Rodeo, Fort Worth Style

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is almost here, but I am honestly not a huge fan.  It is HUGE, glitzy, and not quite like the authentic FAA Stock Show experience you get at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. 

Here are a few Fort Worth Rodeo facts:

• Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo's official name is The Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show
• It is the oldest continual running livestock show and rodeo. It has been held annually in Fort Worth, Texas since 1896.
• In 1918, the Stock Show held the world's first indoor rodeo

I love the 1940's era buildings of the Will Rogers Memorial Center...even the animal barns are pretty.  Each one has a mosaic to indicate what animals are where.  (Swine Barn above)

The best part about it is you can go early on a Saturday, park close, and let your toddler beat the crowds to get up close and personal with the animals.

 And the tractors... 

It's authentic enough they have to caution you not to wash your horses on the sidewalks...

The Fort Worth family contingent in the FAA barn, minus the youngest sister

Maxwell even enjoyed it

Dexter was entralled with the Rodeo and especially loved the Rodeo clown/motorcycle stunt man

Victoria was awesome to get up early to meet us at the 10am Rodeo.  I love this annual "tradition"!