The tendency might be to think "men" when thinking the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. But there are almost as many women among those 28,500 volunteers as there are gents in their Stetsons. And those part-time cowgirls were celebrated in style at the 15th annual Trailblazer Awards Luncheon and Fashion Show, held at the Royal Sonesta Hotel.
Taking bows for their long-term support (10 years minimum and two committee memberships) were Julie Shannon, receiving the meritorious Pearl Award, and Nancie Craft, Ann Page, Wendy Vandeventer and Betty Wiseman.
More than 800 guests, including RodeoHouston leadership, volunteers and society guests, saluted the honorees, who dressed in their western best.
In its Rodeo Nights fashion presentation, Saks Fifth Avenue made a nod to western wear with evening clothes in leather and luxury fabrics. There was plenty to love including those blue suede Giuseppe Zanotti booties that caught the eye of luncheon emcee Dominique Sachse of KPRC Channel 2.
Gearing up for rodeo were HLSR president Joel Cowley and wife Tammy, Steve Stevens Jr., vice chairman Jeff Lewis and wife Karen, Amy and Mark Melton, Lindsay Holmes, Charlotte James, Stephanie Montalbano, Lana and Stewart Hirtz, Red Griffin, Susan Buddeke, Ed McMahon, Kay Stephens and Paula Robinson.
Betty Wiseman, from left, Wendy Vandeventer, Julie Shannon, Nancie Craft and Ann Page at the Trailblazer Awards Luncheon.
