65th Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo promises to be best yet

PASADENA, TX (KTRK) -- It's the sixth largest rodeo in Texas, and on Friday, the Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo kicks off its 65th year.

More than 1,600 active volunteers donate their time to make this rodeo their biggest and best, and most of them, like President Jack Whitman and Chairman of the Board Rex Davis, have been part of the rodeo their entire lives.

"Many years ago, I raised animals at this show, and as I grew up, and I started a family, I came back,." says Whitman.

For Davis, he's been part of the rodeo for 30 years. "We've raised our families doing this, we see our families raising their families out here doing this," he says.

Both Davis and Whitman want the 65th anniversary to be the best. Davis adds, "Last year, we blew some big numbers, broke some records, grand champion went for $80,000 and we had over a half a million dollar sale. We know it's a big number to beat, but we know we can do it."

Starting September 12, visitors can expect six nights of rodeo and two nights of bull riding and fighting. "We've got multiple world championship cowboys and cowgirls coming in from all over the country and state, and some out of the country," says Davis.

Even Roman Riders like Jessica Blair will wow the crowd. "We're basically stunt riders, so we'll come in at part of the rodeo, and we'll go really fast on our horses, and basically, acrobatics on horseback, hang underneath, flip from side to side," says Blair.

Easton Corbin, Johnny Lee, and Tracy Byrd are among the entertainers performing on the high-tech stage. "We have the only stage in America that drops down from the ceiling... And the worst seat in the house is better than most places you can go to," says Whitman.

Whitman says another big feature is the 400 animals that play a part of the livestock show. "We've got well over 100 hogs, 25 or 27 steers, along with rabbits, goats, pigs, and lambs."

Of course, when we think of rodeos, we think of the food. "If you can put it on a stick, like all fairs, we're going to have it," says Whitman.

Davis adds, "There's a lot of good fried food out here. I don't know if the doctors are going to like it, but you'll love it."

Those volunteering their time, Davis explains, are doing it for charity. "The proceeds go to the kids in this community. We support Deer Park ISD, Pasadena ISD, La Porte ISD, Boys and Girls Harbor in La Porte, and now Clear Creek ISD, as well as San Jacinto College."

The rodeo will also honor WWII veterans and soldiers coming home from overseas, and in two weeks, the BBQ Cook Off kicks off.

The doors open at 5pm and the rodeo starts at 7:30pm.