The 1996 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commemorated 30 years in the Astrodome complex at this year’s event with three pay-perview telecasts, a satellite uplink to
the Columbia space shuttle for a live conversation with the nation’s astronauts and more than 1 million fans enjoying world’s championship rodeo — all in this phenomenal
facility the organization has called “home” since 1966.
To say John Sykes came on board right in the thick of it is more than an understatement. “I have been a part of this organization since the Monday before the Show started. I have been helping with anything and everything that needs to be done,” said Sykes, the Show’s new manager of the agricultural exhibits and competition department.
Is he going to be here? That was the question on the bright, breezy, beautiful day Monday, Feb. 19 — the day the newest attraction was to be unveiled at the 1996 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Conversation wanders between John Weathers and Dale Schaffner as they sit on a battered tack box jammed against the wall of a barn at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Opinions and ideas are exchanged comfortably from one man to the other. They’ve known one another for a long time. But, the content of their talk is just a backdrop to the moment at hand. See, they’re looking up the hill.
As Dick Graves ends his tenure as chairman of the board of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, it is fitting to reflect upon this positive-thinking, energetic man who for many years has tirelessly given of himself.
For the first time in this decade, Ty Murray came to the Houston Rodeo without even the slightest chance to nab the All-Around Cowboy honors, but that doesn’t mean the world champion cowboy wasn’t all over the place.
Letters and comments should be sent to:
Marketing and Public Relations Division,
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™
P.O. Box 20070
Houston, Texas 77225-0070
