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A Tradition to Tip Your Hat To
A tradition that runs four generations deep.
The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo has been an annual tradition since 1896. I was able to interview Matt Brockman who has worked for the FWSSR for nearly two decades and you can imagine the knowledge and stories he had to share. One of my favorite stories was about a family that has been showing cattle at the Stock Show for four generations. Oliver Grote showed the Grand Champion Steer in 1938. Then Glen Grote, Oliver’s son showed for decades. Following in his footsteps, Shannon (Grote) Worrell showed and now Jarrett Worrell, Shannon’s son and Oliver’s great-grandson showed a champion Polled Hereford Heifer. That is a lasting tradition and there is a reason Brockman says people continue to come back year after year.
Oliver Grote with his 1938 Grand Champion Steer
Courtesy of FWSSR
“There’s something here for everybody, you don’t have to be a cowboy or a cowgirl.”
Brockman explained how the FWSSR has so much to offer from fun date nights to memorable days out with the family. He says, “even if you have gone every year there will still be something new to experience.”
There are dozens of activities during the 23 day event with more than 70 musical performances. Yes, there are the crowd favorites like the petting zoo, the pony rides, the Carnival Midway but then there are also some lesser known activities for the kids like the Kids Gone Wild event and the Mutton Bustin and tons of educational activities as well. There is the Milking Parlor where kids can see first hand how you milk a cow and how the milk in their fridge gets there. It is a great way for children to learn about the food supply chain. In addition, there are three museums for families to explore. Your paid grounds admission gets you into the Forth Worth Museum of Science and History, Cattle Raisers Museum, and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.
Jarrett Worrell (Oliver’s great-grandson) with his champion Polled Hereford Heifer
Courtesy of FWSSR
As a mom of a five and seven year old I highly recommend these cheat codes below.
- Check your calendar now and schedule a time to take the kids to a matinee rodeo performance
- Save money and have just as much fun at a college performance at the Will Rogers Coliseum
- This arena is smaller so you can get closer seating and more access to the participants.
- Opt for smaller crowds and go during the week if you can.
- Arrive early to beat the crowds
I can already envision my boys faces lighting up as they watch their first bull riders. This is the year you can start your four generation tradition. Imagine your kids taking their kids one day. What a sweet moment to be able to look back on. The FWSSR opens on January 15th and runs through February 6th. Rodeo tickets go on sale September 14th.
