(beaver) trail rider

Buc-ee’s founder saddles up as 2024 Downtown Rodeo Parade grand marshal

Arch “Beaver” Aplin III is this year's rodeo parade Grand Marshal.

Photo courtesy of Buc- ee’s

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2024 is just 53 days away until opening day, but fans have some dam good Texas news to kick off the new year. This year’s 2024 Downtown Rodeo Parade grand marshal will be none other than Buc- ee’s founder and CEO, Arch “Beaver” Aplin III.

Aplin will be joined by his iconic, beloved brainchild Beaver, the Buc-ee’s mascot, who will walk the parade route with fellow beloved mascot, the rodeo’s Howdy. Fans can line up and wave to Aplin and Beaver on parade day on Saturday, February 24.

A tradition since 1938, marks the beginning of rodeo season and celebrates Texas and Western heritage.

“Buc-ee’s is one of Texas’ most notable brands and we are honored to have Arch Aplin III help kick off our historic event,” said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO, in a statement. “As many of our attendees travel long distances for our annual event, Buc-ee’s is part of the Rodeo experience for many already.”

Since 1982, the landmark has grown from a simple, 3,000-square-foot store at 899 Oyster Creek Dr. on the border of Clute and Lake Jackson, Texas, to a treasured Texas institution. Fans from around the globe flock to the locations to stock up on brisket and BBQ, snacks, the famed Beaver Nuggets, gifts and goods, and enjoy — of course — the greatly appreciated clean bathrooms. As of 2023, Buc-ee’s now has 47 locations nationwide‚ with 34 in Texas alone.

So prolific is Buc-ee’s reach and brand presence that it received the CBS Sunday Morning treatment in January 2022, as well as myriad national media pieces.

Aplin’s is a passion for giving back to Texas and his cherished alma mater, Texas A&M. He has previously served as chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, is a board member of The Association of Former Students at Texas A&M, and a member of the Lieutenant Governor’s Transportation Advisory Board. He was also longtime board member of the Brazosport Independent School District.

A rodeo/Buc-ee’s parade theme is notable, as both cultural institutions started in the Houston area.

As for parade day, the annual Rodeo Run will get things moving, with the follow parade/run schedule:

9:10 am 10K Wheelchair
9:20 am 5K & 10K Corral A, 10K Time
9:35 am 5K Timed
9:35 am Untimed 5K (line up behind timed 5K participants)
10 am Downtown Rodeo Parade begins

One burning question: Will Aplin and Beaver toss out thousands of Beaver Nuggets on parade day? No telling, but fans can find more parade information here.

This Week's Hot Headlines

New Memorial City development leads Houston's top 5 stories this week

Courtesy of Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

Greenside will feature a one-acre greenspace.

Editor's note:It's time to recap the top stories on CultureMap from this past week. The top Houston news includes a family-friendly Memorial City development, a Montrose pizzeria closure, and a stylish new lounge for Upper Kirby. Get the details below, and find fun stuff do in town this weekend here.

1. New development with 1-acre green space coming to Memorial City area. The rapidly growing area will soon be home to Greenside, boasting a mix of restaurant, retail, and other family-friendly businesses, designed by the Michael Hsu Office of Architecture.

2. Creative Montrose pizzeria will shutter after only a year-and-a-half. ElRo Pizza & Crudo will close at the end of the year, due to a steady decline in business.

3. Stylish new lounge shakes up Houston with art-inspired drinks and caviar. Cheers to this new nightlife spot, which is now open in Upper Kirby.

Sante cocktail lounge Sante's Garden Room is decorated with two olive trees. Photo by Chris Furia

4. These are the 6 most affordable ZIP codes for Houston renters. One of these ZIPs is also among the 10 most affordable in the U.S.

5. 15 Houston restaurants crafting nostalgic and decadent ice cream sundaes. The classic ice cream sundae is having a moment, and these restaurants are serving up decadent versions.