February, 1994—Vol 1l, No. 1

Serving and Informing the Volunteers and Supporters of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo MAGAZINE

All trail rides lead to Houston TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Message from the President—————————————— 1 Features 1994 Pre-Show Overview —————————————— 2 Magazine Committee New Guaranteed Premium Program ————————— 4 Officer in Charge Suzanne Epps The Voice of the Houston Rodeo——————————— 6 Chairman Dome Preparation ————————————————— 7 Roy Elledge Jr. Law from the Saddle ———————————————— 8 Vice Chairmen/ Following the Music———————————————— 10 Committee Editors The McKinsey Study ——————————————— 12 Bill Barrett Peter A. Ruman Keeping an Eye on Rodeo ————————————— 20 Editorial Board Vice President Profiles————————————————— 15 Mark Anawaty Committee Spotlight John Murphy Trail Ride ———————————————————— 16 Marshall R. Smith III Range & Pasture Plant I.D. Contest—————————— 17 Stephen Stepinoff Ron Stone Events & Functions ———————————————— 17 Reporters Steer Auction ——————————————————— 18 Yahsmine Catli-Cowan Executive Committee Portrait Deborah Dahlke Tommie Vaughn ————————————————— 19 Cheryl Dorsett Calendar of Events —————————————— Back Cover Freeman Gregory Pamela Henson Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Whitney Horton Executive Committee Ann Jacobs Joseph T. Ainsworth, M.D. James O. Bloodworth Allen H. Carruth Beth Johnson James R. “Dick” Graves Hal Hillman H. Stuart Lang Jr. Mark Jones Louis M. Pearce Jr. John O. Smith Clayton Underwood Terri Kainer Tommie Vaughn P.Michael Wells James M. Windham Jr. Charlotte Kirk Melissa Manning Honorary Lifetime Members - Executive Committee Evelyn McConnell Douglas B. Marshall Gail Whitcomb Elise Oppmann Middy Randerson Chairman of the Board Keith R. Schmidt James R. “Dick” Graves Design/Layout Pegasus Design, Inc. President Photographer Don D. Jordan Sam Pierson Magazine Staff/Management Officers Management Coordinators Richard E. Bean Don Buckalew John H. Causey Leroy Shafer George A. DeMontrond III C.R. “Bob” Devine Suzanne Epps Suzy Brown George R. Hinsley Wayne Hollis Jr. Jim Janke W.A. “Sonny” Lewis Robert V. McAnelly Howard H. “Red” Moore Production Editor Tom R. Northrup Johnnie Hendon Staff Coordinator/Editor General Manager Teresa Lippert Dan A. Gattis Photographer Frank Martin, D.V.M. Cover Photo MAGAZINE, Volume II, Issue 1, is published by the Houston Houston Chronicle Livestock Show and Rodeo, Copyright 1993. Letters and comments should be sent to: Marketing Department, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, P.O. Box 20070, Houston, Texas 77225-0070. A Message from the President

t’s livestock show and rodeo time in Houston once scholarships and other educational endeavors for again, and I know you’re looking forward to having deserving youngsters. I a hand in yet another world-class event. Certainly, It is successful because every one of us realizes that we’ll all enjoy attending the Show, having the oppor- success depends upon attention to a thousand details. tunity to visit with youth participants, seeing old Whether you’re stalling horses, selling advertising, friends and watching the very best rodeo performers helping people find their way in the Astrohall, making on the face of the earth. a speech about the Show, working in the arena or guid- But for us, the actual livestock show and rodeo isn’t ing people to shuttle buses, you’re helping to ensure the end of the fun. As members of the team that are that Houston’s biggest and most famous annual Show responsible for the Show’s success, we’re fortunate to continues to be the most prestigious event of its kind get to enjoy the fruits of our labors many times during anywhere in the world. the year — once, in February and March, during the Our goal this year, and every year, is to make sure Show itself, and then again during the summer that the general public will be welcomed as honored months, when we get to see the living results of all our guests, will receive a terrific entertainment buy and work and efforts. will leave with nothing but fond memories of Starting with the 4-H Roundup in June, and on Houston’s livestock show and rodeo experience. But through the Metro Scholarship Banquet, the FFA State those kids walking across various stages to receive Convention and the Hispanic Scholarship Awards, scholarships, months after the rodeo itself, are our we’ll have the opportunity to see our weeks and real bottom line. months of volunteer time pay off by sending some of It’s popular today for speechmakers to talk about Texas’ finest young people to college. In many cases, instilling family values, fighting crime, improving edu- these bright young men and women, the future leaders cation and giving young people goals. That’s exactly of this state and this nation, might not otherwise have what you are doing through your participation in the had an opportunity to attend a university. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Those scholarships are what the rodeo is real- So when you’re taking care of some of the myriad ly all about. details you handle as volunteers...stop for just a The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a mam- moment and think about what you’re doing for the moth event. It is a multi-million dollar business, a future of Texas. Stand a little taller knowing you’re vastly complicated and complex making this a better place to live undertaking that simply could not today, and in the future. take place were it not for the multi- I thank you, and the city of ple skills, business acumen and Houston and the state of Texas plain hard work that you bring to thank you. Most importantly, the this event. And it is a highly suc- young people who are the ultimate cessful business...one that delivers beneficiaries of your work, thank more than $3 million annually in you.

Don D. Jordan

Kaye Marvins Photography, Inc. President

1 1994 Pre-Show Overview

s all of you volun- Friday, and 9 a.m. to midnight grand entry, rodeo chute area, teers know, Houston Saturday and Sunday. Remember, entertainer dressing rooms, judging A Livestock Show and you ride free with your gold badge. rings and arenas, etc. Rodeo management and staff have On the subject of gold badges, You do know, gold badges are been busy since before the 1993 please be aware that when you non-transferable. You’re the one Show preparing for the upcoming wear your badge, you’re represent- who earned it — don’t give it away, Prepared by 1994 event. Of course, after the ing the Houston Livestock Show loan it to someone or sell it! Show 1993 Show, we realized we had a and Rodeo and its 29,000+ mem- Also, you’ll only receive one Management major challenge ahead of us for bers. Please show respect for your- gold badge, regardless of the num- 1994 because your work as com- self as a hardworking com- ber of committees on which mittee volunteers and the support mittee member. you serve. of the general public helped us One of the biggest complaints we Any member found to be dupli- break all records. receive every year from season cating or attempting to reproduce Just as we all have to start early ticket holders concerns committee gold badges, parking permits or to make our committees successful members, gold badges prominently other similar items without written each year, we plan more than a displayed, refusing to get out of permission from the Houston year in advance for each Show. seats in the Astrodome during Livestock Show and Rodeo This includes talking to potential the rodeo. General Manager may be prosecut- corporate sponsors, negotiating Your gold badge does not guar- ed to the fullest extent of the law with entertainers, critiquing antee you a seat in the rodeo. and/or permanently expelled from changes and looking at ways to When someone with a ticket, or an Show membership. make everything better for you and Astrodome usher, asks you to Also, because you work so hard the public. move, please do it quickly and to earn your gold badge, keep in Although we’ve touched on pleasantly. Season ticket holders mind that to be eligible for a com- some of the changes and improve- are our largest ticket-buying pub- mittee for the 1995 Show, you’ll ments in previous issues, this is a lic, and they deserve to sit in the need to have all of your Show great time to really preview the seats they have purchased, with accounts paid by July 1, 1994. It 1994 Houston Livestock Show no problems. would be helpful to promptly pay and Rodeo. Also, please follow the other for your auction animals, souvenir On the shuttle bus front, we rules governing the wearing of gold program advertisements, rodeo won’t be able to use the Meyerland badges. Your badge allows you to tickets, etc., before the July 1 Mall parking lot, but we do have a bring one guest in with you. When deadline. new location very near there — the you abuse this privilege, you run In keeping with the efforts to parking lot at 9009 West Loop the risk of having restrictions put control crowds, credentials for the South. This facility is across Loop on the use of the badge, creating a media and Show guests also have 610 from Meyerland Mall. Also, problem for all of us. been changed. Only official cre- we’ll still be running the shuttles Due to overcrowding in the dentials, issued from the offices of from Gulfgate and Northline malls, Dome, we have eliminated the the Houston Livestock Show and and the West Loop Park-n-Ride at Season Box Holders’ badges this Rodeo, will be accepted at the Loop 610 and Braeswood. year. Again, please cooperate as various gates. Please ride the shuttle whenever committee members and adhere to You, your friends and committee you can. Parking is still a major the rules - one rodeo, one guest. guests will have even more excit- challenge, and although you are Your badge also allows you and ing things to do at this year’s Show. given a parking pass, it does not one guest admission to the World’s Due to the first rodeo performance guarantee a parking place. Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, being held on Saturday, Feb. 19, Sometimes your committee work the livestock show and the horse the World’s Championship Bar-B- schedules don’t allow you to take show. This is one guest per day. Que Contest will start a day earlier, the bus, but we’re counting on all Gold badges do not provide on Thursday, Feb. 17, with judging 10,000 of you to take advantage of admission to various restricted on Friday, Feb. 18. The contest the bus. The bus will run from 5 areas such as the executive suites, will be the site of pig races and p.m. to midnight Monday through skyboxes, Corral Clubs, rodeo three free concert stages through-

