Rodeo action, and so much more, returns to Fort Worth on January 14, as the 125th Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR) gets underway, marking the first of twenty-three days that “makes Fort Worth the greatest city in Texas!”
Julie Bryant, FWSSR Communications & Grand Entry Coordinator, told The Dallas Express that the yearly event held in the heart of Fort Worth has a little bit of everything for some and a lot of everything for others. Featuring everything from rodeos to famous beer-pulling Clydesdales and from corn dogs to carnival rides, Bryant is likely correct.
This year, the rodeo events on the calendar at FWSSR are the Best of the West Ranch Rodeo, Best of Mexico Celebración, Cowboys of Color Rodeo, Bulls Night Out Extreme Bull Riding, and Texas Champions Challenge.
Bryant said that she is a fan of each rodeo for different reasons but spoke passionately about the Best of the West Ranch Rodeo on Friday, January 14.
“We have our first two days devoted to ranch rodeos,” Bryant said. “It’s all a part of Ranching Heritage Weekend. The only regular rodeo rough stock event is bronc riding, and that’s because that’s what they have to go through when they have to train a horse to sell. So, it’s all very much about ranch living and ranch management.”
She said the ranch rodeos feature authentic action as working ranch cowboys from top outfits competes in seven exciting events. Awards for the Top Ranch, Top Hand, and Top Horse are on the line in this “friendly indoor range war.”
Another fan favorite rodeo event during FWSSR is the Best of Mexico Celebración, according to Bryant. Dickies Arena hosts the event (as well as the world-famous FWSSR Pro Rodeo Tournament) starting on Sunday, January 16.
The event is billed as a celebration of “thrilling trick riders, mariachis, Folklorico dancers, and more. It’s muy emocionante!”
“It’s a production that Jerry Diaz produces and is famous for,” Bryant said. “And during that, they will have Folklorico dancers, and Mexican bull riders will come up, many of them from Mexico, and compete.”
Diaz, a native of San Antonio, is a fourth-generation charro who has performed around the world and helped preserve the traditions of Mexico. He has a star on the Texas Trail of Fame in the Fort Worth Stockyards, according to Waymarking.com.
The site reports that Diaz is known for showmanship, horsemanship, and uncanny ability with a rope. His shows feature traditional music, costume, and pageantry that entertain, preserve, and emphasize the importance of Mexican culture and charro traditions.
The legendary Budweiser Clydesdales make their first appearance at this year’s FWSSR Parade starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 15. The horses have gained national notoriety since Budweiser first introduced them in 1933. The animals weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds.
“A Budweiser Clydesdale must be a gelding with an even temperament and strong, draft horse appearance, at least four years old, stand at least 18 hands at the withers when fully mature,” according to the FWSSR website.
Tickets for all the events mentioned above – and many dozens that haven’t been mentioned – can be purchased here.
One of the FWSSR’s values, according to Bryant, is fostering future generations’ education on the applications of raising livestock for the production of food and fiber for an ever-growing population.
“Then will have about 30,000 kinds of bond stock out here throughout the show,” she said, “and we will have everything from these cattle to dairy cattle, sheep, chickens, to pigs, pretty much any animal that farm is what we have out here throughout the three weeks.”