Robson “Cowboy” on his bucking bronco
Vicki Baker
Yeehaw! The Road Runners kicked up their boots at the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo on January 29. This pure Texas extravaganza, located at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, offered a unique atmosphere rich in western tradition and a chance to see some real cowboys.
The rodeo may be the main draw, but it certainly wasn’t the only activity to enjoy. The Stock Show was built on the hooves of cattle and is the oldest continuous running livestock show in the U.S. It began in March 1896 on the banks of Marine Creek in North Fort Worth. At that time there were no buildings, no enclosures and no admission charge. But in 1907 tents sheltered the animals, and 25 cents was charged for viewing the livestock. The show continued to grow over the years, and in 1917 an indoor rodeo was held in connection with the show.
Over 22,000 head of livestock will be shown this year as cattle, sheep, swine and rabbits were bathed, cut and brushed in preparation for their parade in front of judges. Millions of dollars are awarded to livestock participants in the form of educational grants and scholarships for students in ranch management and agricultural economics.
And if we weren’t fully entranced by these beautifully coiffed animals, the exposition also offered a carnival and midway, live music entertainers and tons of commercial exhibits from all over the country advertising anything from farm and ranch equipment to hot and spicy foods to western clothing and boots.
With lunchtime upon us, our growling stomachs were not to be ignored. We traipsed over to the W. R. Watt Arena for a feast of the senses: Texas bar-b-Que prepared by Coburn’s Catering. Coburn’s is in its 68th year of non-interrupted catering for the Stock Show, and we certainly understand why: mouth watering, slow smoked brisket and sausage, potato salad, coleslaw, pinto beans and peach cobbler.
Feeling happy, satisfied and full to the gills, it was onto the rodeo competitions, which sit at the heart of this historic festival. Taking our reserved seats in the bleachers, we had the best view in the arena. The indoor rodeo was filled with bucking broncos, bull riding, calf scrambles, calf-roping, chuck wagon racing, barrel racing, jesting rodeo clowns and plenty of cowboys and cowgirls.
When the dust finally settled, our day had come to a close, a rollicking day celebrating the western lifestyle and culture with a flat-out fantastic lineup of fun: world class livestock and horses, live music, the carnival midway, Bar-B-Que lunch buffet and acres of shopping. A day like no other; a day that only the Road Runners can offer.
Don’t miss out. Visit our website at www.rrrrclub.com for a full listing of our upcoming trips.