2 out the two-day run of the cook-off. Also, the $5 admission into the contest includes barbecue samples, plus coupons for other food and fun products from booths through- out the contest. The shuttle bus will run on Thursday and Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight both days, and the carni- val will be open both days, 2 p.m to midnight Thursday and 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday. The Group Ticket Sales Committee is preselling carnival coupon ride books, which contain bargains for rides, food and drink. Watch for special “pay-one-price” days at the carnival, as well as other special sale-price days. Your children and other little friends and guests will love the addition of two new petting zoos. This makes a total of three petting zoos, spread throughout the complex. One of the new petting zoos will be located in Astrohall Plaza, along with pony rides, commercial exhibits and part of the carnival. This location also will be the site of the Tejano Diner, home of the Frank Martin “Mariachi Plate,” superb South This year, the pig races will be held daily in the new Astrohall Plaza. Texas-style Mexican food. You’ll also be able to see pig races in Tickets started selling at a record Arkansas and New Mexico, to see Astrohall Plaza every day, at 10 a.m., pace in November, so we’re look- the best entertainment value in the noon and 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 p.m. ing at another tremendous year. Southwest! Rodeo Plaza, between the And although our goal is to break Thanks to all the suggestions Astrohall and the Astrodome, will records, we also want to keep our you’ve made on your committee return with great restaurants and Show moving forward in quality as survey forms, we’re continuing to places to sit under cover. well as quantity. make our event better every year. The excitement of the Wild West In an effort to further expand our The men and women who com- Show will fill the Main Cattle audience, the Houston Livestock prise the management and staff of Arena every day, Sunday, Feb. 20, Show and Rodeo will be broadcast the Houston Livestock Show and through Sunday, March 6, at 6 p.m. live on pay-per-view television Rodeo know we couldn’t continue Don’t forget that the rodeo starts Friday, March 4, from 8 to 11 p.m. to grow and improve without your a day early, on Saturday, Feb. 19, at The rodeo and star concert will be hard work and support. 7 p.m. All evening rodeo perfor- available for $14.95 from partici- Have a great Show! mances will start at 7, 15 minutes pating cable companies, with earlier than last year. Also, all money-off coupons also offered. It Sunday performances will be at 4 should be a great show, allowing p.m., which should help traffic flow people all over Louisiana, considerably. Oklahoma and Texas, and parts of

3 FEATURE

New Guaranteed Premium Program

he response has Livestock Show and Rodeo (a non- that exceeded the maximum been overwhelm- profit charitable organization) will amounts was placed in the T ingly positive to provide each auction buyer with a Houston Livestock Show and one of the most comprehensive record of the animal they pur- Rodeo Educational Fund to sup- changes ever made in the Houston chased from the Show. This docu- port scholarship programs for Livestock Show’s junior show auc- mentation also will inform buyers Texas students. Prepared by tions — the guaranteed premium of the fair market value of the These cap amounts were taken Show program. In fact, auction exhibitors goods and services provided by the into account in determining the Management and auction buyers both will bene- Show. This disclosure shall allow guaranteed premium for each ani- fit when the program takes effect buyers to determine what amount mal. For example, the winning during the 1994 Show. of the excess payment above exhibitor of the grand champion All lambs, barrows and poultry, fair market value is a charitable steer at the Houston Livestock contribution. Show will receive a guaranteed As in the past, all premium of $50,000, the same junior market auction amount as the cap. sales proceeds will be Additionally, any money that is paid to the Houston bid for animals that exceeds the Livestock Show and guaranteed premium amount, yet Rodeo. All guaranteed falls short of the cap amount, could premiums will be dis- result in additional premiums for bursed after the livestock the youngsters. Any and all addi- show is completed. tional premiums will be paid even- Total money com- ly to all eligible junior market show mitted by the Houston exhibitors who receive a guaran- Livestock Show and teed premium that is less than the Rodeo for this new guaran- cap amount. Therefore, the poten- teed premium program tial exists for the youngsters to

Sam Pierson exceeds $3.21 million, receive even more money than the The new guaranteed premium program will take effect an increase of more than guaranteed premium amount. this year. $340,000 above the 1993 “We feel the guaranteed premi- along with steers whose exhibitors auction awards of $2.87 million. um program will provide young- elect to sell in the auction, that win “The new guaranteed premium sters with strong incentives to raise ribbons while competing in their program is a win-win situation for and develop superior livestock individual classes will become the the exhibitor as well as the buyer,” while becoming involved in a property of the Houston Livestock said George DeMontrond, Show tremendous learning experience. Show and Rodeo in return for a vice president and former chairman We leave no doubt as to the mini- guaranteed premium paid to the of the Steer Auction Committee. mum amount of money young animal’s exhibitor. “The Show has committed more exhibitors will receive for their ani- These animals will then be sold than $3 million to underwrite this mal projects. Our generous buyers by the Houston Livestock Show program, providing a substantial are the force behind this program and Rodeo in their respective increment in dollars available to as they help us benefit youth and junior market auction sales. the junior market exhibitors.” support education across Texas,” This way, junior market live- Prior to the implementation of said Don Jobes, assistant general stock exhibitors at the Houston this program, junior market manager of the Houston Livestock Livestock Show will know in exhibitors, (all Texas 4-H and FFA Show and Rodeo. advance the minimum amount of youngsters), received the money A special committee of key money they will receive for ani- bid for their ribbon-winning ani- Texas agricultural science teachers mals sold at auction through mals at auction up to a maximum and county extension agents met this program. amount. Money paid by buyers at with Show management members Also, in accordance with recent any of the four market auctions Dec. 1 to discuss the new program. tax legislation, the Houston (steer, lamb, poultry and swine) Response to the program was over-

4 whelmingly positive, with one junior sale and the junior show in Livestock Show has done and con- agricultural science teacher quot- a number of ways. We really do tinues to do on behalf of our ed, “I believe this will help the appreciate all that the Houston youth in Texas.”

