feb01_02

February 2002 - Vol. X, No. 1February 2002 - Vol. X, No. 1

MAGAZINE COMMITTEE

OFFICER IN CHARGE

Lucky Long

HAIRMAN

Bill Bludworth

ICE CHAIRMEN

Larry Levy

Todd Zucker

DITORIAL BOARD

Bill Booher

Kenneth C. Moursund Jr.

Tracy Ruffeno

Marshall R. Smith III

Constance White

HOTOGRAPHERS

Sam Pierson

Debbie Porter

EPORTERS

Sonya Aston

Gina Covell

Stephanie Earthman

Teresa Ehrman

Susan Emfinger

Freeman Gregory

Whitney Horton

Cheryl D. Kennedy

Wendy Lester-Kyle

Melissa Manning

Nan McCreary

Gordon Richardson II

Beverly Rosenbaum

Rhonda Rubin

Ken Scott

Gina Steere

Susan Williams

Tara Telage Wilson

Leslie Worsham

ESIGN/LAYOUT

Clarke & McClure

OUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW

AND RODEO

MAGAZINE COORDINATION

MARKETING & PRESENTATIONS

DEPARTMENT

SENIOR DIVISION MANAGER,

DVERTISING, PRODUCTION &

REATIVE DESIGN

Johnnie Westerhaus

ENIOR DIRECTOR -

NFORMATION/PUBLICATIONS

Doyce Elliott

Volume X, No. 1, is published by the

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Letters and comments should be sent to:

Marketing Department, Houston Livestock

Show and Rodeo, P. O. Box 20070,

Houston, Texas 77225-0070

www.rodeohouston.com

www.hlsr.com

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

™

CONTENTS

A Message From the President

Features

Thanks for DOMEmories ..............................................

Show Health 101 ...............................................................

And the Songs Play On ...................................................

2002 RODEOHOUSTON

Entertainers .........................

Show Schedule ...................................................................

Show News ...........................................................................

Hall of Fame ........................................................................

Is There a Doctor in the House?..................................

Committee Spotlights

Lifetime Vice Presidents .................................................

Rabbit Show.........................................................................

Show News and Updates

Third-Year Committee Chairmen Profiles .............

Rodeo Round-Up ...............................................................

Calendar of Events

........................................... Back Cover

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

Joseph T. Ainsworth M.D.

Jim Bloodworth

Don A. Buckalew

John H. Causey

J.M. Clepper

Dick Graves

Hal Hillman

Don D. Jordan

H. Stuart Lang Jr.

Louis M. Pearce Jr.

Paul Somerville

Tommie Vaughn

P. Michael Wells

James M. Windham Jr.

IFETIME MEMBERS -

XECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

Douglas B. Marshall

John O. Smith

Clayton Underwood

HAIRMAN OF THE BOARD:

Jim Bloodworth

RESIDENT:

P. Michael Wells

ENERAL MANAGER:

Dan A. Gattis

FFICERS:

Richard Buddeke

J.L. “Bubba” Butera

Tom Dompier

Douglas L. Doyle

Jamie Ehrman

Jerry H. Hickman

G.R.“Ray” Hinsley III

John A. Hutchison III

Lucky Long

Jack A. Lyons

Charles R. “Butch” Robinson

Gregory A. Schroder

Keith A. Steffek

MAGAZINE

The Cover

The Astrodome rose from the prairie

between the Texas Medical Center and

Loop 610 with Colt Stadium in the

background.

page 2

page 6

page 16

February 2002 - Vol. X, No. 1February 2002 - Vol. X, No. 1

Do you feel it? That ripple of excitement and air of antici-

pation for the 2002 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ is

here! Preparations are long under way, the Rodeo METRO

Express tents are already up, the entertainers have been

announced and the tickets are on sale. The next thing we need

is you!

You have already heard how historic this year will be as we

say goodbye to Reliant Astrodome and Reliant Hall, but you

may be surprised by all the wonderful tributes we have in

store. There will be a special cowboy prayer that was written

especially for our Show by Red Steagall, a rendition of the

national anthem by Asleep at the Wheel, an amazing evening

highlighting the legends of R

ODEO

OUSTON

™, and other sur-

prising and heart-warming moments.

Yes, 2002 will be a year that you won’t want to miss. It also

will be a year that your neighbors, friends and family shouldn’t

miss. As part of the Hospitality Plus pledge this year, Show vol-

unteers are not only committing themselves to serving as

ambassadors of the Show, but are making the effort to invite

those that haven’t been to the Show in recent years or at all. It

will truly be an extraordinary year, and an event that

Houstonians, Texans, and livestock show and rodeo enthusi-

asts around the globe should be here to see and take part in.

Show fans should be easy to spot with a unique line of

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo merchandise available.

You will notice something new when you visit the Official

Rodeo Merchandise Stores in Reliant Hall and Reliant Arena —

volunteers behind the counter from the Rodeo Merchandise

Committee. And, as a special opportunity, a discount on Show

merchandise will be offered to all committee volunteers. Stop

by and check it out!

Wear your comfortable boots, ride the bus and join us for a

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo you will never forget!

P. Michael Wells

President

A MESSAGE FROM THE

PRESIDENT

Thanks to everyone who rolled up a sleeve in support of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Blood

and Food Drive.

By Teresa Ehrman

or most people who live in the nation’s fourth largest city,

the Reliant Astrodome truly is the “Eighth Wonder of the

World.” Former Houston mayor Judge Roy Hofheinz —

the force behind the construction of the Astrodome —

bestowed the nickname upon the stadium back in 1965. It has

been part of our city’s identity and culture ever since it opened.

It was renamed Reliant Astrodome in 2000.

“I’ve built a lot of things in my life, but the Astrodome sur-

passes them all,” Hofheinz said after the stadium was complet-

ed. “This doesn’t mean it’s perfect. But, within the limitations of

$45 million, I think it’s as perfect as it’s possible to be.”

Originally named the Harris County Domed Stadium, the

facility was renamed the Astrodome a short time later. Dubbed

an “architectural masterpiece,” the Astrodome officially opened

on April 12, 1965, when a crowd of 42,652 watched the

Houston Astros play the Philadelphia Phillies.

Some might argue that the Reliant Astrodome’s life didn’t

officially begin until the first Houston Livestock Show and

Rodeo™ was held there in 1966. Many people vividly remem-

ber the Show’s exciting transition to the enormous complex, but

few were as deeply involved in the daunting planning and deci-

sion-making efforts as H. Stuart Lang Jr., Show president from

1963 to 1966 and current Executive Committee member.

As early as 1962, it was evident to Lang that the Show’s

then-current home, the Sam Houston Coliseum, no longer was

large enough to accommodate all of the activities and events.

“We got to the point where we weren’t able to have the chicken,

rabbit or hog shows because there was simply no more room,”

recalled Lang.

“We couldn’t even hold the horse show on the grounds

because there wasn’t enough space,” he added. “We held activi-

ties outside in tents and were losing many exhibitors. We knew

if we didn’t do something soon, the Show wouldn’t make it.”

Then came the offer from Hofheinz to Show officials to host

the annual event at the Astrodome. Lang and the Building

Committee analyzed the Show’s financial situation and assessed

the organization’s future and potential profitability in the new

venue.

Critics declared the mere consideration of the Show’s mov-

ing to the Astrodome a huge mistake and predicted the event

would never last at such a huge facility. After all, it was the

largest building of its kind in the entire world. It had seating for

45,000 — more than five times the capacity of the Coliseum.

Even Lang realized it would be hard to fill those seats, but he

knew it was a move the organization needed to make in order to

survive and, ultimately, become the world’s largest livestock

A ring of concrete and steel encircled the area to be covered by the Dome, in which many events would be

played out and untold memories would be made over the next 37 years.

show and rodeo. The very near future would prove critics wrong

and affirm what Lang believed all along.

After months of critical discussions, intense negotiations and

marathon meetings, the Houston Sports Association — the

Astrodome’s management company — and the Show inked the

deal before the 1965 festivities at the Coliseum began.

As the event came to a close that year, Show officials, volunteers

and virtually everyone involved with the organization dealt with a

host of mixed emotions. Despite the cramped quarters, chaotic

logistics, poor security and exhibitor drop-off, the Coliseum was

still “home.”

Everyone knew that a significant chapter of the Houston

Livestock Show and Rodeo was closing on that last day of the event

in 1965, and they celebrated at countless parties. The Houston Fire

Department was forced to shut down the Corral Club because it

was overcrowded with revelers.

Of course, there was the exchanging of stories and memories of

the past, one last nostalgic drink, and tears of sadness. But no one

could have imagined the excitement awaiting just around the cor-

ner in the Show’s new home.

