The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo (FWSSR) kicks off another “legendary” year on Friday.
“Ticket sales have been brisk. With the weather the way it is looking, we’re expecting big crowds. Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate with us. This year, it’s really looking good,” FWSSR spokesperson Matt Brockman said.
Brockman said there is something for all tastes during this 23-day event.
“Some people call this the ‘modern west,’” Brockman said. “Whether you’re that sixth-generation person that’s been coming to the stock show all your life because your grandparents brought you here, or you’re that transplant that came here from California, you catch on to that vibe and you want to check this out.”
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More than a million people are expected to visit during the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo's 23-day run. Many come back year after year.
"I used to live in Colorado and I've had people from Colorado, New Mexico come to this deal just because their dad came to this deal and showed in Fort Worth," said Lavern Avent from Mineral Wells.
Many come from neighboring states.
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"We come here every year. We come to the Stock Show so it's just on my calendar for an annual event every year," said Tim Fitzgerald from Shreveport, Louisiana.
This year, there are more than 300 vendors including Idahoan Foods. Dan Enger is a tour manager for the company and said they will be handing out free samples during the event.
"We've been on a tour for about a year and a half. We did 31 states last year. Mainly Nascar, NFL, college football, some country music festivals," Enger said. "The whole experience of marketing is something that died off for a while, especially due to COVID. There were no crowds or anything, but it's really making a comeback now."
Enger and other vendors spent Thursday putting the final touches on their booths and stations before opening day.
Nichole Filson works with the new "Yellow Rose" collection for Kendra Scott, which began setting up on Sunday.
"It is a rodeo collection," Filson said. "Our tiny home traveled from Austin, Texas and we set up here. We have been working tirelessly all day and night to get this set up for rodeo goers."
The annual event is held in Fort Worth's Cultural District with events at the Will Rogers Memorial Center and at Dickies Arena.
Dates to remember:
- Jan 13: Opening Day
- Jan 13: Best of the West Rodeo
- Jan 15: Best of Mexico Celebración
- Jan 16: Cowboys of Color Rodeo
- Jan. 19: Texas Champion’s Challenge
- Jan. 24. FWSSR Goes Pink
- Feb. 1: Cook Children’s Day
- Feb 4: Last Day
To see a full schedule of events, click here.
