From the Show’s president, Jim Bloodworth… Cowboys came to a standstill in the middle of the arena one night during the rodeo as our announcers spoke live to astronauts in space. The Astrodome crowd watched on the Diamondvision screens as Columbia Space Shuttle crew members floated around in their cabin. It was an extraordinary moment: The 1996 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo had gone into orbit.
Public awareness of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has never been greater. With interests heightened by the success of the recent Show, pay-per-view programming, discussions about sports stadium construction and remodeling and open dialogue about the Show’s scholarship citizenship policy, more people from near and far are asking, “Why is this Show so important and why does it attract so much attention?”
There are some things that are just plain sacred to a cowboy. High at the top of that list are friendship and listening to a mother’s advice. For years, people have been saying that Cody Lambert developed the protective bull riding vest as a result of the tragic death of his friend Lane Frost during a bull riding accident. But even Lambert’s mom will tell you that that’s simply not true. Lambert visibly winces at the mention of this subject and his voice rises as he sets the record straight. “I would never speculate whether
the vest would have done the job,” he said in reference to Frost. “And I would never, ever want to make a nickel’s profit off of a friend.”
It was “New Year’s” for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo— a time when this organization reflectes on its year of phenomenal success and looked toward the future, setting goals to strive for even more prosperity and extraordinary achievements in the future.
A family outing — can it be done without negotiating a loan from your friendly banker? The answer is yes, if it’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo time in the Bayou City. For $10 each, the modest price of admission to the Show, Dad, Mom and all the children, from toddlers through teens, can enjoy a mindboggling assortment of attractions and entertainment. From the Wild West Show to pig races, there is something for everyone — school art exhibits, petting zoos, horse shows and much more. Then, of course, there’s the rodeo inside the Astrodome itself with all the excitement it offers, beginning with the grand entry, followed by thrilling competitive events featuring world champion cowboys and cowgirls vying for prize money. The grand finale: the concert featuring star entertainment and the spectacular closing fireworks extravaganza.
Among the hotter items in Houston this year are the intense discussions regarding professional sports franchise relocation and current and future sports stadium and facility needs.
Keep your Texas halos on… God is good, and God is great, all across the Lone Star State…” Anyone who has been to the Show’s annual Steer Auction breakfast in the last 33 years has been fortunate to hear these and other inspirational blessings from the distinguished Rev. Dr. Tom Bagby.
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
