and learns from the
Show, quietly making its presence felt to visitors, exhibitors and Show
staff.
Letters and comments should be sent to:
Marketing and Public Relations Division,
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
P.O. Box 20070, Houston, Texas 77225-0070
