1998 --Stepping Proudly

The dust has settled and the whirlwind of activity that surrounds the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo during the months of February and March has finally slowed down to a breathable pace. The 1998 Show will live on as one of incredible records, amazing comebacks and phenomenal sales.

It's a Wild Ride

Each February, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo storms the Astrodomain with all the force and energy of a wild bronc jumping from the starting chute, maintaining a breathtaking pace nonstop for three weeks. Traffic jams the roadways leading to the Dome, where law enforcement officials direct vehicles through the gates, and teams of parking attendants try desperately to avoid gridlock.

Flash, Dazzle and Precision

The national anthem and grand entry have been an integral part of every Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo performance. The Catalena Cowgirls, skilled equestrians who carry the American, Texas and official Show flags each night, make it an even more unforgettable time of chills, goose bumps and tears for the many spectators who see them perform. Just who are the Catalena Cowgirls?

The Grand Entry -- Behind the Scenes

Many people think the pageantry of the grand entry begins with Bill Bailey robustly announcing "Emmett, open the gate!" And for roughly 30 years, volunteer Emmett Evans has swung that gate open. But, long before Evans opens the gate, the tension and excitement heighten while committee volunteers work diligently laying the groundwork for each grand procession.

It's Chili Weather

Bubba John and Bubba Roy are on a mission. "Anybody seen mah hot sauce?" yelled Bubba John. "Ah put it raht next to yer cast arn cookin' pot," said Bubba Roy. "Well, whar's that cookin' pot? Ah got me a contest to enter an ah aim to win," replied ol' Bubba John as he gathered his ingredients to enter one of the biggest and hottest Go Texan events of the year - the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Go Texan Grand Champion Chili Cook-off.

A JOBes Well Done

It was almost 40 years ago when Don Jobes Jr. began his association with what was then known as the Houston Fat Stock Show. At that time an agricultural science teacher at Cypress-Fairbanks High School, he signed on as a superintendent in charge of the junior breeding sheep and goats. Jobes offically retired on April 30, 1998, taking a wealth of memories with him.

Outgoing Vice Presidents' Profiles

Three years of outstanding leadership to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo concluded in May of this year for outgoing vice presidents Jerry Johnston Andrew, Ken Moursund, Bill T. Teague and Lodie Stapleton.