Come and GET IT!!

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is back in town and this past weekend was the annual BBQ cook-off.

While I was unable to attend this is Eric Kaposta’s “Cookie” located in Carruth Plaza on the rodeo grounds at Reliant Park.

What It's All About...

Located in Carruth Plaza within Reliant Park, this is the bronze sculpture “Texas Legacy” by artist Robert Summers. The Rodeo is winding down and this piece seems to capture what it originally was all about.

Cowboys… earning a hard living, bringing in a heard of Texas Longhorns.

Turning Your World Upside Down

What better way to settle your stomach after an afternoon of culinary delights than to hop on a carnival ride that will spin, flip and hurl your body about. Whatever happened to the simple pleasure of a merry go-round??

Zagat Survey Says…

It’s not fine dining, but carnival dining CAN be interesting, as you can see in these images of some of the more… “unusal” offerings.

on the midway... EVERYthing is better on a stick. Even pizza.

If You Grill It… They Will Eat

Midway fare at the carnival during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo offers patrons all sorts of food options. From mainstream restaurants in huge tents to these more typical pairings.

The smoked turkey leg is one of the most calorically intense options you can fine at the midway. Surprisingly, it weighs in at 1150 calories. Let’s not talk about what I weighed in at after a day at the midway.

Win Me!!! Win Me!!!

The carnival midway at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a popular way to spend some time… and money. You, too can spend your hard earned cash to possibly win the always popular very large stuffed animals.

Texas Longhorn

Part of the Livestock Show is an area with an example of each of the cattle breeds. The Texas Longhorn has been a part of Texas culture for centuries with its ability to adapt and, of course, their up to 7 ft. wide set of horns.

They survived as a primitive animal on the most primitive of ranges prior to becoming the foundation stock of that region's great cattle industry. Shaped by a combination of natural selection and adaptation to the environment, the Texas Longhorn is the only cattle breed in America which - without aid from man - is truly adapted to America.

To the Winners...

Go the spoils, or so they say.

These are the award banners all ready to be issued in one of the Junior Swine Competitions.

The junior exhibitors come for all across the state and beyond, and must personally groom and raise their animals under the supervision of agricultural science teachers or a county extension agent. Typically they are members of a Texas 4-H or FFA group, but they must be at least in the third grade and from 8 years old to 19 years old to enter.

Here Comes the Judge!!

Cattle and rabbits and pigs... Oh my!!

The Livestock Show portion of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is in full swing. It is the world’s largest livestock show with over 27,000 entries and highlights world-class livestock and exhibitors competing in several divisions of cattle, swine, sheep, goat, and rabbit shows.

Smoking Definitely Allowed

The World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest or more simply, the Cook-Off ends its three day run tonight with the final judging. Over 250 teams participate and crowds of over 200,000 will attend one of the best meat fests around and always kicks off the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo run of festivities.

I didn’t attend this year, but that doesn’t stop me from appreciating all things BBQ. This is my pit (Yes… that’s the state of Texas on the wheel), and just last week I filtered my neighborhood with the smell of hickory smoked beef brisket. None of my neighbors seemed to mind.

All Trails Lead To…

Memorial Park.

At least today they do as over 3000 riders on 13 separate trail rides complete their journey by joining together tonight before being the bulk of tomorrow’s Houston Rodeo Parade.

These next few images are of the Salt Grass Trail Ride as they head towards town after their seven day journey. Started in 1953, this trail ride is the original and oldest ride that promotes the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo through fellowship and their love of riding.

Welcome home.