The entire Houston community eagerly awaited the 34th annu-

al Show, which kicked off Feb. 23, 1966, with a crowd of 25,340

enthusiastic spectators. The first stars to perform in the event’s new

home were Milburn Stone and Ken Curtis, who played Doc and

Festus, respectively, in the hit television show “Gunsmoke.”

It was definitely a grand year. The entire lineup of stars graced

the cover of the 1966 souvenir program. Once again, the horse

show was reunited with the rest of the Show under one roof.

Skyboxes became a new concept. The Grand Champion Steer sold

for a record $15,000. Golf carts became a new mode of transporta-

tion to navigate through the massive complex. And, the number of

international visitors doubled from the previous year.

Committee members, who previously had earned silver badges

for their volunteer service, for the first time wore gold badges like

those of Show officials and committee chairmen. The Show also

introduced its new logo, the “Bowlegged H,” in celebration of its

new home.

For those who were convinced the Show never would come

close to seeing even a fraction of the Astrodome seats filled, their

doubts quickly were squelched by Jimmy Dean’s Friday-night per-

formance, which entertained a crowd of more than 40,000.

“It was an awesome and exciting time,” Lang said of the inau-

gural Show in the Astrodome. At the close of the 1966 Show, every-

one, from the volunteers and politicians to media and the public,

gave the Show’s new home a resounding vote of approval.

Following the Show, Lang hosted a reception celebrating the

overwhelming success of the first Houston Livestock Show and

Rodeo in the Astrodome and paid tribute to all who were involved

in making it such a success. Weeks later, Lang was honored for his

outstanding service and leadership during three of the most critical

years in the life of the Show.

It was truly the launch of a new era in the Show’s rich history —

one that would harvest countless more wonderful memories

throughout the next four decades.

In fact, there have been a myriad of exciting moments in the

Reliant Astrodome — the traditional, yearly “slapping” of the

Grand Champion Junior Market Steer, live satellite uplinks to space

continued on page 8

The Dome’s massive skeleton provided a preview of the shape of things to come.

he Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ season has

arrived. The entire family has been waiting to spend the

day touring the livestock show and the carnival. The pet-

ting zoo is definitely on the kids’ list, and don’t forget about the

stick-horse rodeo. Then, it’s off to watch all of the rodeo events

and a favorite performer. However, in order to stay healthy dur-

ing these festivities, Showgoers should use common sense and

heed some helpful advice.

Winter months are known for coughing and

sneezing, and during the Show when the tempera-

tures are fluctuating and the air is filled with a vari-

ety of aromas, some visitors to the Show are affected.

“The ‘rodeo crud’ can take three different forms:

influenza; allergy or respiratory infections; and, of

course, the common cold,” said Dr. Dan Lehane, a

physician and Show lifetime vice president.

Influenza, or “the flu,” is the least common of the

three but can have a forceful presence in large

crowds such as those present at the Rodeo. Allergic

reactions are more common and are often brought

on by visiting areas where livestock is kept. “Pollen

counts already in the air because of the time of year

are accentuated by the hay in the stalls, pet hair and

dander,” said Dr. Dowd Yarborough, chairman of

the Health Committee. If visitors are around it only

once during the year, the problem can be forgotten

until they come in contact with the allergens again.

The most prominent component of the rodeo crud

is, of course, the common cold. People sneezing and

coughing in the middle of large crowds, shaking hands with

friends or touching items in common areas are all great ways to

pass along cold germs.

The best way to ward off these illnesses and not let them

lessen the fun of the visit is to be prepared before leaving home

and to take extra precautions. “Take advantage of those yearly flu

shots,” said Yarborough. “If you have allergies or respiratory

problems continuously and are already taking prescription med-

ication, bring it with you. Take over-the-counter items to help

alleviate the symptoms. Visitors and Show volunteers should

take proper steps not to come in direct contact with the animals if

they are allergic to pet hair,” Yarborough warned.

In order to avoid the common cold, Lehane suggested the fol-

lowing: “Wash your hands frequently and try to keep your hands

away from your face. Be sure to use tissues to cover your sneeze

or cough. That always helps to avoid passing cold germs

around.”

Those who plan on spending time at the Show should always

remember to take their time and plan for many breaks — the

Show encompasses a huge area. Drink plenty of water, and stop

to rest often. Wearing appropriate shoes can alleviate tired feet

and backaches. Those who enjoy wearing cowboy boots should

make sure they are comfortable and fit well. Boots with rounded

toes tend to work better for people who have foot ailments such

as corns. Another suggestion is to bring an extra pair of shoes to

the Show.

By Gina R. Steere

By Gina Steere

Parents like this group of mothers from Katy, Texas, who bring small children to the

Show, often find strollers a comfortable choice of transportation.

Going to the Show in a group is a com-

mon situation, but for those with back prob-

lems, it can cause difficulties. Others in the

group should be made aware of the situation

and encouraged to walk more slowly and

allow time for everyone to take a break.

Visitors who know they have problems

walking long distances can bring light-

weight, portable seats that can easily pop

open. Then, stopping to rest is convenient

and easy to do, even when waiting in long

lines. A new option for visitors to the 2002

Show is wheelchair, motorized scooter and stroller rental avail-

able in AG

VENTURE

Plaza. The Show’s Directions and Assistance

Committee will staff the rental booths.

For the younger Show fans, strollers may be brought to the

Show or can be rented. Even older children might become tired

of walking or wish to take a nap. A stroller is a perfect place for

them to rest while parents continue to take in the sights and

keep up with the action. A stroller also allows Show visitors to

haul around gear and souvenirs and avoid putting an unneces-

sary strain on ailing joints or backs. Baby backpacks, front car-

riers or baby slings also are all great ways to carry small chil-

dren for long stretches of time. Be aware that babies often are

lulled to sleep with repetitious movements such as walking.

Check on them periodically to make sure they are not slumped

in an uncomfortable position for too long, and take them out

often to stretch. Again, make sure they have plenty to drink.

Like adults, children need to keep hydrated.

There’s no need to worry about children visiting the

petting zoo and Destination: AG

VENTURE

and then trying

to find a restroom to wash their hands. One of the

newest additions to the 2002 Show will be hand-wash-

ing stations.

Even with thorough preparation — packing medica-

tions, bringing along useful equipment, dressing com-

fortably and planning time wisely — accidents still hap-

pen. For example, Mike Durham, chairman of the Safety

Committee, indicated that the first aid booths assist peo-

ple who have suffered from falls. “People tend to talk to

each other as they walk along and not watch where they

are going. That contributes to many stumbles and falls,”

said Durham.

Visitors who find themselves in need of medical

attention should know that the first-aid stations are all

available and ready to assist them. There are doctors and

nurses available to address many medical

needs, and these professionals have access

to medicines and medical equipment.

Get the most out of the Show experience

by planning ahead, following basic safety

precautions and keeping informed of the

Show’s many health-related services. Taking

these steps will provide the comfort of

knowing that, once at Reliant Park, all that

is left to do is have a fun day at the Show.

Drinking plenty of water is a good way to

stay refreshed and hydrated during a visit to

the Show.

Making sure both parents and children take

breaks when needed will result in a more

enjoyable experience for all.

An event as large as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

obviously involves walking, but it also can include carrying coats,

souvenirs and tired children, which could increase fatigue.

he Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ has made a

lasting impression on everyone who has been involved

with it — Houstonians who have attended for decades,

international visitors, Show participants and exhibitors, volun-

teers, Show staff, and others. Much of the Show’s greatness

derives from the long list of

tremendous performances in

the Reliant Astrodome by

entertainment superstars. The

Show’s focus on entertain-

ment, in addition to rodeo and

other events, has contributed

greatly to its ability to consis-

tently attain the goal of “bene-

fiting youth and supporting

education.” In fact, the Show’s

musical entertainment has

proven to be as thrilling as the

rodeo events, and the Show

certainly wouldn’t be the same

without it.

Fortunately, many of the

stars who have awed and

inspired us through their per-

formances also have been

impacted by the Show, and a

few of those performers have

turned their positive impressions of the Show into great coun-

try music, allowing the world, and future generations, to hear

about the Show. Although, following the 2002 Show, everyone

must say farewell to the Reliant Astrodome as R

ODEO

OUSTON

™’s

primary venue, the memories of the Dome won’t be lost.

Instead, the rich history of the Show and its longtime home will

play on for years to come, thanks to the celebrated country

music songs paying tribute to the Show and to the “Eighth

Wonder of the World.”

Probably the most well-known reference to the Show in

country music can be found in a hit song by Grammy-award-

winning entertainers Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers Band.

In their song “Houston (Means I’m One Step Closer to You),”

they mention how happy they are to be in Houston, on the last

leg of the tour and one step closer to home. According to their

song, being close to home is not the only notable thing about

being in Houston. This is illustrated in the line that tells the lis-

tener how “Singin’ at the world’s biggest rodeo show was a great

time for me and the guys.” This reference to the Show is a claim

no one could dispute, and it demonstrates the kind of impres-

sion the event has had on its visitors, competitors and enter-

tainers alike.