Place Guaranteed Premium Price Steers Lambs Barrows

Grand Champion $50,000 $25,000 $25,000 Reserve Grand Champion $35,000 $17,500 $17,500 Breed Champions $15,000 $ 7,500 $ 7,500 Reserve Breed Champions $12,500 $ 7,500 $ 7,500 Remaining First Place Animals $ 6,000 $ 7,000 $ 7,000 Remaining Second Place Animals $ 5,000 $ 6,500 $ 2,000 Remaining Third Place Animals $ 3,000 $ 3,000 $ 975 Remaining Fourth Place Animals $ 2,750 $ 2,000 $ 950 Remaining Fifth Place Animals $ 2,500 $ 1,500 $ 925 Remaining Sixth Place Animals $ 1,100 $ 900 Remaining Seventh Place Animals $ 1,090 $ 875 Remaining Eighth Place Animals $ 1,080 $ 850 Remaining Ninth Place Animals $ 1,070 $ 825 Remaining Tenth Place Animals $ 1,060 $ 800 Remaining Eleventh Place Animals $ 1,050 $ 775 Remaining Twelfth Place Animals $ 1,040 $ 750 Remaining Thirteenth Place Animals $ 1,030 Remaining Fourteenth Place Animals $ 1,020 Remaining Fifteenth Place Animals $ 1,010 All Remaining Placing Animals $ 2,000 $ 1,000 $ 725

Auction Cap Amounts Grand Champion $50,000 $25,000 $25,000 Reserve Grand Champion $35,000 $17,500 $17,500 All Placing Animals $15,000 $ 7,500 $ 7,500

Broilers Turkeys Place Guaranteed Premium Place Guaranteed Premium Price Price

Grand Champion $20,000 Grand Champion $20,000 Reserve Grand Champion $10,000 Reserve Grand Champion $10,000 Remaining 3rd-20th Place $ 5,000 Remaining 1st-12th Place $ 5,000 Remaining 21st-30th Place $ 1,250 Remaining 13th-24th Place $ 700 Remaining 31st-50th Place $ 800 Remaining 25th-36th Place $ 600 Remaining 51st-100th Place $ 700 All Placing Turkeys $ 500 Remaining 101st-150th Place $ 600 All Placing Broilers $ 500 Auction Cap Amounts Grand Champion $20,000 Auction Cap Amounts Reserve Grand Champion $10,000 Grand Champion $20,000 All Placing Turkeys $ 5,000 Reserve Grand Champion $10,000 All Placing Broilers $ 5,000

5 FEATURE

The Voice of the Houston Rodeo

hen the Show’s without any notes. I admit it made long-time me think, but I don’t remember W announcer Bob being nervous. We just rode out Tallman is doing what he wants dur- there and did it. When you’re on, ing a rodeo performance, not one of you’re on. If you’re on fire, you’ve the 50,000-plus people in the audi- got to find some water.” Story by ence believes, “...they’re going to be Today’s rodeo performances are Freeman taxed, hassled or read a bad head- so intricately produced and require Gregory line.” so much planning, Tallman admits For the last 17 years, Tallman he wouldn’t try it without notes has used his unmistakable drawl to again. fill audiences with the infectious “It requires a certain pacing of enthusiasm he feels for every event energy,” he explains. “You have to that occurs during a rodeo perfor- maintain a freshness. We’re actu- mance. And he makes it look ally doing live television because effortless. of the DiamondVision replay. Sam Pierson There probably isn’t a better pair- There are no take-two’s. This isn’t With microphone and script in hand, ing anywhere in rodeo than live-to-tape. It’s live-to-life.” Tallman keeps the rodeo crowd Tallman and the Show. His warm, Tallman credits the Show’s staff informed. humorous gift of gab turns what with upholding professional pro- year Ron Stone, is going to warm could be a distant experience— duction values and keeping things up the audience for me during the given the cavernous expanses of on track with daily organizational Grand Entry. When he hands them the Astrodome—into high-spirited meetings. “There is nothing else to me, they’re on fire.” entertainment for the hundreds of like it. We’re responsible for mak- As he sees it, his job is to, thousands of people who attend ing sure that every segment during “... put frosting on the cake Bill has the rodeo each year. the 20 days of activity here is as baked and keep it together, slicing “It’s part of my life all year, not good and perfect as it can be.” it up in the last few minutes of the just the 20 days I’m here,” he says. And perfection is a relative term performance and giving about “I’ve watched Houston’s rodeo when it comes to live productions, 55,000 people a piece to take home grow from being one of the coun- he says. Learning to bob and with them so that they leave feeling try’s biggest rodeos to being one of weave in an entertainment sense is they have a part of it.” the most awesome events in the a very useful talent. One never Tallman also noted, “I have country. Period. I’m on a bill that knows what might happen next. learned that I need my annual is probably the largest entertain- “At the 1991 show,” Tallman ‘Texas fix’ to raise my attitude and ment offering for the best price in recalled “we learned that the maintain a total optimistic outlook the world. There’s not anything President was about to announce for the rest of the year.” like it.” the end of the war in Kuwait. “Houston is totally different Tallman was 28 years old when “After receiving permission from from anything else in the world. It he began learning announcing ABC Television, we stopped the sets the pace for what it means to duties at the rodeo from Chuck rodeo and patched in the President produce the best, and the rest fol- Parkison, who had spent the pre- as he announced the end of the war low,” he said. “How can you com- ceding 25 years behind the micro- to an excited and surprised rodeo pete with 10,000 volunteers? They phone. Tallman had been crowd. That’s just one instance in understand that the only way our announcing at smaller shows for one hundred I’ve been involved in world will progress is to educate about five years when the Houston with this rodeo. There’s no other the young people and give them opportunity arose. way to describe it except ‘awesome.’” opportunity. If I could gather all “Getting to go to Houston at that Tallman actually gets wound up 10,000 of them in a room and shake point in my career was like, ‘You’re for a performance during the Grand their hands...well, that would be an kidding me!’ I remember my first Entry. “I have become so comfort- immense project, but I sure performance. I rode in on horse- able knowing that the color would like to try it some back in front of 50,000 people announcer, Bill Bailey, and last time.”

6 FEATURE

Dome Preparation ✩

here may be some leading up to the Show, the crew checked and operating properly similarities between begins their work behind the the day before the Show. Once the T tackling an NFL scenes. Pens, chutes and the con- Show opens, we have a whole new running back and a cowboy cert stage come out of storage to be set of problems to deal with,” wrestling a steer at the Houston dusted off and undergo any needed Richards says. Rodeo, but the playing field isn’t repairs. The stage, which is stored His crew stretches the 10-hour one of them. So every year after in three pieces, is reconstructed days into 24-hour days for the Story by the Oilers’ football season, the inside the Dome. Under Richards’ duration of the two-week event, Elise Astroturf comes up, and the dirt direction, contractors begin completing all maintenance work Oppmann goes down. It is just one step in installing special lighting and and setting up the concert stage for the transformation of the each performance. Houston Astrodome into the site Unlike much of of the world’s richest regular-sea- the work that goes into son rodeo. the staging of the annual Before livestock fill the pens and Houston Livestock cowboys don their spurs, workers Show and Rodeo, vol- will log 75,000 hours preparing the unteers are not involved Astrodome complex for the 1994 in the physical prepara- Show. tion of the event. “It’s a massive, complicated job to Members of the Show’s do in an extremely short amount of staff are assisted by time,” said Gary Richards, assistant Astrodome USA person- manager of buildings and grounds. nel and outside laborers. “But this team is the best there is. But when the Everyone works together to make Show is over for most sure we get the job done.” Houstonians, the Dome Richards and his crew of 150 taskforce and the rest of begin working 10-hour days, seven Richards’ crew starts its days a week, on Jan. 2. All con- own event. In less than

struction and preparation, with the Johnnie Hendon one week after the final exception of the carnival, are their Crews work around the clock to prepare for the curtain call and fire- responsibility. When considering opening of the Show. works display, all traces the magnitude of their tasks, it of the Houston hardly seems like enough time: sound systems. And even though Livestock Show and Rodeo vanish. •The floors of the Astrodome the carnival is responsible for its In two weeks, pens, chutes, fenc- and horse arena must be covered own booths and rides, Richards ing, stalls and the stage are with an 18-inch base of dirt — 211 makes sure that electricity, water, repaired, painted, disassembled truck-loads’ worth. lighting and telephone services are and placed in storage. Even the •16,500 feet of fencing is erect- available. base layer of dirt and sand from the ed for the barbecue contest, carni- When opening day is less than a inside of the Dome is collected and val and parking. week away, the stalls are set, the set aside for next year. •More than 4,000 animal pens, judging arena and bleachers are “The work is hard and the days are stalls and tie-outs are erected. built in the Astrohall, and commer- long,” said Richards, “but there is •The pens and stalls are con- cial exhibitors move in and occupy nothing like the feeling you get when structed with 13,000 square feet of more than 700 booths. For safety you see the kids who have worked so sand, 3,600 square feet of cedar considerations, the walkways in hard to get to the livestock show chips and 3,600 square feet of the Astrohall are covered with non- and families enjoying the straw, which must be treated with slip roofing material, while thou- rodeo together.” a fire-proofing agent. sands of feet of electrical cables are With the Astrohall booked with securely taped down. other trade shows in the weeks “Everything must be in place,

