Every January, the Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo kicks off with the All Western Parade, a two-hour parade down Main St., beginning at the historic courthouse. It’s a tradition that’s been part of the city since the first stock show in 1896, when attendance was free. (Admission wasn’t charged until 1907, and even then it was a whopping twenty-five cents.)
I’ve been around a few rodeos and cowboys due to my makeup artist gig…I even worked with Ty Murray a few times. But the first time I attended this parade, I found it’s a spectacle not to be missed in its own right.
If you follow my site you know I regularly attend the Santa Barbara Old Spanish Days parade, which is an equestrian parade, too. The colorful costumes, marching bands, ornate floats, and the overall festive, friendly atmosphere of the crowd make it easy to love. Most of all, I love the people-watching!
I rode the TRE (Trinity Rail Express) from Dallas to Ft. Worth with a group of friends — another first for me. For nine dollars you can ride the train… it’s clean, quick, and there’s free wifi! I’m a convert.
Come join me on a photo walk through the parade.
The parade always begins in front of the Tarrant County Courthouse
The ladies in pink represent the history of Texas: The six flags represent France, Spain Mexico, USA, The Republic of Texas, and the state of Texas.
There were plenty of pretty cowgirls, senoras and senoritas riding in the parade. Here are some of my favorites.
Then there was this cute little cowboy…
These painted horses were the first I’d ever seen!
Texas was originally part of Mexico. How it became a republic and then a state is a long story. For most people it begins at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas.
Finally these two were my favorite little riders.
Cutest cowboy and girl riding ponies in the Ft. Worth parade.
If you’re planning a trip to Ft. Worth, the rodeo and stock show dates shift slightly from year to year but it always kicks off in January. You can find current dates and ticket info at www.fwssr.com. And if you want more on the Stock Show’s history, this is a good place to start.
12 comments
I love seeing all of the cowgirls, however I don’t understand why they don’t where the string of their hat under their chin. What is the deal?
Good question. Now I’m going to have to research the answer!
Great pics! So Texas!
Definitely Texas!
The parade looks terrific — and what a rich history. The horses are pretty impressive, too.
I love that dour little boy, so cute! And the real painted ponies. I always thought that that was a type of horse, not the literal meaning. Huh! today I learned. Thanks!
Hey Jenn, actually there is a type of horse called a Paint that refers to the markings and color of the horse. I thought this was fun though – kind of tongue in cheek. Don’t know if they meant it that way? Probably not!
what stunning colors! and lovely weather! 🙂 thanks for sharing this beautiful day with us.
You MUST make it out to the Spanish horse shows and all that come with it out here – you’d love it!
Ok, Cat tell me when!
How beautiful! I didn’t know about this parade, I’ll try to attend next year.
And I’ve never ridden the TRE, I’m tempted.
Hi Ana! Long time. We should do it sometime. It’s so easy!