While this song is one of the most recognized tributes to

this great city and an incredible Show, the Gatlin Brothers’ song

is not the only country music reference to the Show and the

Dome. Another well-known Houston song is the autobiograph-

ical “Telephone Road” by Rodney Crowell, who was born in

Houston in 1950. In the song, he wrote of what his life was like

growing up in Houston, with references to everything from

By Tara Telage Wilson

The Gatlin Brothers, Steve, Larry and Rudy, have provided many hours of entertainment to Show

fans, both in the Dome and with their song “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You).”

dance halls and drive-ins to the ice-cream man. One of the

most vivid pictures he paints in this song is of “dirt poor

Houston kids” playing in the streets “in the shadow of the

Astrodome.” We all can understand from his words how the

grandeur of the Eighth Wonder of the World must have impact-

ed and inspired the children who experienced it.

In addition, the Reliant Astrodome and R

ODEO

OUSTON

have been immortalized in songs like “Texas in 1880,” by

Radney Foster and Pat Green. In this song, Foster and Green

tell of “riding for legendary fame,” waiting for the “nights when

Glory comes round … and we’ll tip our hats and wave to the

crowd.” Where else could this take place but the world-famous

Astrodome? They sing of traveling “from Phoenix from Tulsa to

the Astrodome, New York City down to San Antone.” This illus-

trates that there hardly can be a song about rodeo life without

mentioning rodeo in Houston.

Another star who has made it a point to sing about Houston

and reference the legendary Houston Livestock Show and

Rodeo is George Strait. In the song, “If You Can Do Anything

Else,” we again can hear the impact of our city and the Houston

Livestock Show and Rodeo on music. In this song, Strait sings

of the virtues and characteristics of different towns across the

country and which would be the most inviting. Of Houston,

Strait croons, “Would you like to live in Houston where the

cowboys come to town?” Here, he positions the Rodeo as a sig-

nature of our city and as a symbol of what Houston has to offer.

It’s not the first time Strait has sung about Houston’s Rodeo.

One of his earliest hits was “Amarillo by Morning,” written by

Paul Fraser and Terry Stafford. The song reflects a cowboy’s saga

of the trials and triumphs of the rodeo circuit, including “they

took my saddle in Houston.”

All of these songs have recorded a place in history for the

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Reliant Astrodome

by virtue of the singers and songwriters who happened to be

impressed enough to create these musical references. But,

another song was created specifically for the Show by Mel

Garrett. Along with writing special theme songs for the 1990

and 1991 Shows, he wrote and performed a special homage to

the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 1989. This song,

titled, “God Bless Our Show,” was a heartwarming tribute to the

organization and helped to earn him the thanks and recogni-

tion of former President George Bush.

As the era of the Reliant Astrodome as the Show’s home

ends and a new era in Reliant Stadium begins, it is wonderful to

know that, through great music, the history of the Houston

Livestock Show and Rodeo in the Dome will live on. Hopefully,

new generations of music and musicians will continue to share

the magic of the Show in song.

“God Bless Our Show”

By Mel Garrett

Nowhere in the world,

Will you find so much love,

For the children who grow to lead our land.

And nowhere will you find,

Volunteers who are so willing,

And reaching out to lend a helping hand.

From the doctor to the lawyer,

To the trucker and the housewife,

Many more they all want you to know,

That with all their hearts together,

And the teamwork of their love,

They’ll bring to you this thing they call the Show.

(chorus)

It’s the Houston Show,

Let the love in our hearts grow,

For the youth of today,

Let’s help lead the way.

It’s Texas pride that we all know,

Surrounded by love,

God bless our Show.

From all around the world,

From every walk of life,

The people come to see this Texas Show.

And they’ll compete against their brothers,

While reaching out their hands,

To share with them the love that we all know.

From the children to the clowns,

To the cowboy all-around,

The world has come to know this rodeo.

And it’s all a part of giving,

Through the efforts of so many,

Who have poured their heart and soul into this Show.

(chorus)

God Bless the Show,

Let the love in our hearts grow,

For the youth of today,

Let’s help lead the way.

It’s Texas pride that we all know,

We’re surrounded by love,

God bless our Show.

shuttles and hundreds

of performances from

some of the most

famous entertainers in

the world.

The Reliant

Astrodome holds a

splendid history that

forever will be etched

in everyone’s memory.

It served as a catalyst

for the Show’s tremen-

dous growth, allowing

one of the premier

events in the world to

achieve unprecedent-

ed success and yield

great memories for

millions of people.

The Reliant

Astrodome also gave

the Show much of its

personality.

“There’s definitely a great deal of emotion about leaving the

Astrodome,” said Show President P. Michael Wells. “It has been

so good to us.” Wells, like Lang, realizes the potential for even

more growth and success in a new, state-of-the-art facility.

“Reliant Stadium has thousands more seats, which will help us

financially and allow the Show to increase its great scholarship

program. And, that’s what is most important. That’s what we’re

all about.”

Just as in 1965, there will be a host of mixed emotions, the

sharing of stories and memories, and tears of sadness. It is like-

ly to be the biggest and grandest farewell party Texas has ever

seen.

Two performers have topped the 1 million mark in the num-

ber of fans they’ve entertained in the Astrodome at the Houston

Rodeo: Charley Pride and George Strait.

Elvis Presley thrilled a total of 295,743 fans at the Houston

Rodeo — in 1970 for six shows and in 1974 for two shows.

Charley Pride holds the record for the most performances

— 36 in 14 years.

The all-time record attendance for a performance was set

on Feb. 28, 1993, with Selena and David Lee Garza performing

to a crowd of 66,994.

The first satellite link to space for live conversation with

astronauts was March 2, 1996, with the space shuttle Columbia.

The most money won, excluding bonuses, at a Professional

Rodeo Cowboys Association regular season rodeo was at

ODEO

OUSTON

in 1994, when Ty Murray won $31,010.

ODEO

OUSTON

records in timed events are: 16.83 seconds

for Charmayne James, Stephenville, Texas, set (in 1990) in barrel

racing; 7.6 seconds for Cody Ohl, Stephenville, Texas, (in 1990)

in calf roping; 3.3 seconds for Tom Duvall, Henryetta, Okla., (in

1998) and Trav Cadwell, Oakdale, Calif., (in 2001) in steer

wrestling; and 4.5 seconds in team roping, set by Vic Morrison,

Wayne, Okla., and Shot Branham, Midland, Texas, (in 1998).

In scored events, the R

ODEO

OUSTON

records are: 86 points

in bareback riding held by Denny McLanahan, Canadian, Texas

(in 1996), J.C. Trujillo, Steamboat Springs, Colo. (in 1980), Lyle

Sankey, Branson, Mo. (in 1980), and Sean Culver, Grandview,

Wash. (in 2000); 93 points by Myron Duarte, Auburn, Wash., (in

1999) in bull riding; and 88 points by Billy Etbauer, Edmond,

Okla., (in 2000) in saddle bronc riding.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Highlights in the Reliant Astrodome:

continued from page 3

Workmen look like specks atop the Eighth Wonder of the World prior to the addition of the adjacent Astrohall.

Feb. 12, 7 p.m.

.......................................................................... Dixie Chicks, sponsored by Ford

Feb. 13, 7 p.m.

.............................................................................................................. Neil Diamond

Feb. 14, 7 p.m.

............................................................................................................... Alan Jackson

Feb. 15, 7 p.m.

................................................................................................................ Clay Walker

Feb. 16, 3:45 p.m.

..................................................................................................................... Pat Green

Feb. 17, 3:45 p.m.

...................................................................................... Kumbia Kings and Juanes

Feb. 18, 7 p.m.

.......................................................................... Lyle Lovett and Martina McBride

Feb. 19, 7 p.m.

............................................................................................................ Brooks & Dunn

Feb. 20, 7 p.m.

.................................................................................................................... Bob Dylan

Feb. 21, 7 p.m.

........................................................................................................................... ZZ Top

Feb. 22, 7 p.m.

......................................................................... Mary J. Blige and Brian McKnight

Feb. 23, 3:45 p.m.

............. Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Patty Loveless and Nickel Creek

Feb. 24, 3:45 p.m.

................... Los Tigres del Norte and Ramon Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte

Feb. 25, 7 p.m.

.................................................................................... REO Speedwagon and Styx

Feb. 26, 7 p.m.

.................................................................... Willie Nelson and Lee Ann Womack

Feb. 27, 7 p.m.

.......................................................................................................... Kenny Chesney

Feb. 28, 7 p.m.

................................................................... Clint Black with Lisa Hartman Black

March 1, 7 p.m.

