the shows go on

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announces major change to 2020 shows

Shows will focus more on junior exhibitors.

Photo courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

In March, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo suddenly shut down due to coronavirus concerns. Months later, the rodeo is steering towards a new 2021 exhibition schedule due to the pandemic.

The rodeo announced the cancellation of the popular, adult-focused livestock Open Show. Instead, the rodeo will focus on the Junior Show and other youth events, according to a press release.

“Our Open Show exhibitors are an integral part of our Show every year, and this decision was not made lightly, but with the health and safety of all our exhibitors and guests at the forefront of our decision,” said Rodeo president and CEO Chris Boleman, in a statement. The change reduces the number of people involved and allows more space for youth to participate in the dozens of competitions planned.

Livestock entries for the 2021 Junior Show will open November 15 and close December 15. According to the rodeo, Junior Show competitions will include breeding beef heifers, breeding gilts, breeding sheep, dairy cattle, market barrows, market broilers, market goats, market lambs, market steers, and market turkeys.

Various judging competitions and contests will be held, including ag mechanics, archery, industrial craft, and young guns shooting sports — and some virtual events like the ag science fair and public speaking contests.

Youth competitions that will include youth meat pen rabbits, youth breeding rabbit/cavy, and llama and alpaca shows.

Events such as concerts and rodeo competitions have yet to be announced. The 2021 rodeo runs March 2-March 21.

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hey, joe

Trader Joe's sets Cypress opening date, confirms Bellaire plans

Photo courtesy of Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page

Trader Joe's is expanding, and shoppers couldn't be happier.

Two new Houston-area communities announced that they would be opening Trader Joe's locations, bringing the total number of stores in the city to nine.

On Thursday, December 18, the Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page posted that the new Trader Joe's at 9715 Towne Lake Parkway would open at 8 am on Friday, December 19. Unsold but still-good products left over at the ribbon cutting ceremony will be donated to local nonprofits.

"Not only does Trader Joe's have great prices on food, drinks, and treats, but as a hobby florist I always find the best selections for my floral arrangements," Copperfield resident Kelsey Zuchlewski tells CultureMap. "Now, with the convenience of having a location right here in our neighborhood, I'm in heaven."

Confirmation of the Cypress opening followed an announcement on the City of Bellaire's Facebook page that a Trader Joe's would take over the former Randall's at 5130 Bellaire Blvd. The post did not specify when construction will begin or when the location will open.

"This highly anticipated addition to our community will bring a unique grocery shopping experience and further enhance the vibrant retail landscape of Bellaire," the post said. "We look forward to welcoming Trader Joe’s and will share updates as the project progresses."

The California-based chain of stores entered Houston in 2012, first in the Woodlands and then, more famously, at the old Alabama Theater space on Shepherd, where it has become a beloved local institution. Since then, the chain has expanded throughout Houston, including a Kingwood location that opened earlier this month.

Over the year, Trader Joe's has built a loyal following that rivals even H-E-B. Staff at the stores (wearing Hawaiian shirts) are trained to be extremely friendly and helpful, as well as being encouraged to purchase ownership in the company. The selection is smaller and more curated than other larger grocery stores, leading to a boutique experience that many consider to be surprisingly affordable. At least one viral TikToker claims that Trader Joe's beats H-E-B's price, although the latter undoubtedly has a larger selection of goods.

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