7 FEATURE

Law from the Saddle

olting from the “My father encouraged my inter- The Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol mall, a shoplifter est in the rodeo at an early age,” continues to act as an honor guard B clears the parking Look said. “I became a life member and ambassador under Sheriff lot figuring he “has it made,” only to of the show when I was 12 years Johnny Klevenhagen. Mounted encounter a member of the Harris old and joined my first committee officers also assist and provide spe- County Sheriff’s Department in 1967.” cialized protection at events such Story by Mounted Posse aboard 1,200 pounds Look commands a Reserve as the 1990 Economic Summit, the Keith R. of horseflesh. And in the vernacular Mounted Posse, and is one of the Republican National Convention Schmidt of the criminal world, the “jig is up.” two veterinarians who care for the in 1992 and other events where Founded in 1949 by the late and animals entered in the livestock they can add special assistance in legendary Sheriff Buster Kern, the show and rodeo. Look joined the crowd control and security. Posse currently has more than 100 force in the late ‘60s, and like him, The Reserves unit provides a ready resource of citi- zens trained to assist the Harris County Sheriff’s Department meet law enforce- ment and emergency needs. The organiza- tion is the largest force of its kind in Texas. It ranks sec- ond nationally, and has the longest active history of any unit of its kind in the state. Yet another ser- vice the reserve Posse provides is searching for missing persons or escaped convicts in rural areas of the coun- ty. Other departments throughout the nation have copied the Harris County pro- gram as an effective way to increase avail- able enforcement and security personnel without capital

Frank Martin expenditures. Members of the Mounted Posse act as pivots during the rodeo to guide the grand entry through Reserve deputies the arena. possess full police members. most members of the Posse are vet- powers while on duty. They Typical of those who make up erans who maintain a great esprit become part-time, unpaid but fully the Posse is Gary Look, son of one de corps. They take special pride qualified professional police offi- of Houston’s most famous restaura- in what they do, not only in law cers with the same responsibilities teurs, Sonny Look, a lifetime vice enforcement but also in their role as regular deputies. Posse members president of the Houston Livestock in the Houston Livestock Show provide their own horses, saddles Show and Rodeo. and Rodeo. and care for their animals.

8 The reserves mandate basic min- a variety of distractions. 1930s the motorcycle gradually imum requirements. Applicants One of the special qualities these replaced the horse. Now, in the must pass an extensive back- horses must learn is the ability to 1990s, the peace officer on horse- ground investigation, drug testing, sidestep. It’s an unnatural move- back is becoming increasingly and complete a minimum of 145 ment for a horse, but it is an invalu- common. In urban areas the horse hours of training before being com- able crowd control technique. By can quickly go where no vehicle missioned. Then, in-service train- sidestepping a suspect against a can. And, a good horse adds ing programs and firearms qualifi- wall or car, the horse effectively instincts and a second set of eyes to cation become mandatory. By pins the suspect, allowing the any situation. department regulation, deputies deputy to reach down and apply In addition to its law enforce- must perform a minimum of 16 the handcuffs. ment duties, the Posse plays vital hours of duty each month. Many of the training techniques roles in the staging of the livestock While the requirements for employed by the patrol come from show and the rodeo. The Posse deputies are strict, the “character” the New York Police Depart-ment coordinates the annual Pony of their mounts is equally impor- Mounted Posse Manual, which is Express run from Houston to tant and de-manding. A lot of good based on the U.S. Cavalry Unit Austin, carrying the Show’s invita- riders can’t training regulations of the early tion to the governor to attend the qualify for the Posse 1930s. event. During the rodeo, members because their horses An interesting foot- of the Posse act as pivots to guide do not have the right note to the growing the Rodeo’s grand entry through disposition. The ani- popularity of mount- the arena. mals must be mature ed posses for law For members of the Posse, there to the degree that they enforcement is the is special gratification from won’t bolt in stressful fact that in the knowing they are carrying on situations, such as the Texas tradition of enforcing gunfire, smoke, the law from a western crowds and saddle. Sam Pierson

9 FEATURE Following the Music

ew people are still Astrodome even on the weekend.” our attendance during the mid- around who remem- The most dramatic change in the 1980s, we knew we could not solely F ber seeing the enter- Show’s entertainment line-up rely on experience, instinct and gut tainers of the Houston Livestock came in 1972, the year of the feelings any longer.” (See McKinsey Show and Rodeo in the early years. Show’s 40th anniversary, when, Study article in this issue.) To many people, legendary names for the first time, 10 different enter- Enter the computer age and an Story by like Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and tainers headed the bill. The fol- entirely new way for selecting tal- Charlotte Eddy Arnold are just that — names lowing years saw such names as ent for the ever-increasing crowds Kirk of legends of country and western Elvis Presley, Sonny and Cher, the at the Show. In late 1986 and early music. Fifth Dimension, the Jackson Five 1987, Shafer and the Show’s mar- In the beginning years of the and Doc Severinsen. keting staff began developing their Show, television stars like Chuck “During the first years in the own computer program designed Conners, Rex Allen and Bat Astrodome, rodeo officials took the specifically to determine who, cou- Masterson—who all rode horses— best general draw stars available pled with the rodeo and specialty acts, would continue to draw the best crowds.e “We set out to develop a com- puter program that would tell us the correct music mix (country and western, contemporary hit, etc.) and would accurately predict attendance for specific stars, and that is exactly what we now have,” Shafer said. “Our current system will take data and make a projection of attendance for any given entertain- er for each performance. Based on all the expenses for each perfor- mance, such as star salary, rodeo purse, rodeo contractor, specialty acts, and lighting and sound costs, the computer informs the Show which combination results in the best return for each day.” The data that drives the comput- er analysis program is actually gathered through a number of dif-

Sam Pierson ferent research methods. The first Reba McEntire returns to the 1994 Houston Rodeo for two performances. method used—and still the most important—was the telephone sur- headlined the Show. Sometimes, and worked from experience and vey, which is now conducted three even a few “four legged” stars like gut reactions,” Shafer explained. times each year by members of the Lassie performed. “That philosophy worked fine, Communications—Editorial “Once the Show moved to the especially when a surge in the pop- Committee, Show staff and tempo- Astrodome, it became apparent ularity of country and western rary labor services under the direc- that it would take more entertain- music and the ‘urban cowboy’ tion of the marketing department. ers to support the needed increases mania swept us to multiple sell- The committee volunteers conduct in attendance,” said Leroy Shafer, outs in 1982. a majority of the telephone interview assistant general manager. “Only “But with a fragmentation of calls. top musical acts would fill the music categories and a downturn in Committee members are trained