........................................................................................................... Destiny’s Child

March 2, 3:45 p.m.

...............................................................”Legends of RODEOHOUSTON in Concert”

..............hosted by Kenny Rogers, featuring Mac Davis, Larry Gatlin

...........and the Gatlin Brothers, Naomi Judd, and Charley Pride

March 3

...............................................................................................................George Strait

Event Locations

Reliant Astrodome

Reliant Hall – Ballrooms, Main Arena, East Wing, West Wing

& Western Heritage Gallery

Reliant Arena – Pavilion Arena, North Annex, Arena #2 &

Sales Pavilion

Fort Bend County Fairgrounds (Rosenberg, Texas)

Great Southwest Equestrian Center (Katy, Texas)

Houston Food Bank

Houston Farm & Ranch Club

Washington County Fairgrounds (Brenham, Texas)

AGVENTURE Plaza

AGVENTURE Arena (located in Rodeo Experience)

ARENA MAIN SHOW

Super Scientific Circus - Feb. 13-18

The Doggies of the Wild West and

Calamity Jo’s Magical Wild West Show - Feb. 19 - March 3

Monday – Friday, noon & 5 p.m.

Saturday – Sunday, 12:30, 3:30 & 6 p.m.

STICK HORSE RODEO

Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, 11 a.m., 2:30 & 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, 2:30 & 5:30 p.m.

RODEO GAME SHOW

with cowboy autograph sessions:

Weekdays, 4 p.m.

Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Sundays, 1:30 p.m.

without cowboy autograph sessions:

Saturdays, 4:30 p.m.

Sundays, 4:30 p.m.

AGVENTURE CARNIVAL

10 a.m. to carnival close daily

DESTINATION: AGVENTURE

9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

SPINNING AND WEAVING DEMONSTRATIONS

Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

AGVENTURE TOURS

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

- begins at Destination: AGVENTURE

PETTING ZOOS

9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

RODEO EXPERIENCE

9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, including mechanical bull and rock

climbing

Live shows daily (see AGVENTURE Arena)

PONY RIDES

9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

PIG RACES

Sunday - Thursday, 10 & 11 a.m., noon, 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6 p.m.

Friday - Saturday, 10 & 11 a.m., noon, 2, 4, 5, 6 & 7 p.m.

Carnival

Monday - Thursday, Feb. 12 – Feb. 28, 4 p.m. to midnight,

except Feb. 18

Monday, Feb. 18, noon to midnight

Fridays, Feb. 15 & 22 and March 1, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Saturdays, Feb. 16 & 23 and March 2, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Sundays, Feb. 17 & 24, 10 a.m. to midnight

Final Sunday, March 3, 10 a.m. to midnight

The Hideout

Only patrons age 21 and up admitted to The Hideout after 8

p.m. Monday – Saturday and after 7 p.m. on Sunday.

TALENT CONTEST

Monday - Saturday, 7 p.m., and Sundays, 6 p.m.

(no contest Feb. 24-25)

Finals on Saturday, March 2, 6:30 p.m.

Talent Show Championship Showcase -

Sunday, March 3, 6 p.m.

HOUSE BAND

Feb. 14-16 . . . . . . . . . .Bill Hart and the Cardiac Cowboys

Feb. 21-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sonny Boy Terry

Feb. 28 - March 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Evans

HIDEOUT HEADLINERS

9:30 p.m. daily except Sunday; 8:30 p.m. on Sunday

Feb. 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .David Allan Coe

Feb. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sonny Burgess

Feb. 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charlie Robison

Feb. 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tammy Cochran

Feb. 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elbert West

Feb. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Iguanas

Feb. 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Darryl Worley

Feb. 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wild Horses

Feb. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Keith Urban

Feb. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Johnny Rodriguez

Feb. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Texas Johnny Brown

Feb. 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Blake Shelton

Feb. 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stampede

Feb. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cooder Graw

Feb. 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rosie Flores

Feb. 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lee Roy Parnell

Feb. 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Hollisters

March 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cross Canadian Ragweed

March 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Asleep at the Wheel

March 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Red Steagall

Double E Plaza

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Monday - Thursday, 4 to 9 p.m.

Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 4 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

SHOPPING & EATS

RELIANT ARENA AND DOUBLE E PLAZA

Sunday – Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

RELIANT HALL, AGVENTURE PLAZA AND RODEO PLAZA

Sunday – Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Go Texan WEEKEND

CONOCO RODEO RUN

Saturday, Feb. 9, 9:45 a.m., downtown Houston

GO TEXAN CONTESTS

DOMINOES, HORSESHOE PITCHING & WASHER PITCHING

CONTESTS

Saturday, Feb. 9, 9 a.m., Reliant Arena

TEAM PENNING CONTEST

Sunday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m., Reliant Arena

QUILT & PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST WINNERS DISPLAY

Feb. 12 - March 3, Western Heritage Gallery

PARADE

Saturday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m., downtown Houston

WORLD’S CHAMPIONSHIP BAR-B-QUE CONTEST

Reliant Astrodome Parking Lot

Thursday, Feb. 7, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 8, noon to 11 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 9, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Special Events

BLACK HERITAGE DAY

Friday, Feb. 22

COWBOY CHURCH

10 a.m., Feb. 17 & 24, Arena Rooms 1 & 2; March 3, Sales

Pavilion

FIESTA CHARRA

Sunday, Feb. 24

GO TEJANO DAY

Sunday, Feb. 24

INTERNATIONAL DAYS

Feb. 13 - 23

INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK CONGRESS

Tuesday - Friday, Feb. 19 – 22, The Warwick Hotel

LIL’ RUSTLERS RODEO

Feb. 26 - 28

Rodeo

Feb. 12 - March 2

Monday - Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 3:45 p.m.

RODEO FINALS

Saturday, March 2, 3:45 p.m.

PAY-PER-VIEW PERFORMANCES

Saturday, Feb. 16 & 23 - 4 p.m. rodeo performances

Saturday, March 2 - 4 p.m. RODEOHOUSTON finals

School Art

Display: Feb. 12 - March 3, Western Heritage Gallery

Awards Presentation: Saturday, Feb 16., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,

Sales Pavilion

Auction: Sunday, March 3, noon, Sales Pavilion

Horse, Donkey and Mule Show

Events are held in Reliant Arena except where noted.

Top Hands Horse Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Feb. 8-9

Paint Horse Cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Feb. 12

Cutting Horse Competitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Feb. 12-17

National Cutting Horse Association World Finals . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Feb. 14-17

Quarter Horse Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Feb. 18-23

HLS&R Premier Horse Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Feb. 23

Palomino Horse Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Feb. 25-26

Paint Horse Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Feb. 27 - March 1

Arabian and Half-Arabian Horse Show

(Great Southwest Equestrian Center) .Feb. 28- March 1

Donkey and Mule Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .March 1-3

Appaloosa Horse Show

(Great Southwest Equestrian Center) . . . . . . .March 2-3

Shuttle Bus Service Schedule

Rodeo METRO Express sponsored by Ford and Your

Texas Ford Dealers

WORLD’S CHAMPIONSHIP BAR-B-QUE SPECIAL

(Please note: Last inbound bus departs lots at 9:30 p.m.)

Thursday, Feb. 7, 5 p.m. to midnight (all lots)

Friday, Feb. 8, noon to midnight (Reed Road HLS&R Lot and

Enron Field Lots will begin service starting at noon; all other

lots will begin service at 5 p.m.)

Saturday, Feb. 9, 9 a.m. to midnight (all lots)

DAILY SHUTTLE SERVICE BEGINNING TUESDAY, FEB. 12

EED ROAD HLS&R LOT

Continuous shuttle service from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday –

Thursday; 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday – Sunday

ENRON FIELD B AND C LOTS

(service begins on Wednesday, Feb. 13)

11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday – Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday - Sunday

ALL OTHER LOTS

5 p.m. to midnight Monday – Thursday; 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday - Sunday

SHUTTLE LOT LOCATIONS:

Aramco Services Company at 9009 West Loop S.

