Eager young riders line up for the Mutton Bustin’ Competition, part of “The Junction” section in NRG Park.
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Eager young riders line up for the Mutton Bustin’ Competition, part of “The Junction” section in NRG Park.
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Alisia S. made a few feathered friends at a new exhibit called “Parakeet Encounter,” part of the Agventure section at NRG Center.
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Alisia S. made a few feathered friends at a new exhibit called “Parakeet Encounter,” part of the Agventure section at NRG Center.
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Capiche, a Belgian Malinois and border collie mix, clears more than 29 feet of distance while catching a frisbee as part of the Extreme Dogs show.
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Capiche, a Belgian Malinois and border collie mix, clears more than 29 feet of distance while catching a frisbee as part of the Extreme Dogs show.
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From left to right: Ally Morgan, Maddie Younker, Kaitlyn Younger, and Reagan Ross, students and sorority sisters from Texas A&M, show off their HLSR style.
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From left to right: Ally Morgan, Maddie Younker, Kaitlyn Younger, and Reagan Ross, students and sorority sisters from Texas A&M, show off their HLSR style.
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Steve and Kashay Crawford found a great spot with shade and breeze at the Champion Wine Garden, where they and other patrons enjoy the sounds of up-and-coming musical performers.
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Steve and Kashay Crawford found a great spot with shade and breeze at the Champion Wine Garden, where they and other patrons enjoy the sounds of up-and-coming musical performers.
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Aaron and Stacie Borsellino enjoy a pinot grigio in the shaded Champion Wine Garden.
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Aaron and Stacie Borsellino enjoy a pinot grigio in the shaded Champion Wine Garden.
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From left to right: Paige Heilman, Gavin Rhoads, Jonathan Rhoads (Vice Chair Poultry Auction Committee), Hunter Ranly (Poultry Auction Committee member), and Ashlee Guilbeau (Poultry Auction Committee member) enjoy the scene at the Champion Wine Garden.
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From left to right: Paige Heilman, Gavin Rhoads, Jonathan Rhoads (Vice Chair Poultry Auction Committee), Hunter Ranly (Poultry Auction Committee member), and Ashlee Guilbeau (Poultry Auction Committee member) enjoy the scene at the Champion Wine Garden.
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Jessica and Alvin Lloyd with their children … and two very special unicorns.
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Jessica and Alvin Lloyd with their children … and two very special unicorns.
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Guests take turns posing with an 8-foot version of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo “H” logo.
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Guests take turns posing with an 8-foot version of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo “H” logo.
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Humphrey family members are all grins as they make their way into the 2023 Rodeo at NRG Park.
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Humphrey family members are all grins as they make their way into the 2023 Rodeo at NRG Park.
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From left to right: Murphy’s Buckles owners Andy Andrews, Bubba Murphy, Kyle Graff. Murphy’s Buckles has been a cornerstone at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for more than 40 years, having created more than 1,000 custom made belt buckles a year just for rodeo winners, staff, and performers.
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From left to right: Murphy’s Buckles owners Andy Andrews, Bubba Murphy, Kyle Graff. Murphy’s Buckles has been a cornerstone at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for more than 40 years, having created more than 1,000 custom made belt buckles a year just for rodeo winners, staff, and performers.
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Raymond and Debbie Woodrow, from Snowmass, Colorado, specialize in creating custom “Country Furniture” and antler chandeliers.
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Raymond and Debbie Woodrow, from Snowmass, Colorado, specialize in creating custom “Country Furniture” and antler chandeliers.
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The Topo Hard Seltzer gals. From left to right: Lilibeth Boutte, Karen Salazar, Erica Morhet, and Vanessa Barragan.
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The Topo Hard Seltzer gals. From left to right: Lilibeth Boutte, Karen Salazar, Erica Morhet, and Vanessa Barragan.
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The Hot Cheetos Chicken Sandwich. A seared chicken breast filet dipped in hot melted cheddar cheese, then rolled in pulverized Flaming Hot Cheetos on a bed of four dill pickle slices, served between two butter-buns, and topped with a crumble of Flaming Hot Cheetos.
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The Hot Cheetos Chicken Sandwich. A seared chicken breast filet dipped in hot melted cheddar cheese, then rolled in pulverized Flaming Hot Cheetos on a bed of four dill pickle slices, served between two butter-buns, and topped with a crumble of Flaming Hot Cheetos.
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Gaby Montoya tries her luck at winning a prize as she competes against friends at one of the many carnival amusement games.
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Gaby Montoya tries her luck at winning a prize as she competes against friends at one of the many carnival amusement games.
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From left to right: Zach Benefield, Gio Gomez, Gaby Montoya, and Ethan Rodriguez, all from Pearland, enjoy the opening festivities.
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From left to right: Zach Benefield, Gio Gomez, Gaby Montoya, and Ethan Rodriguez, all from Pearland, enjoy the opening festivities.
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A group of attendees proudly display their carnival winnings.
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A group of attendees proudly display their carnival winnings.
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From left to right: Jacob Wright, Owen Farris, Kwinn Pfeiffer, and Kason Cochran get ready for a hollerin’ good time as they soak in the carnival atmosphere.
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From left to right: Jacob Wright, Owen Farris, Kwinn Pfeiffer, and Kason Cochran get ready for a hollerin’ good time as they soak in the carnival atmosphere.
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Madison Stokes leads her Red Angus heifer, Autumn, away from a show arena after competing in the last Beef Showmanship event on opening day.
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Madison Stokes leads her Red Angus heifer, Autumn, away from a show arena after competing in the last Beef Showmanship event on opening day.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo kicked off last week, and what a ride it’s been so far! Thousands of visitors flocked to NRG Park to experience the very best of Texas culture and heritage.
Music lovers got a special treat when country music star, Parker McCollum, opened the show. Rodeo fans have been treated to incredible feats of athleticism and courage as the best cowboys and cowgirls compete in various events such as bull riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. Carnival rides are filled with family-goers, and the Champion Wine Garden is pouring wine faster than you can say yee-haw!
And let’s not forget the delicious food. As the doors open to NRG Park, the smell of barbecue and funnel cakes fill the air, creating lines so far south, you may forget what the line you’re in.
As we move into the second week of the Rodeo, the excitement only continues to build. With more incredible events, attractions, music, and food to come, the excitement is palpable as people from all walks of life gather to take part in this beloved tradition.
