Fort Worth is a destination that offers visitors the opportunity to experience everything traditionally associated with Texas. It’s one of the fastest growing cities in the US as well as the fifth largest city in the state, and the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area is one of the largest in the country. A trip to the area offers an impressive selection of unique attractions ranging from world renowned rodeos to sculpture gardens.
The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo has been a major community event for over 120 years. It’s a 23-day rodeo spectacular held in the heart of downtown Fort Worth’s Cultural District that attracts over a million people from the community, state, and all over the world. Patrons can attend six different world-class rodeos including the PCRA Rodeo and Best of the West Ranch Rodeo. It’s ideal for families and features a carnival, educational exhibits, parade and more. ResortsandLodges.com got the chance to interview Jordan Simons, Social Media Manager for the event, to talk about this great Texas experience.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
JS: The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is a 121-year-old non-profit organization.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
JS: Our event is unique if the fact that it runs for 23 days between January 13th and February 4th. In 2016, we had over 1.2 million visitors come through our gates.
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
JS: We have a variety of visitors, but we mostly see families around the grounds, enjoying the educational exhibits, rodeo, and the carnival.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
JS: We are the oldest and largest event in Fort Worth. We are traditional and legendary!
RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.
JS: We have specialty rodeos such as The Best of the West Ranch Rodeo, Bulls’ Night Out, Best of Mexico Celebration, and Cowboys of Color. We also have our traditional PRCA rodeo and offer educational exhibits, horse shows, livestock show, small animals, a midway/carnival, shopping, and a petting zoo.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
JS: Everyone loves to show up to the FWSSR in their best western attire -- cowboy hats and boots as far as the eye can see!
RAL: What dining options will people find at the event?
JS: We have rib eye steak, juicy hamburgers, corn dogs, and funnel cakes. Food is more satisfying and delicious when eaten at the Stock Show.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
JS: Fort Worth has a little bit of everything from horse hotels to the 5-star Omni Hotel that overlooks beautiful downtown.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
JS: The FWSSR not only influences the local economy, but it also affects the whole state of Texas. The event generated $1,772,646 in city taxes and $5,539,519 in state taxes in 2016.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?
JS: The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is committed to advancing the education of Texas youth by providing learning opportunities and scholarships. FWSSR gave away $446,500 in scholarships, $92,800 in educational grants, and $8,000 in charitable organization contributions in 2016.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JS: The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is a one-of-a-kind event with a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
For more information about the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, please visit their website.