This is a celebration that is uniquely Houston.
"This is a cultural phenomenon here in Houston," Sen. John Cornyn said.
The Rodeo Parade ran through the streets of downtown Saturday.
"It's really honorable and we get to represent the Lone Star State," parade participant Haleigh Jackson said.
It's a spectacle every year, both for those who've seen it before and for the newcomers who experience it wide-eyed.
"We're doing good things when we're out here today," U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee said.
This year's grand marshal a true hero, Medal of Honor recipient and soldier Ty M. Carter from Washington State.
"We always love to visit Texas. We love the weather. The people here are very patriotic. They really love the military so anytime we get the opportunity we really like to be here," Carter said.
It was a great way to start a new month with an old tradition.
"Great parade. We'll have a great rodeo. Thousands of volunteers, millions of dollars for scholarships and a great time," Houston Mayor Annise Parker said.
Also winding through downtown Saturday morning was the Conoco-Phillips Rodeo Run, which raised $4,000 toward scholarships awarded at the livestock show and rodeo.
Did you take pictures of this parade? Send us your photos at news@abc13.com or upload them at iwitness.abc13.com
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