10 to conduct surveys by staff mem- bers and visiting researchers from universities and corporate market- 1994 HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW ing departments. AND RODEO ENTERTAINERS The computer program also relies on data gathered through written Sat., Feb. 19, 7 p.m ...... Clint Black surveys that are distributed annual- Sun., Feb. 20, 4 p.m...... Alan Jackson ly to all Show committee members Mon., Feb. 21, 7 p.m...... Wynonna and season ticket holders. “Then we continue to gather data Tues. and Wed., Feb. 22 & 23, 7 p.m...... Reba McEntire through the random interview sur- Thurs., Feb. 24, 7 p.m...... Frankie Beverly & Maze/Gladys Knight veys conducted in person at each Fri., Feb. 25, 7 p.m...... Randy Travis rodeo performance by our Sat., Feb. 26, 11 a.m...... Billy Ray Cyrus Communications—Editorial Committee,” Shafer explained. Sat., Feb. 26, 7 p.m...... Willie Nelson/Clay Walker “They conduct between 150 to 250 Sun., Feb. 27, 4 p.m...... Selena/Ram Herrera interviews per performance. This Mon. and Tues., Feb. 28 and Mar. 1, 7 p.m...... George Strait feedback allows us to gauge the Wed., Mar. 2, 7 p.m...... Tanya Tucker/John Michael Montgomery accuracy of our predictions and provides a basis for fine tuning the Thurs., Mar. 3, 7 p.m...... Doug Stone/Tracy Lawrence computer code.” Fri., Mar. 4, 7 p.m...... Mark Chesnutt/Tracy Byrd/Doug Supernaw Armed with this data, the market- Sat., Mar. 5, 11 a.m...... Trisha Yearwood/Billy Dean ing department advises Dan Gattis, Sat., Mar. 5, 7 p.m...... Vince Gill general manager, and Lori Renfrow, the assistant manager for presenta- Sun., Mar. 6, 4 p.m...... Brooks & Dunn tions, as they schedule the best pos- sible entertainer mix annually. “We develop a music mix per- “so no matter what our customers Staff members who work with the centage that tells us how many tell us through the computer, there entertainer selections point out that country and western entertainers are sellout entertainers that we will while research determines the and what type of non-country and not sign. entertainers that should appear, western entertainment to sched- “You can’t please everyone with signing these stars is another matter. ule,” Shafer said. “And no matter each entertainer, but we use the Because of various non-avail- what we do, if we stray from the computer and the wishes of each abilities—star not touring, touring computer’s predictions, we find group to put together an entertain- out of the country, booking con- out ultimately that the computer er mix that will please as much of flicts, etc.—the Show can usually was correct.” each market segment as possible sign no more than 80 percent of the For example, during the 1993 while maximizing our overall computer’s recommended “top rodeo, the computer predicted the ticket sales.” choices.” Last year, 1993, was the need for only 15 country and west- Currently, since 558,000 season best ever—95 percent of the com- ern performances. When the Show tickets are being sold, the comput- puter’s top choices were signed. was unable to schedule a top con- er program has been modified for “The computer is the amplified temporary star and booked 16 the future to give more weight to and personified voice of our cus- country and western performers, the wishes of our major market tomers,” Shafer said. “It is a two of the country performances groups — season ticket holders, tremendous tool that allows us to were not sellouts—even though all committee members who do not instantly and accurately follow the but 1.2 percent of the available buy season tickets, but who bought music preferences of our rodeo seats in the Astrodome were sold. 58,770 tickets in 1993, and the audiences and bring the best to the “Of course, we do consider the non-season ticket buying general Houston Livestock Show image of the Show because we’re a public, who purchased 375,858 and Rodeo.” family environment,” he added, tickets in 1993.

11 FEATURE The McKinsey Study ✩

o one can argue that Association of Fairs and Expositions, The report stated that the Show the Houston Livestock before they did anything.” provides important contributions N Show and Rodeo is Following their extensive prepa- to the community, the livestock one of our country’s greatest suc- ration, McKinsey staff members industry and Texas youth. Most cess stories. Its unparalleled met with committee chairmen, cor- evident was an energy and vitality achievements largely depend on the porate sponsors, committee mem- exhibited in the enthusiasm shown Story by thousands of enthusiastic experts in bers, ticket buyers, entertainers, by the public and the volunteers Terri Kainer as many professions that are brought commercial exhibitors, livestock about their support of the Show. and Mark in either on a volunteer basis or as advisors, scholarship recipients, Then McKinsey staff member, Anawaty part of the Show’s permanent staff. university representatives and the and now assistant general manager “We don’t normally use outside general public. Given the objec- of the Show, Skip Wagner, noted, consultants because we have a tives, it was imperative that this “The Show demonstrated a level of tremendous pool of expertise in our study be exhaustive. commitment, wisdom and vitality volunteers,” said Leroy Shafer, At issue was the need for exper- to implementation that is much assistant general manager. “And we tise in four major areas: 1) Where higher than the typical client. In have as professional a staff as you does the Show stand today? 2) every quarter, there was a whole- are going to find in this industry.” What immediate changes need to sale commitment to making this But the Show’s success also be made? 3) What is the long-term event better. In the largest sense, comes from knowing to step out- picture? 4) Are the Show’s volun- the success of this study is directly side for professional assistance teer and contribution structures a result of the ability of this organi- when the need arises. where they should be? zation to attract and maintain such The McKinsey study, conducted On May 7, 1987, the results of an impressive number of tireless, at no cost to the Show, began in the extensive study were presented dedicated volunteers and staff 1986 and continued through 1987. to the Show’s Executive Committee members.” Its accomplishments and results and the management staff. The The report recommended vari- are still often referred to in com- findings confirmed what Show ous modifications to the Show in mittee meetings, and is an excel- officials had suspected—the Show order to meet long-term financial lent example of Show officials uti- was an exceptional event, but goals. The following is a sample of lizing an outside consultant to help potentially disruptive economic some of the recommendations and ensure a strong future. and demographic trends loomed observations upon which Show The early to mid ‘80s brought a large on the horizon. officials have acted. screeching halt to the urban cow- boy craze, a petroleum bust and a real estate depression. Costs were Who is McKinsey? up; ticket sales were flat. The Show’s Executive Committee, aware of strategic planning groups McKinsey and Company, Inc., is an international consulting with national and international firm which specializes in problem solving and program imple- reputations, for the first time in many years felt it was time to seek mentation for a broad range of corporate and, to a lesser extent, some outside advice. government institutions. Working at the top-management level, Enter the worldwide consulting this company helps its clients to improve significantly the perfor- firm of McKinsey and Company, Inc. “One of the most impressive mance of their organizations, both by resolving internal problems things to me about the original and by anticipating and responding effectively to external threats study,” said Shafer, “was that and opportunities. McKinsey committed their resources to understanding this industry by Founded in 1926, McKinsey and Company now has 58 offices in visiting events as distant as the 28 countries. Calgary Stampede in Canada, and meeting with the International

12 Frank Martin

Review the Show’s components

3 Frank Martin to match changing demographics, especially the growth in the 6 Reposition the carnival for bet- Hispanic population and the aging ter visibility, as it was formerly of America. located in the northeast corner of the Astrodome parking lot, and RESULT: New data programmed pedestrians were walking long dis- 1 Compared to local entertain- into Show’s entertainment tances to the carnival. ment attractions, ticket prices were research computer helped to devel- too low, at an average cost of $8.58. op and attract a broader audience. RESULT: Relocation of the carni- val, resulting in a 40 percent RESULT: A gradual increase in 4 Create a structure to enhance increase in revenues. ticket prices, which has added rev- the corporate community’s enues of $2 million. involvement with the organization. 7 The study also found that com- mercial exhibits were low in com- 2 Add rodeo performances to RESULT: A new Corporate parison to other similar shows in accommodate greatest attendance Development Committee, better the amount of space and the fees possible, since a significant num- coordination and expected 1994 being charged. ber of surveyed persons indicated corporate contributions of nearly they attended the Show on “the $3 million—a number far in excess RESULT: Within a year after the only day they possibly could.” of the study’s projections. McKinsey study, Harris County Scheduling changes were suggest- officials upgraded the Astrodome ed, such as expanding the Show to facilities. Show officials were able cover three weekends, ultimately to work with them to make a major providing more opportunities for addition to the Astroarena, which the general public to attend at least now houses the new sales pavilion one performance. They proposed and several hundred thousand Sunday matinee and evening per- square feet of additional livestock formances be eliminated or and exhibit space. rescheduled—Sunday shows were considered a problem because of church attendance and work or Sam Pierson school the following day. 5 Be innovative with traffic and RESULT: The Show now spans congestion issues. three weekends with performance times scheduled to better respond RESULT: Four off-site shuttle to public demand (i.e., only one parking areas open to the public, performance on Sunday, beginning with 30 percent utilization by at 4 p.m.) . Show patrons. Sam Pierson

