Educational commitments for the 1997-98 school year have pushed the Show over the $50 million mark in providing funding to Texas students in the form of direct scholarships, endowments, research programs and grants. We've come a long way since 1957, when the Show presented its first $2,000 scholarship. Since then, more than 16,000 students have benefited from the Show's commitment to education. This monumental milestone could never have been reached without the help and dedication of all the volunteers throughout the years. With your continued support, there will be no limit to the future of the youth of Texas.

One vendor sells jackets with a Show logo, another sells shirts, but they're across the Astrohall or in an entirely different building. How will you ever be able to find all the great Show licensed merchandise that's available?

The 1998 Show presents University MarketPlace, a store dedicated to selling Show logo merchandise. It will be located in Rodeo University. Make sure to stop by and satisfy all your rodeo shopping dreams.

Judy Jordan, director of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's horse show for 21 years, has been elected president of the Animal Welfare Council.

The focus of the Animal Welfare Council is to advance responsible care and humane treatment of animals in recreation, entertainment and sport. Jordan, who has been involved with the national nonprofit organization since its inception four years ago, said the goal of the founding group was to provide a source for reliable public information, industry networking on voluntary animal welfare standards and issues management.

The Show congratulates Jordan and the Council's efforts to continue to ensure humane treatment of animals.

It's a free park-n-ride lot just for committee members. Here's how it works. If you have a valid 1998 committee parking sticker or hang tag on your vehicle, you can park at the Rice University Stadium west parking lot at Greenbriar and Rice Boulevard. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 3:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. The buses run every 20 to 30 minutes in both directions and the ride will take 15 to 30 minutes depending on the traffic.

The pick-up point will be located at a special tent on the west side of Rice Stadium, and the drop-off point will be at the Rodeo Express Shuttle Bus tent located at Naomi and Circle Drive. All committee members and their guests who ride in the same vehicle will be provided with this service at no charge. If you prefer to use a Rodeo Express park-n-ride location, however, only the committee member with a badge will be allowed to ride for free. All other guests must pay the regular fare.

Come one, come all to help the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo kick off the 1998 Show. It's a huge party to thank the membership for all the thousands of hours of hard work put in to make the Show a success. The dance will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the Astrohall. The doors will open at 7 p.m. and the party will continue until midnight.

Three great acts, Robert Earl Keen, Red Steagall, and Bill Hart and the Cardiac Cowboys, will liven up the evening with their own unique brand of country music.

Don't forget to bring your invitation, so you and your guests can enjoy this fantastic evening of festivities.