Delmar Stadium

Enron Field B and C Lots

METRO Eastex Park and Ride

METRO Fuqua Park and Ride

METRO Monroe Park and Ride

METRO North Shepherd Park and Ride

METRO West Loop Park and Ride

METRO Westwood Park and Ride

Reed Road HLS&R Park and Ride

2002 Houston Livestock Show™

Auctions and sales indicated in bold.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Belgian Blue Cattle Show

Brahmousin Cattle Show

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Agricultural Mechanics Project Judging

Gelbvieh Cattle Sale

Gelbvieh Cattle Show

Llama and Alpaca Halter Classes

Red Brangus Cattle Show

Red Poll Cattle Show

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Agricultural Mechanics Project Results and Awards

Llama/Alpaca Performance Classes

Open Breeding Rabbit Specialty Shows

Piedmontese Cattle Show

Pinzgauer Cattle Show

Romagnola Cattle Show

Sheep Dog Trials

Texas Longhorn Cattle Sale

Texas Longhorn Cattle Show

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Angus Cattle Show

International Brangus Cattle Show

Limousin Sale

Llama Youth Showmanship and Costume

Lloan-A-Llama Competition

Maine-Anjou Cattle Show

Open Breeding Rabbit Show

Open Cavy Show

Open Rabbit and Cavy Costume Contest

Sheep Dog Trials

Youth Cavy Show

UNDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Commercial Female Sale (Houston Farm & Ranch Club)

Hereford Cattle Show

International Brahman Cattle Sale

Limousin Cattle Show

Polled Hereford Cattle Show

Sheep Dog Trials

Zebu Cattle Show

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18

International Braford Cattle Sale

International Brahman Cattle Show (Females)

Youth Breeding Rabbit Show

Youth Rabbit Judging Contest

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Braford Cattle Show

Braunvieh Cattle Show

4-H and FFA Horse Judging Contest

International Brahman Cattle Show (Bulls)

International Simbrah/Simmental Cattle Sale

Open Boer Goat Show

Youth Breeding Rabbit Show

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Beefmaster Symposium

Braunvieh Sale

Open Dairy Goat Show

Red Angus Cattle Show

Registered Range Bull Sale (Houston Farm & Ranch Club)

Shorthorn Cattle Show

Simmental Cattle Show

Simbrah Cattle Show

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Charolais Cattle Show

Charolais Sale of Sales

Santa Gertrudis Cattle Show

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Junior Breeding Beef Heifer Show

Junior Breeding Beef Scramble and Livestock Judging Contest

Heifer Show

Junior Breeding Gilt Show

Scramble Heifer Banquet

South Texas Beefmaster Breeders Association Classic Sale

South Texas Beefmaster Breeders Association Futurity & Sale

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 – FFA DAY

Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest

Junior Breeding Beef Heifer Show

National Santa Gertrudis Cattle Sale

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24

4-H and FFA Meats Judging Contest

Junior Breeding Beef Heifer Show

Junior Market Goat Show

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Intercollegiate Wool and Mohair Judging Contest

Junior and Senior Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Contest

Junior Market Barrow Show

State FFA Tractor Technician Contest

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26

4-H and FFA Livestock Judging Contest

Junior Commercial Steer Sale

Junior Market Barrow Show

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Grand and Reserve Champion Market Poultry Selection

Junior Market Barrow Auction

Junior Market Steer Show

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Junior Market Lamb Show

Junior Market Poultry Auction

Junior Market Steer Show

FRIDAY, MARCH 1

Junior Market Lamb and Goat Auction

Junior Market Steer Show

Wool to Wardrobe

SATURDAY, MARCH 2 — 4-H DAY

4-H and FFA Dairy Judging Contest

Junior and Intercollegiate Range and Pasture Plant

Identification Contest

Junior Market Steer Auction

Open and Junior Breeding Sheep Show

Open and Junior Dairy Show

Wildlife Habitat Contest

SUNDAY, MARCH 3

Open & Junior Breeding Sheep Show

Hospitality Plus

After a successful inaugural year in 2001, the Hospitality

Plus program is back! Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™

volunteers are already signing their commitment cards and

receiving their 2002 pins featuring Reliant Astrodome and both

Texas and American flags. The special focus of the 2002 pro-

gram is to get members of the community who have not been

attending the Show to come out and enjoy this special, final

year in Reliant Astrodome and Reliant Hall.

Volunteers are asked to make the following commitment: “I

am committed to support the Houston Livestock Show and

Rodeo as a member of the 2002 ‘Hospitality Plus’ team. I under-

stand that I am committing to acting as an ambassador for the

Show in my neighborhood and at my job. I will do my very best

to convince someone that did not attend the 2001 Show to join

us for the 2002 Show. I also commit to provide exceptional cus-

tomer service to our customers, visitors and guests. I will proud-

ly wear the Hospitality Plus pin and do my part to make the

2002 Show a success.”

Commitment cards and pins are available at Show commit-

tee meetings or through committee chairmen and staff coordi-

nators.

Keep It Clean

An addition in AG

VENTURE

Plaza will be the presence of

hand-washing stations near the petting zoos. Waterless, hand-

washing gel will be available at several free-standing kiosks for

visitors of all ages.

Rove Around in a Rental

Strollers, wheelchairs and motorized scooters will be avail-

able for rental at Reliant Park near AG

VENTURE

Plaza. Rental

booths will be manned by volunteers from the Show’s

Directions and Assistance Committee.

Park It Here

There will be a few new options for visitors to the 2002

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo when it comes to parking.

Prepaid and limited daytime parking will be available on a first

come, first served basis.

Season parking is available for $200 through the Houston

Livestock Show and Rodeo ticket office. This includes parking

and in-and-out privileges for all 20 performances. The spaces

are located on the west side of Kirby Drive off of McNee Street.

Pre-sold only through Ticketmaster, performance parking is

available for $10 plus a service charge. These spaces located

west of Kirby Drive are very limited and include in-and-out

privileges.

Visitors arriving at the Show between 7:30 a.m. and noon on

weekdays can take advantage of daytime parking on the Reliant

Park grounds. Daytime parking is available only at the gate for

$5, and visitors must be out of the parking area by 3 p.m. There

are no in-and-out privileges with this parking option.

But, while these new options are available, remember that

someone else can do the driving when you ride the Rodeo

METRO Express from 10 satellite locations.

Taking a New Direction

Do you have a favorite spot in downtown Houston where

you watch the Rodeo Parade? If you do, you will want to make

sure that it is still on the new parade route for 2002:

• Start at Smith Street and Texas Avenue,

• East on Texas Avenue to Milam Street,

• South on Milam Street to Bell Street,

• West on Bell Street to Louisiana Street,

• North on Louisiana Street to Clay Street,

• West on Clay Street to Smith Street,

• North on Smith Street to Walker Street,

• Concludes at Walker Street and Bagby Street.

ODEO

OUSTON

on Your Television

During 2002 R

ODEO

OUSTON

™, live performances will be

available via pay-per-view every Saturday and will feature world

champion rodeo athletes as they compete for nearly three-quar-

ters of a million dollars in seven professional rodeo events:

bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, calf roping, saddle

bronc riding, steer wrestling and team roping.

The 2002 pay-per-view events include:

Saturday, Feb. 16

ODEO

OUSTON

Live - 4 p.m. CST

Saturday, Feb. 23

ODEO

OUSTON

Live - 4 p.m. CST

Saturday, March 2

ODEO

OUSTON

Championship Finals Live - 4 p.m. CST

The live performances will be available on pay-per-view

throughout the United States. R

ODEO

OUSTON

also is available

in Canada on cable and satellite, in South America on satellite

and worldwide on Armed Forces Television.

For more information, call 1-800-RODEOTX.

Take That Ticket Back

Don’t forget that unused Rodeo tickets can be returned as a

charitable contribution for those unable to use their tickets.

There are three ways to turn back tickets:

Turn back tickets in person at the Show ticket office and

receive a charitable donation receipt.

Turn back tickets by phone. Call 713.791.9000, ext. 523.

Show operators will ask a series of questions, including the

name on the ticket, the seat location and a unique ticket order

number found on the ticket.

Turn back tickets by fax. Fax a copy of the tickets to

713.794.9539.

Receipts for tickets turned back by phone or fax will be

mailed to the original purchaser after the Show. When turning

back tickets by phone or fax, the tickets must be secured to

ensure that the tickets cannot be inadvertently used.

Don’t Miss This in 2002!

By Susan K. Williams

Hall of Fame

uring the 1960s, the nation’s economy was experienc-

ing a period of sustained growth. Houston, especially,

began a growth pattern, aggressively expanding and

annexing new suburban development, reshaping its bound-

aries as it strove to become a competitive metropolitan area.

In the mid-’60s — April 12, 1965, to be exact — Houston

became the talk of the world as it held the official grand open-

ing of the first domed stadium. People came from across the

globe to view this marvel of architecture. But, Houston and the

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

were not finished

astounding the country and the world.

That same year, construction began on the world’s largest

livestock exposition building, also touted as the world’s largest

convention center. Spanning 500,000 square feet, approxi-

mately 12 acres, the Astrohall was climate-controlled. Designed

in a giant “Y” shape, it is 75 feet tall and has housed the perma-

nent offices of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo since it

opened its doors. The very first event to be held in this $3 mil-

lion shining, new exhibition hall was, of course, the 1966

Houston Livestock Show

Houston also was the center of the newest pioneering

adventure — the race into space. In honor of Houston’s signifi-

cance to the country’s space program, the Harris County

Domed Stadium was renamed the Astrodome, and to maintain

the theme, in 1965, Houston’s baseball team, the Colt .45s, was

renamed the Astros, and the exhibition hall became known as

the Astrohall.