13 MCKINSEY STORY CONT.

McKinsey also analyzed the some ideas that we had for many ter what we’re doing that is suc- Show’s volunteer and contribu- years, but to fine tune those ideas cessful today, it is going to take tion structures and found that its and implement them. something different to be success- rapid growth had far exceeded the “It resulted in a tremendous ful tomorrow. Research and staff’s capabilities to respond to surge of success for the Show, and changes are imperative to our orga- them, but felt that overall, the struc- the bottom line increased dramati- nization. This event has always ture was sound. Recommendations cally, due to some of the sugges- been a product of the people, and were made on how to be more tions that were made and carried each year we are going to start from responsive to that growing structure. out. The philosophy that they scratch to find out what the people They also studied the livestock helped us establish really spurred want.” industry, the youth organizations us into a whole new era of man- In a short time, McKinsey and and the scholarship programs. agement and growth with the Company has helped the Houston One result of these studies is that Show.” Livestock Show and Rodeo leap the Show now offers non-agricul- Shafer also indicated his satis- from an organization that it had tural scholarships to benefit more faction with the study. “In the past been to the business-like, market- local metropolitan students. five years, we have made tremen- ing and competition-oriented orga- Dan Gattis, general manager of dous strides in implementing what nization that it had to be in the ‘80s the Houston Livestock Show and McKinsey set forth for us. The and ‘90s. But all has been accom- Rodeo, expressed great enthusiasm most critical aspect that was dis- plished while retaining the charac- for the McKinsey study and its covered was that we had our most ter, spirit, friendliness and family- results. “This study was extremely successful year in 1982, and we environment that has made beneficial to the Show and its had continued with what made it a success from 1932 to future. It enabled us not only to that year successful. In other where it is today. communicate and bring to reality words, we know now that no mat-

Another Show Improvement

On June 3, 1993, the outgoing Show officers presented to Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with another visible improvement, a flagpole. The flagpole, which stands directly in front of the Show offices, bears the logo of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. A special thanks goes to these for- mer Show vice presidents, Dr. Max Butler, Larry Carroll, Thad Gilliam, Tom Glazier, and Jim Lightfoot. Sam Pierson Pictured from left to right: Don Jordan, Show president; Dick Graves, chairman of the board; and 1993 outgoing vice presidents, Thad Gilliam, Tom Glazier, Jim Lightfoot, and Dr. Max Butler.

14 OFFICER PROFILES

Vice President Profiles

Stories by Middy Randerson Kaye Marvins Photography, Inc. Sam Pierson

Robert V. McAnelly Richard E. Bean

lthough Robert V. “Mac” McAnelly says he how vice president Richard E. Bean has A was a city kid growing up in Copperas Cove, S received more than the usual blessings from his Texas, he remembers picking cotton on his grandfather’s dedicated volunteer work with this organization. land when he was 3 years old. In addition to the joy of helping others and the satis- That youthful agricultural indoctrination must have faction of a job well done, Bean met his wife, Dorothy, impressed him mightily since his adult interests have led while working together at the 1988 Show. They were him to years of service as a volunteer and officer in the married in December, 1992. Dorothy, a third grade Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He’s also chairman teacher at Bunker Hill Elementary School, is a 20-year of the board of the Houston Farm and Ranch Club, and a veteran of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commit- longtime participant in the Salt Grass Trail Ride. tee involvement. As a child in the mid-1950s, McAnelly accompanied A native Houstonian and a graduate of Lamar High his family to performances of the Houston Rodeo and he School, Bean later received a graduate degree in account- fondly remembers seeing Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and ing from the University of Texas. He worked as a public The Cisco Kid and Pancho. accountant for eight years. In 1976, he joined Pearce He attended Lamar University on a football scholar- Industries, an oilfield equipment firm, and now serves as ship, taking criminal justice and pre-law courses, then the company’s executive vice president and chief moved to Houston and put himself through South Texas financial officer. College of Law while working as an officer on the River Bean began working on Livestock Show committees Oaks Police Force. His private law practice now focuses the year he returned to Houston after college graduation. on personal injury and “light criminal” work. He served on various Corral Club committees from 1968 In 1978, McAnelly began volunteering on the Souvenir to 1980, then became a member of the World’s Program Committee and later served on the Corral Club Championship Bar-B-Que Committee, one of the com- Committee. Currently, McAnelly serves as officer in mittees he now oversees in his position of vice president. charge of the Trail Ride, Souvenir Program, Swine Other committees of which Bean serves as officer in Auction and Rabbit Show committees. charge include Committeemen’s Bar-B-Que, Outdoor McAnelly and his wife of 11 years, Caryl, serve togeth- Advertising, Safety and Judging Contest Scoring. er on the Committeemen’s Bar-B-Que committee and she Bean says he gets great personal satisfaction from his also is a member of the Palomino Committee. They have Rodeo work as well as his activities on behalf of his alma three daughters, Carly, 10; Kelly, 8; and Casey, 6. mater, Lamar High School, where he helped establish a McAnelly says what keeps him so interested in his vol- foundation that awards student scholarships and teacher unteering is the camaraderie of the committee work and grants. He also enjoys his charitable work through First “the pleasure of seeing the results of the work United Methodist Church. when we visit scholarship recipients.” In whatever spare time he has left, Bean says he enjoys a “few hunting trips a year and a couple of rounds of golf.”

15 COMMITTEE PROFILES

Committee Spotlight

★

Trail Ride Committee

ike the U.S. mail carriers, not out, ate out of the chuck wagon and ance with trail ride rules and regu- rain nor snow nor sleet nor hail followed a trail into Houston. lations. Members also assist with will stop a trail rider from mak- The following year, 50 hardy activities at individual campsites. Story by L ing the annual trek to Houston. souls made the ride; in 1954, the Planning and preparing on the Whitney The trail rides, which now symbol- total grew to 800 riders; in 1955, part of each of the members of the Horton ize fellowship, organization and 1,300 were on the trail ride roll Trail Ride Committee are essential tradition, originally began as a pub- call. Today, approximately 6,000 to assure successful rides. Timing licity tool to bring attention to the riders comprising 14 different trail each highway or long crossing to Houston Fat Stock Show. rides that cover 1,800 miles partic- keep traffic moving is one specific According to former trail boss ipate in this annual ritual that kicks duty of this committee. Dude Parmley, the idea for a trail ride off the Houston Livestock Show “Members of this group are preceding the rodeo began many and Rodeo. policemen without a badge,” said Charlie Roberts, committee chair- man. “They must earn the respect of each of the trail bosses and the riders. Safety is most important to us. After the ride, when we receive positive feedback from the trail bosses, we know we’ve done our job well.” Committee members also main- tain a relationship with the Houston City Parks and Recreation Department. Together, they coor- dinate the positioning of the trail rides in Memorial Park, as well as direct traffic from the park to the downtown rodeo parade route. The Trail Ride Committee, headed up by officer in charge Robert Frank Martin McAnelly, also presents awards to A committee member coordinates the safe flow of traffic on trail rides. trail rides and individuals at the culmination of the journey in years ago when several friends were Because of the need to improve Memorial Park. Tuckered-out rid- having lunch. One complained, after communication and to maintain ers and relieved committee mem- bad flying weather, he would never organization among the many bers relax under the setting sun go anywhere that he could not get rides, the Trail Ride Committee and share their experiences on the back to Houston on horseback. was formed in 1968. Members are trail. Some even teach their chil- Realizing the idea would be a great responsible for the safety and orga- dren to rope and sing cowboy promotion to boost awareness of the nization of more than 6,000 riders, songs around a camp fire. Show, a celebrated tradition was some of whom travel almost 400 But one element unites them born. miles to join the downtown rodeo all — the eager anticipation of the Supplied with a century-old parade festivities. next morning’s parade that sym- chuck wagon, the four original trail The 75 members of this commit- bolizes the start of the Houston riders left Brenham, Texas, on tee coordinate all 14 trail rides, Livestock Show and Jan. 30, 1952. They rode on horses working closely with each of the Rodeo. through the Texas elements, camped trail ride bosses to ensure compli-

