Every year in January, Fort Worth hosts the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

This year was the 121st year! It began as a stock show in 1896 and grew from there to include a visit from Teddy Roosevelt, exhibitors, horse competitions and in 1918 they added a rodeo. In 1946 they moved to their current location and what a history has been built there!  Famous cowboys have visited like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, and the names of the buildings reflect some of its famous past leaders like Amon Carter and W.R. Wyatt. Like all of Fort Worth there is quite a history built up, and as a born and raised Fort Worthian its my history too.

For as long as I can remember I would go to the stock show with my family.

For many years my dad hosted a booth for the company he worked for and I would get to visit (and miss some school days to help him). My memories are so strong that we have created the same traditions in our family. With 4 kids, some years were easier than others but all worth the fun and excitement of this anticipated day. We always get tickets for the Rodeo not just the stock show because bucking bulls and barrel racing just cant be beat for entertainment for kids and adults alike. If you aren't up for the hour long sitting or the added cost of it, the stock show alone is still worth the time.  You can wander thought two large buildings of exhibitors selling everything from jewellery cleaner, the latest cookware, to cow hides and of course boots and hats. 

You can wander through the animal barns and see what is there and some that will soon be shown by many many high schoolers from all over the state.  Cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, they are all there waiting for their turn for a chance to win the big prize. Its not uncommon to see them being groomed and prepped for show.

My kids' favorite part is the FFA Barn  (Future Farmers of America). The kids from local schools raise these animals and there are always lots of babies to be found, and who doesn't love baby animals?!?

Lastly we load up on some spiced nuts and fudge and head to the rodeo. An hour of excitement is here and we are all pumped. Every rodeo begins with the colors being flown and it was a wonderful moment to sing the National Anthem with a coliseum full of people. With all the unrest, we were all there together as Americans and it was so uplifting. Then on to the bucking broncs, chuck wagon races, barrel racing and all of it builds up to the bull riding. The Rodeo clowns add some comedy to what is a pretty tense event and we all cheer and clap for these crazy bull riders regardless of their time or success each ride. 

We ended this year with a visit to the midway where you can find all kinds of carnival slides, rides and food.  We are still a young family so we opted for smaller rides and a fun house. You could get crazy and hit the Ferris Wheel if you wanted, but the merry go round hit the spot for us.

I hope everyone takes the time to visit this wonderful hometown event next year, I promise you wont regret it. 

Tell us YOUR favorite part of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in the comments below!