The annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, also called RodeoHouston, rolls into the Lone Star State from February 25 to March 17, 2013. For three glorious weeks, Houston‘s Reliant Park is transformed into a veritable wonderland of filled with food stalls, carnival rides, livestock, rodeo performances, concerts and more. So dust off your cowboy boots, grab your cowboy hat and come to the rodeo for some good ‘ole Texan fun. We’ve got the scoop on the five Rodeo attractions you won’t want to miss:
1. Watch cowboys be cowboys, then stay for a concert. Have you heard the expression “Ride ’em cowboy?” There’s no place where that’s more true than at the rodeo. Choose from 20 RodeoHouston rodeo competitions to see, and make sure you book tickets ahead of time for one of the musical superstars scheduled to appear. In the past, we’ve seen stars such as Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, The Black Eyed Peas and Enrique Iglesias. This year, the lineup includes headliners Mary J. Blige, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Bruno Mars, Pitbull and more. RodeoHouston also includes the World Famous Calf Scramble and the cutest little wranglers competing in Mutton Bustin’.
2. Spot some perky piglets run a race. Horse racing may be thrilling to observe, but seeing spirited little piglets compete in a race is both exhilarating and fun. One of the cutest things you’ll ever witness, kids and adults alike will enjoy watching the piglets shoot out from behind the gate, galloping on chubby little legs toward the finish line. And that’s not all — this exciting attraction also includes a swimming pig.
3. Take a rodeo trip in the air. There are two ways to see the rodeo from the sky in 2013. One way, debuting for the first time this year, is to harness yourself up, then Zip Line across the colorful Kids Country. The second way is to take the Sky Ride, which takes you from the east side of the grounds to the west and drops you off close to the south gates of Reliant Stadium. It’s a great way to rest your feet and view the sights and colors of the carnival at the same time. At night, with all the lights twinkling beneath, it can also be quite romantic.
4. See several animals. The Houston Livestock Show is the largest in the world. The event runs in two arenas, so you can stop by anytime. In the Champions Row in the Reliant Center, the Grand and Reserve Grand Champions from the junior market shows are on display; these are considered the best of the best in livestock.
5. Drink numerous award-winning wines. Visit the Baker Hughes Champion Wine Garden, where winning wines from the Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition, judged by a panel via blind tastings, are featured. Adults can relax at one of the many open-air tables, listen to live music and sample vinos that have already been vetted by some of Houston’s best wine experts.
Photo Courtesy of iStock/ssharick
