The Ft. Worth Stock Show Experience

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

It's been happening every January for all of our lives, it's the Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, now in it's 117th year, and there's just something special about going to Cowtown, experiencing the culture, and attending the Stock Show and Rodeo. It's one of the most "Western" experiences of the year!

 

 

 

 

A trip to the Ft. Worth Stockyards is a "must" on your trip, where you can attend Billy Bob's, shop in authentic Western stores, such as M.L. Leddy's, and eat Mexican Food at Joe T. Garcias or a steak at Cattleman's Restaurant. Meanwhile, every afternoon you can watch the herding of the longhorns through the stockyards, as cowboys did during the big cattle drives, as they drove them there for market.

 

 

 

 

 

Then, it's off to the Will Rogers Center Complex for the opportunity to see some of the best livestock in the state of Texas, as they are paraded before judges......market lambs, goats, swine, and steer, and breeding cattle and horses of all kinds. And, don't forget to get your boots or shoes shined, while there.....it's the best shine in the state of Texas, still done the old-fashioned way, while you sit atop a stand and the "shoe-black" applies his magic!

 

 

 

Eat some carnival food and ride a few rides, if you dare! And, then it's off to the exhibit hall where commercial exhibitors have on display the latest products from tractors and lawn mowers, to home spas, and Western wear.

 

 

The day isn't complete without taking in one of the rodeo performances that are offered both at night and in matinee performances.

 

 

 

 

 

Just outside the Will Rogers Center grounds is the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, an interesting stop to trace the history of women in the west, as they helped to shape, form, and carve this state.....from the seat of a wagon, horseback, and in the pioneer homes of Texas. It's all documented and illustrated in the museum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last stop before leaving Ft. Worth, is a meal at the Old South Pancake House....a tradition in Ft. Worth and one you'll always come back for.....pecan "flapjacks" with buttery syrup to die for!

It's the Ft. Worth Stock Show experience.....there's nothing like it!

 

 

 

 

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