The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced a multi-year contract renewal with RCS, the Rodeo’s carnival midway provider since 1994.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with RCS, a leader in the carnival midway industry that continues to offer our visitors a variety of unique rides, games and food that appeals to all ages,” said Joel Cowley, president and CEO of the Rodeo. “RCS has a long-standing commitment to safety, innovation and customer service, providing our guests with a truly memorable carnival experience.”
RCS has been providing carnival entertainment to fairs and guests since 1961, serving some of the most prominent fairs and festivals across the country, including Coachella, Stagecoach Festival, the Arizona State Fair, the LA County Fair and the Orange County Fair, among others.
“We are thrilled to be returning to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. We love serving the community of Houston and are honored to be a part of this great event that is so important for the youth of Texas,” said Guy Leavitt, president and CEO of RCS.
During the 2019 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, held Feb. 25 – March 17, the carnival midway featured more than 80 rides and 45 games, with more than 2.5 million rides taken throughout the annual event.
RCS debuted five new rides at the 2019 Rodeo, while also bringing back many fan favorites. The most popular rides were Skyride, Ice Jets, Crazy Coaster and the La Grande XL. Approximately 70,000 riders enjoyed 360-degree views of the Rodeo grounds from the La Grande XL. The luxurious Ferris wheel made its debut at the 2017 Rodeo and marked the biggest single purchase in RCS history.
In addition, approximately 600,000 prizes were won at the carnival and several unique food items were unveiled, including Hot Crunchy Cheetos Cotton Candy, Fruity Pebbles Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich and Caramel Crack Fries. Deep Fried Oreos remained a popular staple among this year’s Rodeo-goers, with approximately 376,000 Oreos consumed.
RCS will return to Houston for the 2020 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, Feb. 27 – 29, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, March 3 – March 22.