The annual Houston rodeo is an event that people look forward to all year. With lineups featuring favorite performing artists, festival rides, fried food and other fun activities, there is not much that the Houston rodeo does not have. For those that listen to country music, this year’s lineup of artists has not disappointed. Cody Johnson was first up on the list, scheduled to perform on Feb. 28. Following after that is Keith Urban, Tim Mcgraw, Jon Pardi, Luke Bryan, Maren Morris, Kane Brown, Parker Mccollum, Chris Stapleton, Brad Paisley and George Strait. For those that are not big fans of country music, Khalid, Gwen Stefani, Journey and Marshmello are all set to perform throughout March. 

 The carnival is the main attraction of the rodeo, selling tickets to adrenaline- rushing rides and tents that offer a variety of different foods to snack on while waiting in line. New food items have been added to the menu this year, introducing a bacon wrapped pork belly on a stick, donut chicken sandwiches, crunchy flamin’ hot pickles, teriyaki chicken pineapple bowls, and a watermelon dole whip taco. If none of these sound appetizing enough, the more basic food items like deep fried oreos, corn on the cob, chicken legs, and funnel cake will all be available around the park as well. There are also some new carnival rides that have made their way into the attractions. Atlantis Funhouse, Dragon Family Coaster, Liberty Wheel, Moonraker and Winky the Whale are the names of the new rides added to the Houston Rodeo this year.

 The Livestock show is another cool edition of the rodeo, with over 34,000 livestock and horse show entries recorded since 1932. It is the world’s largest and most prestigious livestock exhibition, exhibitors come from all over the world and across Texas to see this annual event in Houston.

 After visiting the rodeo this year, I got the opportunity to see and experience all that the event has to offer. I loved seeing everyone dressed up in cowboy hats and boots, girls in flare jeans or dresses and boys dressed up in jeans and a collared shirt. The smell of cotton candy and barbeque while country music played in the background made being a Texan feel like its own culture. Everybody has a lot of Texas pride at the rodeo, there was even a moment to honor the special forces before Tim Mcgraw was set to perform. The American flag came down from the stadium and special forces members came down from the ropes alongside the flag. Tim Mcgraw then played some of his hit songs, including “Just to See You Smile” and “Humble and Kind.” While I was leaving NRG stadium, I bought tickets to one of the amusement park rides and it ended up being really fun. I even tried the donut chicken sandwich, which I will say is actually pretty good. My mom and I both agreed we would definitely be going back for more. Overall, the rodeo was a really cool experience. There is nothing more welcoming than being able to celebrate your own Texan roots with delicious food and music you grew up on.