Pix of the Day

Move aside for the covered wagon: Rodeo trail riders take over Houston, create traffic scenes

This month, all trails lead to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and trail riders began arriving at Memorial Park Friday, carrying on a 60-plus year tradition.

CultureMap staff writer/photographer Whitney Radley was on the scene again this year, capturing this great photo of members of the Texas Independence Trail riders.

"I went along for the ride with them last year, and they were dancing all the way into the entrance of Memorial Park this afternoon," she writes.

Over thousands of miles and sometimes up to three weeks, these trail riders have promoted the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and served as reminders of Texas' rich Western heritage. Each rider is rated on dress and spirit, and the full cavalcade on overall presentation.

The Trail Ride Committee helps to facilitate riders' treks from respective starting points, prepares the park for the temporary takeover of the riders and cleans up once the trail riders leave again.

The trail riders will file out of the park again on Saturday morning, riding along Memorial Drive and through the streets of downtown for the annual Downtown Rodeo Parade.

Got a great photo of a Houston happening or everyday occurrence? Or just a fun photo that shows why Houston is so unique? Send it tobarbara@culturemap.com, along with details (who, what, where and why it's special). It might make our Pix of the Day.

unspecified

Rodeo ticket surprise

George Strait isn't as hot as expected: Alamodome, New Orleans tickets in higher demand

Emotions ran wild in Reliant Stadium on Sunday night as George Strait worked his way through three decades of hits during his 21st Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo performance — one that was also his last.

Though 60 and not quite as light on his feet as he once was, Strait maintains the smooth voice and the charismatic stage presence that has earned him the title of the King of Country, and the record-setting rodeo audience of 80,020 appreciated it all up until the last minute of "Cowboy Rides Away."

The monetary value of the floor seating collapsed as the date drew near.

Although ticket prices to see Strait with the Randy Rogers Band and Martina McBride were initially astronomical, the monetary value of the floor seating collapsed as the date drew near.

"The seats on the 50 yard line that were once $700 each could be had for $300 each in the days before the show," said Pat Ryan, co-owner of The Ticket Experience, a local secondary market ticket broker with years of experience.

Ryan explained that people wanting to spend big to see King George instead sprung for tickets to the final stops of Strait's farewell tour, in New Orleans on April 13 or at the Alamodome in San Antonio on June 1.

unspecified

Pix of the Day

Move aside for the covered wagon: Rodeo trail riders take over Houston, create traffic scenes

Reba McEntire kicks off RodeoHouston with Dua Lipa cover and sing-along classics

Bun B's smash hit burger joint picks Westheimer for new location

Popular Heights diner's sudden closure leads this week's top 5 stories

Rodeo ticket surprise

George Strait isn't as hot as expected: Alamodome, New Orleans tickets in higher demand