Show revenue and net from Show operations hit an all-time high in 1999. The 1999 Houston Livestock and Rodeo's Financial Report includes a 10-year comparison of revenues and expenses along with a report on youth and educational programs.
The door of the school bus opens, and the city kids spill out. Their excited chatter mixes with the sound of pounding feet as they begin to explore the strange sights, sounds and smells that quickly distinguish the country from the city. Few of these children have ever been outside of Houston, and even fewer have actually seen a real working ranch or farm animals up close.
They excitedly open the small packages. Their eyes widen, and their smiles beam as they pull out the shiny prizes inside. Are they children tearing into birthday presents? No, they are Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo volunteers receiving their gold committeemen's badges. Every year, just prior to the Show, they receive gold badges that grant them certain privileges and set them apart from other Show visitors.
Go Texan! This 45-year-old slogan was born as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo launched a massive publicity campaign in 1954 to encourage spectators to dress Western and get in the rodeo spirit. That same year, the Show's Go Texan Committee was formed to further this campaign and to encourage businesses and merchants to decorate their storefronts in a Western theme.
Several major changes loom prominently on the horizon of the
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The editorial board of "Bowlegged H" Magazine recently had the opportunity to ask
General Manager Dan Gattis and Show President Mike Wells a number of questions regarding issues that
will effect everyone involved with the Show.
"Throughout history, from the most ancient art to the latest electronic visual entertainment, portrayals of horseback men accomplishing great feats have universally stirred the hearts of mankind. Images of man in the saddle fascinate and capture imaginations in every culture."
-- Carson Thomas, Master Saddle Maker
Each year, as time for another Show nears, discussions often turn to a familiar topic -- parking. According to Tom Quarles, assistant general manager, Logistics and Service Support Department, the Executive Committee of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Harris County Commissioners Court both have long recognized that two of the Show's major needs are reducing traffic congestion and increasing parking.
Many family members have common interests. While the Pieniazek family is no exception, it seems they have more in common than most. Ray Pieniazek; his wife, Gail Watkins Pieniazek; and his brother, Ryan, followed the same educational and career paths. All three attended Texas A&M University, earned bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural education, and received scholarships from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
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