Built by the Show, the Astrohall was donated to the citizens

of Harris County at no cost to taxpayers in 1966. The new

building had an effect on everyone and anyone who came in

contact with this brick and mortar marvel.

For the first time, the Show’s permanent offices could be

located in the same building as the livestock show. Show

employees spent weeks packing, moving into their new head-

quarters and unpacking. What wasn’t realized at the time was

the amount of distance between and around the domed stadi-

um and exposition hall. Although directional signs were in

place, it was easy to become lost in the giant complex. Electric

carts became the mode of transportation to assist in moving

material from one site to another.

The Astrohall was

decked out in

celebration of the

Show’s 40th

Anniversary in

1972 with a

building full of

animals, exhibitors

and spectators.

Finally media personnel were able to have their own desks

in the new media room. And, unlike the crowded Coliseum

with its limited accommodations, there was a telephone avail-

able for each media representative. No longer would they all

have to share the two telephones allotted to the media at the

Coliseum.

Private offices, interview rooms and a luxurious reception

area created an exciting ambience for visitors. In 1966, another

first was introduced to the Houston Livestock Show and

Rodeo. A bulletin board was installed outside the president’s

office, and Betty Browne, secretary to General Manager Dick

Weekley, posted daily schedules of all meetings, judgings, auc-

tions and any other pertinent information. Thus, the Show’s

first communications system for volunteers and committee

operations was born — a long way from today’s Internet and e-

mail messaging systems.

The new exposition building truly was built with livestock

exhibitors in mind. For the youth exhibitors, a dormitory was

installed that could house up to 1,000 boys. Four judging are-

nas that could seat 1,600 people and an auction arena that held

800 people were provided for the exhibition and sale livestock.

Special areas were built for both swine and sheep.

Large ramps enabled horse and cattle trailers easy access to

the stalls, and 42 truck docks were located strategically to per-

mit efficient and easy loading and unloading of materials and

supplies.

“Before the exhibition hall was built, the livestock were

penned under the bridges around the Sam Houston Coliseum,”

said Stuart Lang, Show president from 1963 to 1966. “Hogs

were housed under the bridge at Buffalo Bayou, and the horses

were stabled at the old Pin Oaks Stables on Loop 610. For three

years, we had to discontinue the showing of rabbits and chick-

ens because of the smell they created under the Coliseum.

“The new exhibition hall turned what once was a minor-

league stock show into the world’s largest and finest stock show

in the world,” added Lang. “We outgrew the Astrohall in that

first year. Breeders came from all over the United States, and the

Show was finally able to include premier Register of Merit live-

stock championships.”

Show committees, particularly the Corral Club Committee,

were affected by this new addition. Because of its Western look,

the former Fast Draw Club, the Colt .45s’ private club, which

stood next to the old Colt Stadium, was moved to the west

entrance of the exhibition hall where it became the Show’s cen-

tral Corral Club. The next year, in order to accommodate the

many people who became Corral Club members, a new Corral

Club was built inside the exhibition hall.

The Corral Club wasn’t the only entity growing by leaps and

bounds. In 1968, the exhibition hall was enlarged by four acres

to increase the demanding need for more exhibit space and

meeting rooms. In 1973, two more acres were added to

increase space needed for permanent administrative offices,

meeting rooms and exhibit space as well as the new Super Sale

Salon, which functioned as the site of the junior market auc-

tions and commercial animal sales until 1991. In 1975, the

6,000-seat Astroarena was completed to accommodate the

growth of the various horse shows, and most of the horse stalls

were moved into the new facility. And finally, in 1980, even

more space was added to both the east and west wings of the

Astrohall.

Chicago and New York previously held the distinction of

being cities of choice for large conventions and trade shows,

but all that changed when the new Livestock Exposition build-

ing opened its doors. For the first time in its history, the

National Association of Homebuilders left its Chicago digs and

headed for Houston. January 1968 saw the beginning of a long

tradition as the newly created exhibition center became home

to the annual conference.

Today, the exhibition hall is known as Reliant Hall, a change

due to Reliant Energy’s purchasing naming rights for the entire

complex in 2000. Since opening its doors, the hall has enjoyed

playing host to some of the country’s largest events, including

the petroleum industry’s Offshore Technology Conference, and,

in 2001, the three-day WrestleMania

’s Fan Axxcess. The Hall

also is the site of Texas’ largest gun show, a four-time per year

event. Reliant Hall has seen everything from dog shows, boat

and RV expositions, to baby expos and children’s fairs.

It even became a mobile field hospital on June 14, 2001,

following Tropical Storm Allison, which left Houston’s hospital

system seriously compromised with bed shortages and flooded

emergency rooms. The Reliant Hall unit was staffed with 12

physicians, and included an emergency room, operating

rooms, critical care unit, lab, pharmacy and X-ray machines,

offering a full spectrum of medical care, including dental and

psychiatric care.

After the 2002 Show, the next step for Reliant Hall is demo-

lition. Although future visitors to Reliant Park will no longer be

able to wander the halls of the building, they will be able to

trace the footsteps of the past across a new parking area.

sking if there is a veterinarian in the house at the Houston

Livestock Show and Rodeo™ is much like asking if there

is an Aggie in the barn. Lifetime director and official Show

veterinarian Dr. Tony Barcelona proudly wears both hats simulta-

neously. Literally the gatekeepers of the Show for the past 51

years, Barcelona and his team are responsible for making sure that

every animal entering the Show gates complies with the animal

health rules of the Texas Animal Health Commission. Barcelona

works with Texas A&M University professor Dr. Buddy Faries to

train veterinary students to man the three livestock entry gates 24

hours a day during the Show.

Veterinary students check health certificates of every animal

entering the Show, and if there is a problem or question, they call

Barcelona. Whether a seasoned director riding in the grand entry,

a Catalena Cowgirl carrying a flag or an exhibitor with a potential

prize-winning steer, each is bound by the Texas Animal Health

Commission to follow the rules and regulations for each animal.

“We are pretty strict. If you can get into the Houston Show, then

you can get into any show in the U.S.,” said Barcelona.

Although his office usually is at “the horse gate,” Barcelona

also may be found driving his maroon and white, sticker-clad,

three-wheeled electric cart,

providing his services

wherever necessary.

Whether at a gate helping a

road-weary contestant with

certificates, in a stall doctor-

ing a horse or helping a

bovine association with

blood typing, Barcelona

always remains on call to

help. “It is so enjoyable to

ride through the cattle barn

and sit and visit with people

that come back year after

year after year. Whether

agriculture teachers, county

agents or families with new

generations now showing, I

look forward to seeing

friends and meeting new

people each Show. Hearing

fathers introduce me to

their children as ‘the man

who doctored my calf when I was showing’ — I love the Show

and love working with the people of the Show,” said Barcelona.

Veterinarians and student interns also can be found in Reliant

Hall busily collecting urine specimens under the direction of

Veterinarian Committee Chairman Dr. Terry Dobson. Veterinarian

Committee members began their work in 1989, when Show man-

agement recognized the importance of providing a safe, whole-

some product to the American public and recruited members of

the Greater Houston Large Animal Practitioner Association to test

animals for chemical residue. In 1995, the group became the

Veterinarian Committee.

Today, Veterinarian Committee members, along with the help

By Whitney Horton

Livestock show veterinarian Dr. Tony Barcelona makes rounds on his mobile clinic.

of Texas A&M University veterinary student

interns, randomly test a total of about 400 ani-

mals in Rosenberg, Brenham and Houston.

They begin sampling during the sifting process,

continue during each competition and com-

plete their testing with all grand, reserve grand,

breed and reserve breed champion animals in

each category. One of the biggest responsibili-

ties, which the members take very seriously, is

maintaining the integrity of the testing.

Exhibitors are informed that their animals have

been randomly chosen for testing and are

moved into a testing area. From that time until

the animal urinates, an agricultural science

teacher, county extension agent, parent or the

exhibitor must be present to witness the sample

collection. Sometimes an animal will wait as

long as eight hours without urinating, and all

the while the patient committee members must

wait. Sometimes, after many hours of waiting, an animal will

have to return to competition, and as soon as it is in the ring —

you guessed it — the process begins anew.

Once a sample is properly collected, it is placed under lock

and key. Part of the sample is sent off to a laboratory for testing,

while the rest remains under Show supervision for backup

should there be any questions. These sampling procedures

have been refined over time and are very exact. Although com-

mittee members do not like to dwell on the tests that come

back positive, it does happen, and consequences are severe.

The exhibitor may lose the privilege of showing animals for

from two years to life. In addition, all monies, scholarships and

prizes previously received by or awarded to the contestant for

that year are forfeited.