16 Range & Pasture Plant Identification

e’re one of the best kept challenging, so everyone does not traveled to Houston to participate secrets of the Houston make a perfect score.” The win- in the plant identification contest. “W Livestock Show and Rodeo,” ning teams and individuals receive That number is expected to exclaimed Mickey Cooper. cash awards, belt buckles and tro- increase to 200 this year “if tele- Story by What takes place in a single room phies. phone calls of interest are any indi- Yahsmine on the last Saturday of the Show is Under the leadership of its new cation,” said Cooper. “There’s a lot Catli- the Range and Pasture Plant officer in charge, Jim Janke, the of interest in the contest. However, Cowan Identification Contest, a competi- Range and Pasture Plant the students’ biggest challenge is tion that involves students from Identification Contest Committee is funds.” The committee lessens that around the state of Texas. The par- now in its 46th year. The commit- load by donating traveling money ticipants, ages 9 to 19, have studied tee’s 89 volunteers organize and to each of the students’ coaches. more than 100 plants in prepara- conduct the entire contest. During “The contest is a way for kids tion for the contest. the actual competition, some mem- who are not exhibiting livestock to During the contest, the partici- bers attend to the facilities, others participate in the Houston pants must identify 50 plants and arrange the specimens on the tables Livestock Show. The kids are real- answer any other questions about for the exam, while another group ly learning something, with valu- their characteristics. “Sometimes makes the certificates and plaques able application to their daily farm- we cut the tops off the plants so the that are awarded to each contestant. ing and ranching activities,” said kids really have to know what During the year, members solicit Cooper. “Anyone who even stud- they’re looking for,” said Cooper, donations for food, money and ies for this competition has put in a committee chairman. “We have prizes. lot of effort, and they are all ways to make the test a little more At the 1993 Show, 145 students winners.”

Events & Functions

hat do you do if it’s too cold For each of the 100-plus Show- annual cowboy church to the lav- at the lamb auction registra- related functions in the Astrodome ish season box holders’ party, the W tion or you need another complex, a committee member is group is there to help. “Whether a Story by table at the calf scramble banquet? assigned to ensure that the room is function is for 20, 200 or 2,000 peo- Beth Look around...a member of the ready to the client’s specifications. ple, it is all a massive undertaking. Johnson Events and Functions Committee He or she then remains nearby to Sometimes there is only 15 or 30 is nearby to help with such handle any special requests or minutes to transform a room for predicaments. problems. the next meeting, and this group is Formed three years ago, the 15- “Committee members, most of there to make sure everything is in member group serves as a behind- whom are in the hospitality busi- place,” said DeMarco. the-scenes liaison for event orga- ness, spend five or six days at the When they arrive on a work nizers and the dozen Astrodome Show, working in four-, eight-, or shift, members receive a packet of contractors who provide every- 12-hour shifts,” Jolley added. information about their assigned thing from audio and electrical Before the committee was estab- events so they know the affair’s equipment to catering and flowers. lished, Show Manager Mike requirements. “Once the Show gets “One of the biggest challenges in DeMarco handled this monumen- underway, it’s like a big snowball coordinating a function at the tal task. “With the addition of the rolling downhill,” Jolley said. “We Show is communication. There are Stockmen’s Club, the Ballroom can’t stop it, but we try to smooth just so many people involved,” said and other meeting rooms, we were out the road so it can keep Mike Jolley, founding chairman. coordinating many more events,” going.” “We are there to make sure nothing said DeMarco. falls through the cracks.” From something as simple as the

17 COMMITTEE PROFILES

Committee Spotlight

★

Steer Auction Committee

n 1932, the Grand Champion winning steers at a floor price on the last Saturday of the Show, Steer at the Houston Livestock above current market prices on the the committee facilitates the I Show sold for $504. Last year, day of the sale. Each member is entire operation of the junior Story by the Grand Champion Steer was required to sell a minimum of market steer auction, hawking Cheryl purchased by LeRoy and Lucile $10,000 in steers. bids and assisting exhibitors as Dorsett Melcher for an amazing $350,000. “In 1993, the committee’s top 10 well as buyers. The U.S. Consumer Price Index members recorded $750,000 in Marked by their signature com- has increased by 931 percent in presales alone,” said Ken Caldwell, mittee badge, a large gold star, com- those 62 years, while the Houston committee chairman. “Last year’s mittee members also can gain status as members of “The Big Boys,” by totaling $30,000 or more in presales. Throughout the years, the Steer Auction Committee has orchestrated the largest dollar volume junior steer auction in the world. During the past two decades, the committee’s annual sales have increased from $330,000 to more than $2 million. In 1993, $611,000 was placed directly into the Show’s educational fund as a result of the auction. The committee’s cash donations alone totaled approximately $200,000. When a family buys one of the minimum priced presale steers that is

Frank Martin butchered, wrapped into The Show’s junior market steer auction attracts a great deal of media attention. choice steaks and roasts for a price less than $3 per Livestock Show’s grand champion leader had an individual sales total pound, they are getting pampered steer auction price has increased of $150,000.” Texas beef that has been fed, almost 70,000 percent. This phe- Under the leadership of George groomed and exercised daily by nomenal success has been accom- DeMontrond, Show vice presi- one of the finest FFA or 4-H young- plished by one of the finest mar- dent, the group organizes and sters in Texas. keting programs in the world, the hosts the annual Hide Party, at The youngster who brings his Houston Livestock Show and which the buyers of the top 90 or her steer to the Houston Rodeo Steer Auction Committee. steers from the previous year’s Livestock Show has spent a year Established 48 years ago, the Show are honored. The commit- of preparation to compete in the Steer Auction Committee is pri- tee also hosts a buyers’ breakfast largest market steer auction marily responsible for selling all the morning of the auction. And in the country.

18 Executive Committee Portrait

Tommie Vaughn he ideals inherent him to become a part of the young, to the Houston growing institution. Vaughn’s first T Livestock Show tasks with the Show were quite dif- and Rodeo and a sense of the true ferent from those which might be Texas spirit have always been a expected today. He was first asked mainstream of Tommie Vaughn’s to help the Parade Committee with life. He was born in Brownwood, the 1957 parade by “stopping the Story by Texas, in 1918 and was raised on a Salt Grass Trail and putting the Ann cattle and sheep ranch founded by Brenham High School band in Jacobs his great grandfather in 1874. It front of the trail riders”—not an was there that Vaughn learned easy task for anyone to accomplish. early to appreciate the ranching After that parade he was told to way of life as well as to understand appear at the Show at 6 p.m. the hard work and dedication for the first meeting of what which are required to succeed in evolved into the Corral Club any venture. Vaughn attended Committee, of which Vaughn was Texas A&M University on a foot- one of the six charter members. ball scholarship and had the honor Vaughn continued active and of playing on the 1939 Texas A&M extensive involvement with both National Championship team. committees with which he was ini- After serving as a Cadet Major in tially involved. He chaired the the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, Parade Committee for seven years, Vaughn entered the Army follow- and many of the aspects of the ing graduation and later became a event today bear his mark. He also pilot in the Air Corps. In June of co-chaired the Corral Club 1946 he and his wife, Helen, whom Committee. he had met on a Texas A&M stu- In May, 1972, Vaughn became dent football trip, opened their first the 10th president of the Show. Ford car dealership in Granbury, Under his leadership, the Show Texas. In 1956, they opened the underwent a building expansion Tommie Vaughn Ford dealership program. Show administrative in Houston. He is justifiably proud offices were moved, new meeting Sam Pierson of having been a Ford dealer for 37 rooms were added and the Super The 10th president, Tommie Vaughn. years—throughout the many busi- Sale Salon—the site of all Show ness cycles in Houston. He attrib- auctions—was constructed. future because of the “group of ter- utes his staying power to those While continuing to lead his rific people who give their time, early qualities he developed while Ford dealership and dedicate his effort and money.” He pointed out ranching and at school. time and effort to the Show, the lifetime effect of the Show on Still an ardent Texas Aggie sup- Vaughn has devoted himself to some people, such as Don Jordan, porter, Vaughn believes that he numerous other charitable causes, who first experienced the Show as owes the university many great including the Houston Zoo and a calf scramble winner and now is debts—for his education, for his Texas A&M University. president of the Show. sense of spirit and leadership, for Always a rancher, Vaughn “Adults will continue to work to the ability to participate in sports owns a cattle ranch outside raise money for the Show’s schol- in a meaningful way and, certainly Houston. However, his weekends arships for children,” Vaughn said. not least, for the opportunity to frequently include a trip to his “Because through the Show chil- meet his wife. home in Lakeway, Texas, or time dren can set goals, meet adults who Fortunately, Vaughn was willing spent with his two daughters and become examples for them and to share his leadership qualities his grandchildren. find something tangible and con- with the Show when his friend and Vaughn sees the Show and its stant in this world of neighbor, Stuart Lang, encouraged spirit growing stronger in the change.”

