That barbecue smell in the air from NRG Park told you the rodeo was about to start. So you smelled rodeo. Today, you're going to start seeing it.
Trail riders arrive in Houston later today. More than 2,000 riders are coming, and they will take part in tomorrow's parade as well. Kelly Traylor, Chairman of the Houston Livestock show and Rodeo Trail Ride Committee, says this caps off the time of year trail riders look forward to most.
"They are here to present Western Heritage to the communities they ride through. The parade is the pinnacle of that," Traylor said.
It's also a long tradition, starting with two men riding in 1952.
"The next year it was 80. The next year it was 800. It's just been growing ever since," Traylor stated.
There are 12 teams this year, and Traylor says there are more than 2,000 riders overall.
The barbecue cook off already got underway, and other events tomorrow include the Rodeo Run 5k and 10k races.
Friday. Feb. 28, 2020
- 11 a.m.: Trail Rides begin entering Memorial Park
- 4 p.m.: All Trail Rides in place at Memorial Park
- 5 p.m.: Awards ceremony at Memorial Park
Saturday. Feb. 29, 2020
- 10 a.m.: Trail Rides participate in Downtown Rodeo Parade
- 3 p.m.: Trail Rides leave Memorial Park