[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3737]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             HOUSTON RODEO

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 4, 2014

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it's no secret that March is the month 
for Texas. Starting with the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 
2, the fall of the defenders of the Alamo on March 6, and one of my 
personal favorite times of the year: the Houston Livestock Show and 
Rodeo--the world's largest rodeo. All in the same week, Houston saddles 
up to reflect on Texas history and partake in the Houston Livestock 
Show, where millions of people flock to from all over the world for 
this one-of-a-kind Texas tradition.
  Everyone knows about the Texas stereotype. When ``Northeasterners'' 
find out I'm from Texas, often times I am asked if people ride horses 
around town and if cowboy boots are worn every day. The truth is, 
during the Rodeo season, that stereotype comes to life. You bet you'll 
see trial riders parading through downtown Houston. Most years, it's on 
Texas Avenue, the historic street built to accommodate the early 
longhorn cattle drives coming to town on their way to the rail station.
  Fun and games set aside, there is a very rich history behind the 
Houston Rodeo, in particular. The tradition began in 1931 when a few 
men came up with a unique idea to get together and have a ``Fat Stock 
Show.'' As strange as it might have sounded back then, the idea worked. 
Year after year, the show grew a little more. It used to be held in the 
Sam Houston Coliseum but has since been housed in different locations. 
I'll never forget the first year the show made its way to the Astrodome 
before officially landing at Reliant Park. Not to mention when the 
country music king, George Strait, honored and thanked the Astrodome 
for hosting so many years of the Houston Rodeo. He sang his famous 
``Cowboy Rides Away.'' Other famous artists who have performed include 
Elvis Presley, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and my all-time favorite, Charlie 
Pride.
  To think that just a handful of men made it their mission to show off 
their livestock and share their passion of agriculture with Texas 83 
years ago is fascinating. Not knowing the fate of their simple idea, 
the rodeo has evolved into the world's biggest and best-known livestock 
exhibition, the largest regular-season rodeo, some of the best musical 
performers, and the city's most popular and popular occasions. 
Additionally, the rodeo holds everything from the world's largest 
barbeque cook-off to a Texas-size fair.
  Each year, Houston experiences a significant economic lift. With the 
millions of people who travel to Houston for the rodeo, the city counts 
on a nice boost. Texans know how to show the tourists a good time and 
make themselves a pretty good living. The show itself has brought in 
more than $320 million in the past years and has created more than 
7,000 full-time jobs. Not to brag but this is something Texans should 
take the utmost pride in.
  The men of the Houston Rodeo are also known as the ``founding 
fathers.'' In 1930, they wanted to create more than just a rodeo. To 
put it simply, they wanted a rodeo with a purpose so they created a 
charitable event that contributed to the educational and scientific 
advancement of Texas agriculture. Throughout the history of the Rodeo, 
it has awarded $300 million to Texas youth in various forms, such as 
scholarships and educational programs. The best part is, all the work 
is done by several hundred generous volunteers.
  As Texans put on their cowboy hats and boots, and saddle up for the 
rodeo, a Texas-sized thank you goes out to all of the thousands of 
volunteers who make the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo a success. For 
those who have never been, this is like the Texas version of Mardi 
Gras, but with cowboy hats. And there's nothing quite like it. For 
Texans, it's their cultural duty to attend. Every year, they know it's 
a good time comin'. God bless Texas. And that's just the way it is.

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