19 FEATURE Keeping an Eye on Rodeo

he action wit- position the cowboy to rope it, from the horse and must be back to nessed in profes- then maintain tension on the rope the shoulders and against the neck T sional rodeo is as the cowboy dismounts, throws when the horse’s front feet come nothing less than exhilarating. the calf and ties any three of its legs back to the ground. Ferocious bulls, wild horses, invin- (usually two hind and one front). The cowboy must have his spurs cible cowboys and racing cowgirls The tie must remain secure for six over the point of the horse’s shoul- Photos by make for an exciting show. seconds after the roper remounts ders until the first jump out of the Frank But amidst the showcase of and permits the horse to slacken chute is completed. He can’t touch Martin thrills and chills on the Astrodome the rope. the horse, himself or his equip- floor lies the element of serious The roper must remain behind a ment with his free hand, and he competition for rodeo cowboys barrier until the calf has a head must ride the bronc for eight sec- and cowgirls. Like any other pro- start. If the cowboy “breaks the onds. fessional sport, rodeo is marked barrier,” 10 seconds is added to his But hanging on for eight seconds with its own set of regulations, time. If the calf becomes untied is not just the key during the ride, guidelines, penalties and methods before six seconds is up, the roper as judges closely watch the posi- of scoring. is disqualified. This event is so tion of the rider’s spurs from the It takes a quick eye to catch competitive, that often tenths of a very beginning. penalties in most rough stock and second divide the winners, while timed events, as many penalties good times are usually in the 10- TEAM ROPING occur at the outset of the event. So second range. here are a few rodeo spectator tips to keep you up to speed when BAREBACK RIDING While the experts make team rop- Houston’s world championship ing look easy, with five entities rodeo action starts! involved, nothing is simple. The A good bareback rider is generally first roper, the header, rides after CALF ROPING in better control of the ride than his the steer and ropes the horns or wide-open style might indicate. head, takes a dally (wraps the rope) But in this flamboyant event, it’s around his saddle horn and turns Success in this event depends on wild that wins. The trick is to time his horse away, leading the steer. roper and horse working together, the spurring motion with the A second roper, the heeler, rides and some would say the highly horse’s bucking action. When the in, ropes the hind legs and takes trained horse is the more important horse leaves the ground, the cow- his dally. In an instant, the horses member of the team. The horse boy jerks his knees and his spurs face the steer, the ropes come snug must quickly catch up to the calf, slide up the horse’s shoulders. His and a judge signals time. If but one feet fly up, out and away leg is caught, a five-second penalty

Barrel Racing is added to the time. Bull Riding Bareback Riding

20 STEER WRESTLING long, inch and a half thick rein that of a second. is fastened to the horse’s halter. The three-barrel, cloverleaf pat- Ideally, the cowboy falls into a tern may be run to the left or right, When the animal is let out of the stylish rhythm with the horse, feet but if the horse breaks it in any barrier and crosses a designated thrust full forward and toes turned other way, the rider is disqualified. line, the dogger (steer wrestler) out in the stirrups, as the bronc’s Knocking over barrels adds five races forward to pass the steer. At front feet touch the ground. As the seconds per barrel to the rider’s about the time their horses reach horse jumps high, the rider crooks time. Winning Houston Rodeo the tail of the hard-running steer, his knees, drawing his feet back, times are generally in the 16-17 the hazer (a mounted helper) keeps toes still turned out, along the second range. the steer moving straight while the sides until his spurs strike the back steer wrestler, from the opposite of the saddle. The feet go forward BULL RIDING side, begins transferring his weight again as the bronc descends. from his horse to the steer. His The rider must have his spurs horse runs on past, carrying the over the animal’s shoulder points Bull riders use just a flat-braided cowboy up to the horns and taking until the first jump out of the chute “loose” rope pulled tight (not tied) his feet out in front of the steer, in is completed, or the ride is a “no around the animal and held fast by position for the cowboy to slow the score.” The cowboy cannot touch the riding hand. Although the steer, turn it and take it to the himself, the animal or the equip- cowboy isn’t required to spur, you ground. ment with his free hand, lose a stir- will see many of them moving “Breaking the barrier” (leaving rup or hit the ground before the their feet, scrambling to keep con- the box before the calf is given a eight-second buzzer. tact with the bull. head start) adds 10 seconds to the The cowboy must stay on the cowboy’s time. Also, the steer WOMEN’S BARREL RACING bull for eight seconds, using only must be on its feet and stopped one hand. The cowboy cannot before it is thrown down or the touch himself or the bull with his time doesn’t count. This fast, exciting and intensely free hand during the ride, and he Winning times at the Houston competitive event provides color- cannot hit the ground before the Rodeo are usually less than six ful contrast to the rugged action eight-second buzzer or he is disquali- seconds. characterized by most rodeo con- fied. tests. As in other events, horse and If a cowboy is still up in the air and SADDLE BRONC RIDING rider cooperation is vital to suc- is touching some part of the cess. The three barrels are “run” in rope when the buzzer sounds, a cloverleaf pattern, requiring he still qualifies on his ride. Cited as the classic rodeo event, quick turns at high speed to win. this is one of the oldest rodeo Times are so fast and close that events. The rider holds a six-foot- they are measured in hundredths Steer Wrestling

Team Roping Calf Roping

21 DATES TO REMEMBER

MARCHAPRIL MAY S MTWT FS S MTWT FS S MTWT FS

1 2345 1 2 1 2 34567

6 789101112 3 4 5 678 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 2324 25 26 27 28

27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31

1-Livestock and horse show activities all 1-Spring Break; Show offices closed 24-Annual Meeting at 4pm; Show Meeting day; 7pm rodeo performance featuring 4-Spring Break; Show offices closed Rooms - series 200 George Strait 2-Livestock and horse show activities all day; 7pm rodeo performance featuring Tanya Tucker and John Michael Montgomery 3-Livestock and horse show activities all day; 7pm rodeo performance featuring Doug Stone and Tracy Lawrence 4-Livestock and horse show activities all day; 7pm rodeo performance featuring Mark Chesnutt, Tracy Byrd and Doug Supernaw 5-Livestock and horse show activities all day; 11 am rodeo performance featuring Trisha Yearwood and Billy Dean; 7pm rodeo performance featuring Vince Gill 6-Livestock and horse show activities all day; rodeo finals; 4pm rodeo perfor- mance featuring Brooks & Dunn

Bulk Rate U.S. Postage MAGAZINE Paid Houston, TX Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Permit No. 9791 P.O. Box 20070 Houston, Texas 77225-0070