The Fort Worth Stock Show: Fun for the Whole Family

For over 100 years, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo has entertained families throughout the Southwest. The official name of the 24-day event is the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, and this year it runs from January 11^th through February 3rd. Each day features a full rodeo at Will Rogers Coliseum, livestock exhibits, an exhibit hall where you can purchase all things western (from hats to boots to tractors), food vendors, and a midway with games and rides for all ages.

The rodeo is the cornerstone of the Stock Show; the world's first indoor rodeo was held during what was then called the Texas Fat Stock Show at the Northside Coliseum in 1918 before moving to the Will Rogers Memorial Complex in 1944. Cowboys and cowgirls from around the country and around the world will compete. But there is much more to the Stock Show than calf roping and bull riding. Here is a short list of some of the activities:

1. Planet Agriculture - This exciting hands-on exhibit is a great learning experience for kids and adults. See how agriculture affects our daily lives well beyond food and clothing. Presented by TXU Energy and created by the Texas Farm Bureau.

2. PlainsCapital Bank Petting Zoo - One of the most popular stops at the Show. It's a great place to get up close and personal with all kinds of cute and cuddly farm animals that would love to meet you!

3. Milking Parlor - A 5-stall milking parlor with live milking demonstrations. Come see where your milk really comes from.

4. FFA Children's Barnyard - See mother farm animals interact with their young ones. With everything from goats to piglets to baby ducks, this is a must-see for your little ones.

5. Commercial Exhibits -No trip to the Stock Show is complete without a leisurely stroll down the many shopping isles. There are 250,000 square feet of shopping right here on the grounds, featuring everything from Stock Show merchandise, to horse trailers, kitchen gadgets, cars, farm implements, jewelry and much more.

6. Ballet Folklorico de Fort Worth - Enjoy the stunning dance of Ballet Folklorico as they bring rich Mexican culture to life with their beautiful and artistic dance. The BFFW's mission is to encourage appreciation of the Mexican culture through the education of its history by teaching its traditional dance and music to people of all ages, thereby instilling pride and respect of its heritage.

7. Campfire Stories - Presented by the Texas Cowboy Poet's Association (January 21-23). Come here campfire stories from real cowboy poets.

The Stock Show is such a big thing in Tarrant County that schools close on specific days during the exhibition so that kids can go, usually with a free ticket. If you want to see the full wonder of the petting zoos and the livestock exhibits, brave the crowds on February 1 when the elementary school kids have their Stock Show Day.

There are several museums near the Stock Show grounds, including the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the Kimball Art Museum, and the Modern Art Museum. And in keeping with the western theme, be sure to visit the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and Museum.

Tickets can be purchased at the Stock Show. General admission gives access to all livestock events, educational programs, commercial exhibits and carnival/midway. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children age 6-16, and children 5 and under are admitted free. Rodeo tickets are $22 for shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and $16 for shows Monday through Thursday. Each rodeo ticket also serves as your general admission ticket to the grounds on the day of that rodeo. Parking is $6.