Well, we are smack dab in the middle of Rodeo Season here in Houston, and I can’t seem to wipe this silly grin off my face. {Just like last year. And the year before. And the 30-ish other years before that.} Ya’ll. I’m in LOVE with this time of year and all that it holds. And today, I’m going to tell you each and every reason why…
The Nostalgia.
Is it just me, or does everyone get a little teary-eyed when they walk thru the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo gates each year? Looking around, I’m always flooded with all of the memories from years past. Memories of my parents taking me to the rodeo for the first time, and memories of coordinating my entire social calendar around it while in high school, and memories of skipping college classes and taking weekday road trips back to Houston just to see my favorite performers… For me, and I’m sure for many other Houstonians, the rodeo is full of precious memories, and now I am over the moon to start those traditions with my little ones too.
The Unity.
I love that Rodeo Season brings Houstonians together. Regardless of which part of town you live in or what type of music you typically listen to the other 11 months of the year, everyone seems to have a sweet spot for the rodeo. It’s a common bond that those of us who live here all share, and one that can’t be described unless you feel it in your soul like a true Hosutonian.
The Fun.
Need I say more? Whether you love the action of the bull riding, or you’re a superfan of the concert line-up stars, or maybe you’re just a carnival ride thrill junky… The rodeo has something for everyone, and I love that they pack those 20 days with more fun than you could ever realistically squeeze in.
The Clothes.
Boots, and jeans, and buckles – oh my! If you haven’t heard by now, it’s pretty much a requirement that if you live in Houston, then you need to have the appropriate attire for this time of year. {Need a crash course on rodeo fashion? We’ve got you covered!}
The Cowboys.
I think that one of the requirements of being a tried and true rodeo athlete is that you have to be ridiculously good looking. Just sayin.
The Discounts.
I love, love, love that our entire city gets in the spirit during rodeo season…especially when they celebrate with discounts! For instance, our partners at Reliant are currently offering a Reliant Rodeo Plan that comes with competitive pricing and special benefits designed *just* for rodeo fans. Oh, and new customers who sign up receive a voucher for a free pair of Justin boots! Yee-haw!!
The Crafts & Activities.
Have a school aged kiddo? Then it’s pretty much guaranteed that their backpacks will come home everyday stuffed with all kinds of precious rodeo crafts and activities. From painted cowboy boot artwork to clay cacti {yes, that’s plural for cactus}, it’s no doubt that the rodeo season will flow into ALL aspects of your life whether you’re a big OR little Houstonian. {Kids not in school yet? Check out this adorable cowboy hat craft!}
The Food.
Ermahgerd… Rodeo. Food. In case you didn’t know, calories totally don’t count during these 20 days. {Or at least, we pretend like they don’t!} And if you can’t get enough of all of the amazing foods they sell at the rodeo, you could always whip up your own rodeo bbq bowls at home for dinner too.
The Souvenirs.
As if the rodeo wasn’t enough fun in and of itself, I love that my kiddos always bring home over the top souvenirs to keep the fun lasting for months and months to come. From light up toys they got at the carnival to authentic cowboy boots from the Western Shopping Mall, we never go home empty handed when we leave the rodeo and the fun seems to last all year long. Which brings me to the final reason I love rodeo season so much…
The Memories.
Whether it was a family trip with the whole crew, a date night with my handsome hubby, or a girl’s night out to sing at the top of our lungs… Every time I visit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, I leave with sweet new memories to keep with me forever and a rejuvenated pride to be a Houstonian!
Now that I’ve listed out all of these reasons, are you ready to plan a trip to the rodeo with your family? Be sure to check out our Family Guide to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo for tips, tricks, and everything YOU need to know!
Please Note :: NRG and Reliant have graciously sponsored this post; however, all thoughts and opinions are proudly our own.
