This is the last of my three posts on the Houston Rodeo. I hadn’t been to a rodeo in probably 20 years and it was awesome to see one again, especially one as large as this one! I believe it’s the largest and longest lasting in Texas (and probably the United States), lasting nearly a month.
My favorite parts of the rodeo is the Calf Scramble and Bareback Riding. In the Calf Scramble, the line of distinctive red-and white-shirted competitors files into Reliant Stadium in grim determination. With the drop of a hat, 14 calves race away from 28 youngsters armed with only a rope halter and a dream. Spectators look on in awe as the group of Texas 4-H and FFA members pursue their dream. With kids and calves scattered about and darting in every direction across the Reliant Stadium floor, the Calf Scramble becomes one of the most chaotic, unscripted events of the Rodeo. Each of the students who catch a calf is awarded a $1,500 certificate to purchase a registered beef heifer. Raising and showing this heifer becomes a yearlong project as the scrambler sees to the grooming, feeding and care of the animal.
After the rodeo, we were treated to a concert by country band Rascal Flatts, one of my favorite (though not my MOST favorite) country bands. Prior to singing a song from their latest album, Unstoppable, the band sent a shout out to the troops:
Rascal Flatts – Unstoppable from You Served Radio & Blog on Vimeo.
I love the song “Me and My Gang” from the album with the same name. The live version was even better than the CD version:
Untitled from You Served Radio & Blog on Vimeo.
All the Soldiers had to be out to the buses at 2230, so we missed about 15 minutes of the concert. However, once everyone started pouring out of the stadium, Soldiers were treated like celebrities. I was in awe of all the support the people of Houston showed to these troops and they loved it.
I only have a couple minutes here, but this went on for over an hour!! To see more videos and read about the rest of the rodeo, click HERE and HERE.
