San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
Usually held in February this is a major event for Texans and the many visitors who come to participate in the wild and woolly fun. The excitement stretches out for two weeks of saddle bustin’ events for the whole family.
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo is one of the top five PRCA rodeos in the nation. It has received special recognition by the PRCA ProRodeo Hall of Fame and is a top notch rodeo.
With over twenty-two thousands entries, at last count, well known music groups and massive crowds, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo is a great event.
In the Beginning
It all began back in 1854 with the very first Texas Agricultural Fair, held of course, in San Antonio. It was a fantastic success from the start, and continued each year, only to run out of space as the crowds, events and vendors grew annually.
It was then that someone decided to do something so that the event could have a permanent place, with plenty of room, to come too. Thus was born the John and Henry Freeman Coliseum. This coliseum has hosted the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo every year until 2003. It now has moved into a brand new facility, right next door at the SBC Center.
Rodeo Events
This is the most exciting point of the whole two week show. Top rodeo riders come from all over to compete for prizes and money. Edge of the seat excitement combines with minute by minute thrills for an unforgettable event. The west is alive and well and this rodeo proves it.
The events are as follows:
- Bull Riding
- Saddle Bronc Riding
- Bareback Riding
- Tie Down Roping
- Steer Wrestling
- Team Roping
- Barrel Racing
- Competition for the Younger Crowd.
Two wild and crazy events geared just towards the little cowpokes are the Calf Scramble and the Mutton Bustin’ challenge.
In the Calf Scramble, twenty-four young cowboys and cowgirls test their spurs on a calf. Chosen from either 4-H or FFA clubs they half to catch, put a halter on and drag their prize across the finish line. The catch – twenty-four kids, twelve calves – you gotta be fast and tough even at this age to bring home the prize.
The Mutton Bustin’ events gives a few lucky rodeo goers a chance to do some serious riding, on the back of a sheep. You have to sign up way in advance for this one each year and it fills up FAST. Climb on the back of sheep and hang on tight for eight seconds. Each participant that makes it receives a trophy and a special Mutton Bustin’ belt buckle. Remember this is for ages four – seven.
Both events leave the crowds laughing, clapping and cheering the kids on. Calf Scramble occurs throughout the rodeo during the other events.
Xtreme Bulls
This event draws some of the toughest hombres around, both in men and bulls. An extremely intense bull riding competition where only the top thirty professional bull riders compete.
Crowd Pleasers
This Stock Show has quite a few other events going on during the two weeks as well. Check out the Ham on Rye Virtual Theater. Group participation, live action video, graphics and sound make this virtual reality theater a favorite with the teen scene.
Rock N Ride Roadhouse is the place to go for some good old American fun. Not exactly where you will find the old cow hand but the grilled hamburger, hotdogs and rock and roll music are favorites.
IGX Interactive Game Experience, the perfect place to send the kids when they get restless. Here they can enjoy the latest video games.
Billy Bud’s Dance Hall is packed with visitors watching live performances or even taking one of the free dance lessons offered. You won’t just find square dancing here but a variety of dance styles.
The Community Stage is where it all happens when it comes to major entertainment. Theater shows, dance and music acts, demonstrations and local talent all add to the festive air. Top notch performers are a big draw at this rodeo as well.
Fun for the Whole Family
Keep the kids busy with activities planned just for them although you might find yourself joining them. There is a Family Fair and carnival rides that are sure to please even the pickiest of children.
The Family Fair is the way to spend the afternoon before the main rodeo events take place. A petting zoo, pig races, food sampling and pony rides make it a place not even dad will mind spending some time at. You can also see the World of Agriculture and the Texas Trail exhibits, where you can see the latest in technology and agriculture.
The carnival has the usual rides, thrills and hawkers trying to get you to win the little lady a prize but is a big hit nonetheless. Take the little ones to Lil Partner Land for rides just for them.
Canine Cut-Ups
An all time favorite, year after year is Perondi’s Extreme Canine Stunt Dog Show. An hilariously fun show, with dogs saved from the pound. Watch these crazy canines catch flying discs, run races and do tricks.
Old West Town
If you want to really submerge yourself in the world of the Old West take a stroll down Bud City, a reconstruction of a genuine Wild West town. You can attend Cowboy Church on Sunday with the rodeo families who are away from home. A different group leads the services each of the three Sundays.
Shopping
Make sure you take some time out to enjoy the many vendors that come from within the US, Canada and Mexico. The Texas Star Market place is in the Freeman Coliseum and the two Step Market Place. Fine jewelry, custom made boots, household furnishings and western wear are just a few of the tempting offerings.
Vendors are also interspersed throughout the whole area with goods related to the cattle business.
Stock Shows
Livestock and horse shows are the other major portion of this event, each has its own events. Animals are judged, awarded prizes, auctioned off and needed stock is often picked up. Top quality animals go through rigorous judging to win their owners ribbons.
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