The biggest challenge I face is trying to thank all the people that contributed to the success of the 1999 Show in a short article.

There are so many people -- both visible and behind-the-scenes -- who contribute countless hours to make it all happen. This message goes out to all the exhibitors, vendors, cowboys and cowgirls, sponsors, ticket buyers and the more than 12,000 volunteers -- thank you for a job well done!

Due to a stellar entertainment lineup, outstanding weather, improved presentations and attractions, and a bustling Houston economy, many believe the 1999 Show was the smoothest, best overall event we have experienced. Judging from the feedback received thus far, I have to agree wholeheartedly.

A record 1,853,650 people came through the turnstiles in 1999, experiencing everything from junior auctions to the rodeo; carnival rides to great shopping; and petting zoos to outstanding musical entertainment.

That number represents the diversity of attractions and entertainment which makes the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo the second largest fair or festival in North America. Only the State Fair of Texas draws more people each year.

You can review the results and statistics elsewhere in this issue of the "Bowlegged H" Magazine, so I won't spend too much time on the numbers generated by the Show. However, I would like to recap some of our accomplishments in 1999:

* For the 1999-2000 school year, the Show has committed $7,725,000 in educational aid and programs to the youth of Texas. This represents a record increase of more than $2 million over the previous year.

* Our new Opportunity Scholarships were created to provide aid to those with the greatest financial need. One million dollars has been designated to create 100 four-year, $10,000 scholarships based 50 percent on need, 35 percent on academics and 15 percent on leadership. Response was tremendous as more than 1,200 applications were received prior to the April 1 deadline. The first awards will be presented later this month at the Million Dollar Scholarship Banquet.

* Record prices were set for Grand and Reserve Grand Champions in all of the junior market auctions.

* Ridership on the Rodeo METRO Express shuttle buses set a record, exceeding 315,000 people. With several proposed building projects on the horizon, it is vital to continue building this aspect of the Show.

* "Prime Time Country" produced eight shows at our event and they were shown on TNN (The Nashville Network) giving our Show national coverage.

* Special thanks to Reliant Energy for presenting the "Power of Dreams" multimedia spectacular, which was featured at each of the 20 rodeo performances. For those of you who saw it, I'm sure you'll agree that it made you proud to be associated with the Show.

We have a lot to be proud of, but it is now time to begin looking ahead to what the new millennium will bring. As you might expect, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is moving forward aggressively, looking at ways to improve upon this year's Show while making plans for 2000 and beyond. Here are just a few of the major projects in the works:

In an effort to address our parking needs, plans are to begin construction during the latter part of this summer on surface lots west of Kirby Drive across the street from the Astrodomain. These 3,000 parking spaces should be completed in time for the 2000 Show.

Construction also is tentatively scheduled to begin within the next 12 months on a new exposition building to be located adjacent to the Astrodome on the east side. This structure will house the entire livestock show as well as provide year-round office and meeting space for the Show's employees and volunteers. If this project stays on schedule, it is expected to be completed in 2002.

And of course, Houstonians are eagerly waiting to see if NFL football will return to our city and whether the rodeo will have a new home. It has been a pleasure working with Bob McNair and other city and county officials in putting together an attractive, rock-solid stadium deal that is beneficial to all parties. Should this not occur, the Astrodome will remain the proud home of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

As you can see, we have accomplished a great deal over the years, and I am certain our new president will take the Show to even greater heights. I am privileged to have served as this organization's president for the past three years and will look back upon these memories for the rest of my life. Although my future responsibilities will be changing, my commitment to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will not. The Show will always be a very important part of my life, and I plan to be an active participant in its future.

Thanks again to all of you!

Jim Bloodworth President