The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has selected longtime rodeo announcer Bob Tallman to serve as grand marshal of the 2027 Downtown Rodeo Parade, placing one of the organization’s most recognizable figures at the forefront of a tradition that helps usher in Houston’s Rodeo season.
For 45 years, Tallman has been the distinctive voice of RODEOHOUSTON®, welcoming generations of fans with his iconic “Hello, Houston!” and bringing the action, athletes and stories of Rodeo to life. With his unmistakable baritone and natural gift for storytelling, Tallman has become an enduring part of the RODEOHOUSTON experience and a celebrated ambassador for rodeo and Western heritage.
"Bob Tallman has meant so much to RODEOHOUSTON and to the people who have experienced our event over the years,” said Chris Boleman, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “His passion for rodeo and commitment to Western heritage reflect the traditions we are proud to celebrate. Having him lead the Downtown Rodeo Parade is a meaningful way to begin our 95th season.”
Tallman was inducted into the RODEOHOUSTON Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 2024 in recognition of his lasting impact on the Rodeo as its distinctive voice and longtime ambassador. His career includes nearly 15,000 rodeo performances across the United States, Mexico, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2004 and has earned 12 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Announcer of the Year honors.
For nearly nine decades, the Downtown Rodeo Parade has brought Western heritage to the heart of Houston and in 2027, the longstanding tradition will help kick off the Rodeo’s milestone 95th season. The 1.5-mile procession through downtown Houston features decorative floats, trail riders, mounted groups, marching bands and Rodeo volunteers. Tallman will lead the parade Saturday, Feb. 27, 2027, ahead of the 2027 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which begins Tuesday, March 2.
Downtown Rodeo Parade Schedule
The parade will begin at approximately 10 a.m., immediately following the Rodeo Run, presented by ConocoPhillips. The parade map lists the full route.
Rodeo Run
9 a.m. — 10K Wheelchair
9:10 a.m. — 5K & 10K Corral A, 10K
9:35 a.m. — 5K
Registration opens Sunday, Nov. 15.