KEY Magazine Fort Worth

The 2006 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
Opens at Will Rogers Memorial Complex

The Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, now in its 110th year, runs from January 13 through February 5 and showcases western heritage, family entertainment, world-class rodeo action and the nation's oldest livestock show. The first stock show took place in north Fort Worth on the banks of Marine Creek in March of 1896. It wasn't until 1944 that the Stock Show moved to Will Rogers Memorial Center. The Will Rogers Equestrian Center opened in 1988.

The Stock Show begins with the popular Ranching Heritage Weekend, presented by Western Horseman. The weekend includes two action-packed performances of the "Best of the West" Invitational Ranch Rodeo on January 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., followed by the American Quarter Horse Association's Best of the Remuda Sale on January 14. The weekend wraps with the highly acclaimed Invitational Ranch Horse Show and Sale on January 15.

January 15th at 7:30 p.m., and January 16th at 2 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to experience the "Best of Mexico Celebration" presented by Coors Light and State Farm. These performances feature Jerry Diaz, a fourth-generation charro, and pay tribute to the legend of the Mexican cowboys and centuries-old Mexican traditions. This spectacular production promises special exhibitions of horsemanship, roping exhibitions, bull riding, Folklorico dancing and Mariachi music.

Visitors can enjoy two thrilling performances of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned "Bull's Night Out"- the Fort Worth Stock Show's extreme bull riding, on January 17 and 18, presented by Farm Credit. Forty of the world's leading bull riders will be on hand for this energetic event, competing for each nightly championship.

A visit to the Fort Worth Stock Show would not be complete without attending one of the 30 thrilling performances of the World's Original Indoor Rodeo. In addition to the excitement of traditional rodeo events, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned shows feature the fast-paced GMC Chuck Wagon Races, Coors Cowtown Cutting and the ever-favorite Calf Scramble, courtesy of Mrs. Baird's Bakeries and Justin Boots. In the PRCA events, competitors take part in physically demanding events such as bronc riding, tie-down roping and steer wrestling. You'll also see the best barrel racers in the world as cowgirls from the Women's Professional Rodeo Association race to victory. And every PRCA rodeo performance features the pageantry of the grand entry. The PRCA Rodeo runs January 20 through February 5 in the Will Rogers Coliseum. Tickets are $20 for Friday nights and all weekend performances, and $16 for Monday through Thursday nights and Monday through Friday matinees.

The Stock Show is known internationally for it's world-class livestock show which exhibits more than 20,000 head of livestock each year. Livestock entries include beef and dairy cattle, horses, mules, donkeys, swine, sheep, goats, pigeons, llamas, poultry, and rabbits. In addition to the livestock, over 200 commercial vendors will offer shopping opportunities that include items such as Native American jewelry, tack, western wear, the latest in tractors and a wide range of ranching and other farming equipment.

At the Carnival Midway, you can hop on a thrilling ride, or the merry-go-round, or just stroll around and enjoy the sights and sounds. Naturally, you would expect to find a corn dog, turkey leg, cotton candy or funnel cake, or play the games and win keepsakes from this year's Stock Show. Several places around the grounds offer souvenirs of the 110th Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, including t-shirts, ball caps and coffee mugs.

Back by popular demand are the Moos BrothersTM, Hoss and Elwood Moos, Fort Worth Stock Show ambassadors. It's somewhat like "Where's Waldo" revisited. They are liable to show up almost anywhere from the Stock Show parade to the Midway grounds.

Tickets can be purchased for the 110th Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo at the Will Rogers Ticket Office or by calling 817-877-2420. Tickets also will be available through Ticketmaster outlets by calling Metro 972-647-5700. Convenience charges are added at Ticketmaster and are nonrefundable. For more information, visit www.fwssr.com.

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