According to Dr. Greg Knape, a former Veterinarian

Committee chairman, a by-product of the testing program is

knowing that the committee is doing a job that is going to bene-

fit every exhibitor at the Show. “We know for a fact that by

being in there testing and doing our job properly, that it doesn’t

matter whether you’re a ninth-grader that has never shown an

animal before or that you are a 12th-grader that has been show-

ing since you were 8 years old. Those animals are going in

there, and they are all on equal footing. Every kid has a chance.

Every kid that has worked so hard with their project and has

done such a good job has got an equal competitive advantage

when they get in that show ring. In that ring there is nothing

but the quality of the animal and the hard work that is going to

allow that kid the chance to win that show.”

In the Reliant Astrodome, animals are carefully safeguarded

by veterinarian Dr. Frank Martin. Once referred to by a news-

paper as being like the “Maytag repairman,” who never gets

calls, Martin most often is seen on the floor taking photographs

as the Show’s official photographer. “Veterinary work always

takes precedence, and every once in a while something does

happen, and I drop my camera in the dirt. Usually someone sit-

ting on the fence will pick it up. When I have finished treating

the animal, I’ll come back, dust it off and try to put the pieces

back together. Since I don’t have an awful lot of work to do dur-

ing the Show taking care of animals, taking pictures makes for a

nice combination.”

Although Martin does provide emergency care for hurt ani-

mals during the Rodeo, his job primarily involves answering

questions about animal behavior and animal welfare, and giv-

ing precautionary exams. Owners and exhibitors have a huge

monetary and emotional investment in the animals. They are

educated about the care of the animals and are so in tune to the

normal condition and behavior of the animals that many ques-

tions relate to some new behavior that might or might not be a

problem. Often, contestants have been traveling for weeks and

just want to touch base with a veterinarian.

Martin, who also volunteers care to animal cruelty preven-

tion, respects the care owners and producers give their animals.

“In the day-to-day job away from the Rodeo, we see sick and

hurt animals. At the Rodeo we see healthy, strong, well-taken-

care-of animals. The animals are respected professionals doing

a job — a well-cared-for bull who performs well is a beautiful

thing to see,” said Martin.

Whether certifying animals entering the Show, maintaining

the safety of the American public through testing animals in the

Show or ensuring the safety of the professional animals com-

peting in the Show, you can bet there is a doctor in the house.

After a specimen has been collected from his steer, a young exhibitor verifies the

collection with the veterinarian on duty.

f there is a voice of experience in the Houston Livestock

Show and Rodeo™, it is most evident on the Lifetime

Vice Presidents Committee. This committee, comprised

of past vice presidents, represents years of hard work, experi-

ence and lessons learned in one of the largest and most exciting

events in the Southwest. Roy Elledge Jr., committee chairman,

noting that the members have served in every leadership posi-

tion in the Show, said, “There is a vast amount of knowledge

and information here.”

The Lifetime Vice Presidents Committee, formed in 1982,

was the brainchild of two Show veterans, lifetime vice president

Freeman Dunn and Executive Committee member Clayton

Underwood. These enterprising gentlemen realized that it

would be a waste of talent to retire Show vice presidents after

their three-year tenures end. Their goal was to establish a com-

mittee where these vast resources of experience could be

pooled and made available to the Show president and others

who could call upon their expertise. Initially, the committee

was small, consisting of 30 members, but, as the Show has

grown, so has the committee. Today, it is 102 members strong,

and boasts years of knowledge and experience accumulated

from working with the Show’s nearly 13,000 volunteers and 88

committees. “We have done it all,” said Elledge, who is assisted

by four vice chairmen. “All of our members have been involved

in the Show for many, many years. We have one member who

has served since 1953.”

While members of the Lifetime Vice Presidents Committee

often work behind the scenes, they have responsibilities that

are instrumental to the Show’s success. One is hosting the

Directors’ Club, and another is serving as hosts in the presi-

dent’s office, where committee members help the Show presi-

dent entertain civic leaders, politicians, school board members,

prominent sports figures and other special guests of the Show.

They also arrange for these guests to ride in the Grand Entry.

Yet another duty of the committee is to attend Go Texan

functions held in 60 Texas counties throughout the year. These

functions include barbecue cook-offs, parades and other events

designed to publicize the Show. The committee also hosts the

annual Scholarship Banquet, which honors scholarship recipi-

ents and their families.

In addition to these duties, the committee conducts special

studies at the request of the Show president. For instance, the

committee has researched the functions of a Show committee

and made recommendations for expansion, consolidation or

other changes that have enhanced the effectiveness of that com-

mittee. In conducting these studies, members are assigned

tasks that match their knowledge and experience.

“These men and women are a great resource to me and to

our staff,” said Show President P. Michael Wells, who serves as

officer in charge of the committee. “They have seen a lot of his-

tory, and they have insight into events that have happened in

the past. I value their opinions and their input.”

Members of the Lifetime Vice Presidents Committee are not

ones to rest on their laurels. They are on the committee for life,

so their expertise can be drawn upon indefinitely. This suits the

members just fine. “This gives us an opportunity to stay active

in the Show, plus offer our talents,” said Elledge.

The seasoned veterans of the Lifetime Vice Presidents

Committee are an invaluable asset of the Show and are available

to anyone and everyone who has a question or a suggestion.

They represent the voice of experience — a voice that can be

heard throughout the Show.

Lifetime Vice

Presidents

By Nan McCreary

Lifetime Vice Presidents Committee Chairman Roy Elledge Jr. (seated left)

is surrounded by vice chairmen Freeman Dunn, J.J. Acy, Carolyn Faulk and

Ed Stone.

Rabbit Show

By Ken Scott

hen it comes to rabbits, many people believe

one rabbit is the same as any other. But, the

people who visit the Houston Livestock Show and

Rodeo

’s rabbit show quickly learn that not all rabbits are alike.

Some rabbits are quite large. Flemish Giants can weigh as

much as 22 pounds, and English Lops have an earspan ranging

from 21 to 30 inches measured tip to tip. Other rabbits are quite

small. Netherland Dwarfs, for example, can fit comfortably in

your hand. They weigh a maximum of 2.5 pounds and have

ears that are only 2.5 inches long.

In addition to rabbits, the rabbit show also includes cavies.

A cavy is better known as a guinea pig. Cavies, to a large degree,

are evaluated on color and coat, but, like rabbits, cavies also are

judged on specific standards.

The first rabbit show occurred during the 1943 Houston Fat

Stock Show. Only 15 breeds of rabbits were shown that year.

Today, with 45 breeds and 90 varieties being shown, the Rabbit

Show Committee members recognize that educating visitors is

one of their committee’s most important jobs.

The 140 members of the committee are a hands-on group

— setting up and changing out the cages for the rabbit show,

running the individual shows and tearing down the displays at

their conclusions. Another important aspect of the committee is

the special events and finance subcommittee. This group is

responsible for planning and executing all of the special events

associated with the rabbit show, including acquiring and raising

funds to provide awards for the rabbit show.

During the course of the five rabbit and cavy shows, com-

mittee members might carry as many as 3,000 rabbits and

cavies from their cages to the judging tables and back again.

Because committee members are entrusted with each entry, it is

important that they know how to handle the animals properly.

All committee members are required to complete an extensive

handling clinic and to be certified in the handling and care of

the show animals. “It may look easy, but handling these animals

correctly means training and practice,” said Rabbit Show

Committee Chairman Mary Crawford.

J.L. “Bubba” Butera, a Show vice president and officer in

charge of the committee, said, “The Rabbit Show Committee is

a unique group of hard working people. They are not only

interested in Rodeo; they are real rabbit people. Many of them

are rabbit breeders and serve as judges at rabbit shows through-

out the year.”

In addition to running the various shows, the Rabbit Show

Committee is responsible for manning the rabbit display in

Destination: AG

VENTURE

. The display requires a minimum of

eight committee volunteers, with members on duty 12 hours a

day for the 20 days of the Show. The rabbits displayed at

Destination: AG

VENTURE

give thousands of kids and their par-

ents an opportunity to learn things about rabbits they might not

know. “The best thing about being a part of this group is the

interaction with kids and the many opportunities we have of

educating people about rabbits and cavies,” Crawford said.

Almost 400 youths participate in the rabbit competition,

and everyone has opportunities to expand their knowledge

along the way. The committee conducts judging contests for

individuals and teams that involve questions about how to rec-

ognize different breeds and sort animals for quality, as well as

written tests. According to Crawford, “Not every household can

raise a pig or steer. However, most households can provide the

proper atmosphere for rabbits and cavies. This show gives

almost every child who wants to, a chance to participate.”

Fibber McGehee judged best of breed for the Satin breed as committee

volunteer Ronda Lunsford assisted.

