Rodeo Parade - 2013

Last Saturday, I went to a photography seminar downtown. We went early because we knew the rodeo parade was going on, and since we were early, and had cameras, why not take some pictures of the parade setting up?



In the pictures, there are a lot of people in running gear. This is because the Rodeo Run  (a charity 10k) is before the parade. Remember, always have the runners go before the horses.



The beginning of the Rodeo Run



 





Lots of kids, lots of horses.









 

 

I thought these were a particularly pretty team. I don't know the breed (I do know they're not big enough for Clydesdales) but they were a handsome pair.

University of Houston twirlers, warming up in Tranquility Park. It was chilly out, I hope twirling warms you up.

My vote for best costume. I'm not sure why they were wearing technicolor tutus and tiger (?) stripe leg warmers, but they are definitely making a statement. Even their hatbands and shoelaces are color coordinated.

The University of Houston band. The Aggie band was there, too (they played the Star Spangled Banner and all activity stopped) but I didn't get a good shot of them.

This was taken after the seminar. No horses or twirlers, but I really like the shot. In case you're wondering, that's the Enron building.



Local holiday: Go Texan!

Today is Go Texan Day! A holiday only celebrated in Houston, and the kickoff to the the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.  Everybody goes into the back of the closet and pulls out their boots, cowboy hats, concho belts and big snazzy belt buckles. It's essentially a western themed version of Halloween.



Lucchese 1883's - My boots

I don't have a hat, and I'm not partial to belts, but I love my boots. Everyone needs a pair of cowboy boots. They are the most comfortable shoes ever invented, and they have style to spare.  I currently have a pair of Lucchese's, which I adore, but what girl can live with only one pair of boots?

I am thinking about getting a pair of red boots. Or a pair of Lanes, which have turquoise soles. 

But what I really need is rodeo tickets. I love the rodeo. I'm no cowgirl. I can't ride a horse or rope a steer, but I love watching the bucking horses and the calf scramble. 

The livestock show is always fun (it's amazing how glossy you can get a cow if you brush it enough) and how about the food? There are geniuses at work inventing the most bizarre fried food on the planet. Fried twinkies and  oreos? kid stuff. Chicken-fried bacon? so 2010.  In Texas, we deep fry beer. So I have high hopes for some deep fried craziness this year.

And in a moment of cosmic synchronicity, today is also National Margarita Day!  Because what better way to end a trail ride than with tequila and lime?

Friday Fun Video

A classic from Willie Nelson. It seemed appropriate.