In the vortex of media attention that surrounded Astrodome-based professional sports franchises during 1995, a significant Houston anniversary has had to take a back seat for a while. But when February rolls around, all decent footwear is pointed and bare heads are rare, it’s time to talk about that night 30 years ago when the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo closed its collective eyes and stepped out into the great unknown.
In 1985 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials were approached by city and county representatives regarding the upcoming Texas Sesquicentennial celebration. The
Show was designated as one of the focal events of the 1986 commemoration of our state’s independence, and plans were developed for a special Tuesday night performance. While an outdoor fireworks display had been a part of the Show for several years, this extravaganza marked its debut inside the Dome.
DeWayne Woods and his wife Margie are in hog heaven. They spend their lives crisscrossing the country with their little family of 17 racing pigs. These piggies spend their youth at the racetrack, but they never fail to bring home the bacon.
Faced with the acoustics of a tank, meager lighting and the challenge of setting up a stage on eight inches of dirt in 20 minutes, hosting the world’s largest rodeo in the Astrodome is a major undertaking. Yet through the years, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has overcome these obstacles to provide the very best in audio and visual presentation to millions of rodeo fans.
The School Art Program was started in 1964 and its purpose remains the same now as it was then—to provide those students who do not have agricultural projects at theShow an opportunity to participate.
One of the tenets of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is tradition, and that is nowhere better exemplified than in the Wild West Show. While it provides entertainment, it teaches and continues the skills that form the cowboy heritage.
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