Jimmy Lyons – Transportation

In 1984, Jimmy Lyons became a life member of the Show and joined the Horspitality Committee. Seven years

later, he joined the Transportation Committee, and he served in various positions until becoming chairman. He

was elected to the Show’s board of directors in 1999. His wife, Cindy, a life member, is on the Membership and

Llama committees. Their two daughters, Tanya and Jamie, are both life members and in college. Jimmy is the

owner of Westwood Construction Services, Inc.

Henry J. Ostermann – Go Texan Contests

Henry Ostermann demonstrated that he likes being a team member when he joined the Show and the Special

Children’s Committee in 1982. He is also a life member. In 1993, Henry became a volunteer on the Go Texan

Contests Committee, and he has since worked his way up, serving as a vice chairman, subcommittee chairman

and, ultimately, chairman. He also belongs to an even larger team, the United States Army Reserve, where he holds

the rank of colonel. His wife, Mary, is a member of the quilt subcommittee of the Go Texan Contests Committee.

Kevin K. Rech – Commercial Exhibits

Kevin Rech joined the Show in 1984 as a life member. That year, he also became a member of the Commercial

Exhibits Committee, and he has spent his tenure exclusively with commercial exhibits. He was elected to the

Show’s board of directors in 2001. Kevin is an avid supporter of the Houston Metro Go Texan Committee Fort

Bend/Stafford subcommittee. He is employed by JPMorgan Chase Bank as a senior vice president. He enjoys

spending time with his wife, Diane, and children, Christopher and Megan, at the family ranch.

Rita A. Ruffeno – School Art

Rita Ruffeno became a member of the Show in 1980 and three years later became a life member. She also served as

a member of the International Committee. For Rita, the Show is a family affair. Her husband, Mac, is a director of

the Show. Her daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Gray Gilbert, as well as her son, MacDonald, and daughter-in-law,

Tracy, are all on committees. When Rita is not working with the Show, she likes shopping for antiques, cooking

and grandparenting.

Joe L. Schindler – Judging Contest

Joe Schindler, the first chairman of the Judging Contest Committee, has been a life member of the Show since

1980. He also is a member of the Parade Committee and was a team leader on the Corral Club – Sky Box

Committee. Joe is president of J.L. Schindler Enterprises, Inc. When he is not working, he loves to team rope,

hunt and fish. His wife, Debra, serves on the Steer Auction Committee and was one of the first women to receive

that committee’s Lady Big Boy Award.

Kathy Somerville – Ladies’ Season Box

Volunteering is a family thing for Kathy Somerville. She became a life member of the Show in 1988, the same year

she joined the International Committee. Kathy’s husband, Paul, is a member of the Executive Committee and is a

lifetime vice president. They have one daughter, Courtney, who also is a life member. Kathy is chairman of the

Show’s Trailblazer Awards Luncheon and serves on many civic organization boards in the Houston area. She loves

to ride horses and jet skis at the family ranch.

Griffin D. Winn – Steer Auction

Griffin Winn joined the Show and the Steer Auction Committee in 1986 and also became a life member that year.

He served for a brief period on the Agricultural Mechanics Committee. A member of the Show’s board of directors,

Griffin has won the Steer Auction Committee’s Top Ten and Big Boy awards for 14 years and received the

Chairman’s Award in 1997. He and his wife, Johanna, have two children, daughter Laura and son Wes. Griffin is

president of G.D. Winn Investments, Inc.

Dowd J. Yarborough Jr., M.D. – Health

Dowd J. Yarborough joined the Show and the Health Committee in 1990 — which is fitting because he has been

practicing medicine in Houston since 1974 as a cardiologist and internal medicine physician. He also served for a

brief time on the Lamb Auction Committee. Dowd’s hobbies are music and horses. He and his wife, Merele, like to

spend time at their horse farm in Brenham, Texas, where they raise and race thoroughbred horses. In 1984, he

won the Five-Gaited (horse) Championship at the State Fair in Dallas.

Third-Year Committee Chairmen

By Marshall R. Smith III

Every volunteer who wears the gold badge contributes to the overall success of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Of the nearly 13,000 volunteers, a distinguished group of individuals holds the position of committee chairman. This continuing

series features those leaders who are serving their third and final year as chairmen of their respective committees.

Third-Year Committee Chairmen

PROFILES

A Driving Success

December 17, 2001, was an exciting day of giving for

the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Blood and

Food Drive. Preliminary numbers were 98 donations and only

eight deferrals, with additional donations still expected. According to

Bill Teague, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center president and CEO and

Show lifetime vice president, “The 98 units of whole blood donated

will be divided into about three components each (red blood cells,

platelets, plasma, etc.), so you produced about 300 components for

patient use! Patients in the 200-plus healthcare facilities we serve in

this region use about 2,000 components each day, so you produced

about 15 percent of a day’s supply for the region.”

In addition to the generosity shown by blood donors, many

volunteers showed their support by delivering nonperishable food

items for the Houston Food Bank. The Show collected $120 in cash

donations and 16 cases of food totaling 609 pounds for the food

bank.

Add One More

When describing the many functions and activities of Show

committees, there is now one more to add to the list — promoting and

selling official Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo merchandise.

The Show’s newest committee is the Rodeo Merchandise Committee.

Its work will be seen by hundreds of thousands of visitors during the

Show as members staff the Official Rodeo Merchandise Stores in

Reliant Hall and Reliant Arena. Stop by and check out the 2002 line

of merchandise, including the annual jacket and buckle, and other spe-

cial commemorative items.

Box It Up

Steer, swine, lamb and goat auc-

tion buyers now have new options

for their auction purchase.

• Steer buyers can choose

either the Gourmet Steer Package

which includes 100 pounds of pri-

mal cuts or the Whole Steer

Package which is processed on a

standard cutting order and costs an

extra $475.

• Swine buyers have the

option of the Gourmet Pork

Package consisting of 50 pounds

of primal cuts or the Whole Hog Package for an additional $175 that

includes the whole carcass cut to standard specifications.

• Lamb and goat auction buyers have the choice of either a 20

pound Gourmet Lamb Package or a Gourmet Goat Package con-

sisting of a whole goat quartered barbecue style, and it is not depen-

dent on which species purchased at auction.

These new packages will provide a more con-

sistent, high quality product for all buyers. Even with

these new options, auction buyers still have the charity

donation and the resell and credit account options.

What an Appointment!

Texas Governor Rick Perry has announced

the appointment of James M. Windham Jr.,

chairman of the Rodeo Institute for Teacher

Excellence™ and an Executive Committee mem-

ber of the Show, to the state board for educator

certification. The board develops certification

and continuing education requirements and

standards of conduct for public school teachers.

The Big Move

After the conclusion of the 2002 Houston Livestock Show and

Rodeo, the Show offices will be relocating to Reliant Center. While

the post office address will remain the same, the offices will have a

new physi-

cal address

and phone

number

beginning

in late March.

The new phone

number will be

832.667.1000.

Future Show Dates

With the move to the new facilities for the 2003 Houston

Livestock Show and Rodeo also will come a shift in Show dates. The

2003 Show is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 28–March 16.

Tentative Show dates for future years include:

• March 5-21, 2004

• March 4-20, 2005

• March 3-19, 2006

• March 2-18, 2007

• Feb. 29 - March 16, 2008

• March 6-22, 2009

• March 5-21, 2010

We’re Growing

The full-time Show staff has grown by three. Lou Callaway joins

the Show as administrative assistant, Buildings and Grounds,

Operations Department. Bidhan Chakma and Shahzad Naseer

have joined the Information Systems Department as developers.

NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS

INFORMATION & UPDATES

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

P.O. Box 20070

Houston, Texas 77225-0070

Address Service Requested

march

april

february

2 Conroe/Willis/Woodlands Go Texan Parade

2 Lamar/Needville Boot Scootin’ Ball

3 Chambers County Rodeo Kick-off Dance and Auction

5 NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Trailride Dinner and Dance

8 Houston General Go Texan Clowns Around Downtown

12 Katy Bus Trip

13 Deer Park Bus Trip

14 Galveston/Mainland Bus Trip

14 Pasadena Bus Trip

18 Fort Bend/Stafford Bus Trip

18 New Caney/Splendora Bus Trip

19 La Porte Bus Trip

20 Liberty County Bus Trip

21 Baytown Highlands Bus Trip

25 Waller County Bus Trip

26 Brazoria Southwest Bus Trip

27 Conroe/Willis/Woodlands Bus Trip

28 Humble/Kingwood Bus Trip

28 NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Bus Trip

march

2 Matagorda County Fair and Go Texan BBQ Cookoff

16 Live Oak County Fair Barbecue Cookoff

23-27 Show offices moving

29 Show offices closed

april

1 Show offices closed

*A complete list of Show events is included on pages 9-12