Sunday at Discovery Green

Going to Hula Hoop school: Watch and learn some loopy moves for Houston'sGuinness moment

Remember when as a young 'un, certain things came easy to you? Like Hula Hooping?

I am not sure what happened between seven and 35 that morphed such a pastime from a hilarious and carefree activity— like skipping and frolicking — to a somewhat intimidating and outright impossible-seeming task.

Well, you are in luck. We are here to change all those silly (and may I say blah) misconceptions and put a smile on your face. Because no one — and proof is in the video — can hula with a sad, frowny face. It just doesn't happen.

It isn't as difficult as it seems. The trick is in a slight bend of the knees, positioning one foot in front of the other, and a naughty pelvic thrust motion. The hoop then does what it's supposed to. Spins.

No one can hula with a sad, frowny face. It just doesn't happen.

Of course, there are other options if you are pelvic-thrust-shy, like hand spinning, "driving the bus," the chicken neck spin — you can handle one of those, can't you? — all which will be an acceptable method for the hulathon at Discovery Green this weekend.

Imagine more than 3,100 Hula Hoopers Hula Hooping at the same time? It will happen this Sunday starting at 9 a.m. and you can — and should — participate. Here's why.

The Care2Sping Hula Hoop Challenge is seeking 3,100 spinners to break the current Guinness World Record for the largest number of hoopers gyrating in unison at a single venue. The event also seeks to raise much needed funds for Easter Seals Greater Houston, which is losing more than $1 million in funding due to state budget cuts, according to the nonprofit.

That means one in six Easter Seal clients will lose support and services.

Monies raised will also subsidize the cost of iPads to give children with speech impediments an alternative method to communicate.

Still unsure? Watch the video where Fayza Elmostehi, CultureMap's social media editor, takes a lesson from Hula Hoop expert Rowan TwoSisters of the Houston Hooper Stahs. I make an appearance as well, but I am not as graceful as Fayza.

If I can hula, so can you.

Care2Spin Hula Hoop Challenge will be held at Discovery Green on Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon. Visit give2gether.com to take the challenge.

a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

rodeohouston houston livestock show and rodeo

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