The 71st Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo makes its first appearance at Reliant Stadium Feb. 25-March 16.

The rodeo has always played a major role in Houston history. It is considered in some areas a way of life for many Houstonians.

The livestock show and rodeo offers a wide variety of performances and activities for everyone in the family.

The rodeo debuted with the annual rodeo day parade. The trail riders journeyed across the great state of Texas, advertising the rodeo and inspiring the cowboy spirit.

Some people enjoyed watching real cowboys trot across roads and intersections while others found themselves frustrated at the traffic caused by the commotion. Nevertheless, everyone in Houston is somehow affected by the rodeo.

"We waited in long lines to get on the buses to get to the rodeo, but it was all worth it," said Angie Gonzalez, who attended the rodeo. "I have been going to the Houston Rodeo since I was 5."

The livestock show or carnival is the place to be for families.

Professional breeders and junior breeders display a variety of animals such as pigs, chickens, horses, lambs and cows. Prizes are awarded to the top breeders and the young exhibitors for their outstanding animals.

The cook-off carnival features a roller coaster, a fun house, games, food and several other exciting rides and events. The adults can enjoy the barbecue booths and live music at the cook-off, and many will find themselves playing along with the kids at the carnival games trying to win stuffed animals for their sweethearts.

"My family has been on the rodeo committee for years and I have grown up with the rodeo," said Stacey Thomas, rodeo committee member. "I have always loved the Houston Rodeo because there are so many activities that your whole family can do together."

A line up of talented artists are scheduled to perform over the next three weeks while the rodeo is in town.

This yearšs musicians are: George Strait, Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney, Robert Earl Keen, Julio Iglesias, Tim McGraw, ZZ Top, Toby Keith, Clay Walker, LL Cool J and Ashanti, Phil Vassar and Jamie OšNeal, Intocable and Los Tres Amigos with Little Joe, Roberto Pulido and Ruben Ramos with special guests Johnny & Rocky Hernandez, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Jerry Jeff Walker, Brooks & Dunn, Bon Jovi, Pat Green, Ray Charles & Ronnie Milsap, Rockinš Roadhouse Tour with Joe Diffie, Mark Chesnutt and Tracy Lawrence, and Alabama in their farewell performance.

The Houston Rodeo offers action for all of the cowboys and cowgirls.

The rodeo consists of calf scrambles, chuck wagon races, indoor fireworks, bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping and tie-down roping.

Metro Park and Ride provides transportation throughout the rodeo. Tickets are $2 per person. Shuttles run from 5 p.m. to midnight. For more information, call (713) 635-4000.

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