March 14, 2010 - The
Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo
Each year, the annual Austin
Rodeo gets bigger and better. We dropped by on Sunday the 21st
for one of our favorite events - XTreme Bullriding. You can't
beat 40 cowboys taking on a herd of horns, hooves, and attitude.
Check out our photos from the day here.
We met and chatted with the lovely
Megan King, who beautifully sang the National Anthem to start the
event, and watched as Courtney Elliot - Miss Rodeo Austin 2009 - gave
up her crown to her successor. And our favorite rodeo event -
Mutton Bustin (that's kids riding sheep) - was won by an 8-year-old
girl! And as always, Austin Rodeo media and marketing goddesses
Kate Farris and Jennie Richmond made us feel right at home.
The carnival jumped into high gear
after the matinee performance, with a lively crowd and some incredible
rides. One of our favorites - and old-fashioned sideshow of
animal oddities - is back this year; the proprietors really go to great
lengths to recreate the 10-in-one
experience of the 1930s and 40s.
As always, the KidsTown tent was
the main focal point, with a petting zoo, pony rides, and Elsie the
Cow. Drop by the Southwest Dairy Mobile Unit and the diner for a free hand-made quesadilla
sample and some free recipes, then stick around for the old-fashioned
medicine show - a bit of authentic history that you might never see
again.
Every day includes tons of free
music entertainment, pig races, and Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey.
Plus, you can save the $7 fairgrounds admission and get in free
with these special promotions:
- March 17th - Wear green
- March 18th - Show a college ID
- March 20th - Show your State Farm
Insurance card
- March 21st - Seniors 55+ with ID
- March 22nd - Show an H.E.B. receipt
- March 23rd - Drive a Dodge truck
- March 24th - Scouts Day (wear your
Scout uniform)
- March 25th - Carpool with 4+ people
- March 26th - Wear overalls
- March 27th - Wear a Rodeo Austin T-shirt
The final night of the rodeo on
Saturday, March 27th, will also be broadcast on national television as
part of the Wrangler Pro Rodeo series. For all the Austin Rodeo
info, updates, and concert line-up, visit www.RodeoAustin.com.
(Photos by Rob Faubion)
