Just a few short months ago, several buildings and an enormous parking lot were transformed into a genuine Western extravaganza at the 63rd annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. On a mere 31 acres, more than 1.8 million men, women and children, plus a multitude of livestock, gathered to create a state of excitement, energy and educational opportunities for thousands of Texas youth—our future leaders.
Gentlemen’s bets are placed and little ones lean toward the railing anticipating the vibration of the horses galloping past. The starter whistle sounds, and the teams are off. From the initial challenging barrel turn, clouds of dust are left behind as they race twice around the Astrodome floor charging toward the finish. The enthusiastic audience cheers as the judge calls the winner.
Following are eight of the most experienced members of this organization, who are directly responsible for the present success of the Southwest’s largest and most prestigious civic event. The phenomenal numbers and figures reported in this issue are the result of years of vigilant forethought, planning and loyal service on the part of many people, including the living past presidents of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
After the last bull rider has hit the dirt, the first person he hopes to see when the dust settles is Sunni Deb Backstrom. A visit to Backstrom means a trip to the bank. As the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s (PRCA) premier rodeo secretary, she works all the biggest rodeos and cuts checks for about $3 million in winnings each year.
It seems like a typical night at the 1995 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The stage has been moved into the middle of the arena, the road crew has sound tested the instruments and the lights have been dimmed. Suddenly the crowd starts screaming as the spotlight captures the long, lean cowboy sitting comfortably astride a horse. He rides effortlessly to the stage as the roar inside the Astrodome becomes deafening.
Recently, the Show lost one of its longtime friends, supporters and former staff members. E. C. “Dick” Weekley, former Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo General Manager, died May 8, after a lengthy illness. Weekley joined the Show’s staff in 1961, served as the general manager from 1962 to 1984, and became a consultant to the organization in 1984.
The position called for the sharpest of business acumen, compassion, dedication and strength of character. The position, a new one to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, is that of first vice president; and the man elected to fulfill those stringent requirements is Executive Committee member Jim Bloodworth.
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
