The Cows Meet In Cowtown

It's one of the most wonderful times of the year. It may only be January, but the 14th kicked off the famous Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. This event rounds up the country who come to shop at the exposition, show their prized cattle, play at the Carnival and compete nightly in the rodeo for the chance to be number one for the night.

The Stock Show runs this year from January 14th until February 5th at Will Rogers Coliseum. Fort Worth provides a central location for cowboys all across Texas and brings in the out-of-towners from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and more.

The Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association provided free passes for every day of the Stock Show with their membership dues. Of course it doesn't include the rodeo, but for someone just to see the extent of all the other aspects of the Stock Show, it is simply worth it.

However, let this be a warning--when the Stock Show comes to town, so does the bad weather. It has been superstition that North Texas receives its share of snow, hail, sleet, rain, tornados and all the other elements when all the cowboys and cowgirls come to town. This year has been no exception. Right before the Show kicked off, the weather dropped from high 70's to the low 20's. It is currently January 16th and would you guess that it is raining?

Don't let the weather fool you. The drizzle of the rain didn't stop participants from enjoying the Fort Worth night life. The Fort Worth Stockyards was packed Saturday night. Every bar wall to wall of beer drinking cowboys and cowgirls and a lively concert at the worlds largest honky tonk, Billy Bobs Texas, where Aaron Watson performed.

If you are to end up in the Stockyards, make your way to The Cantina Cadillac, or what most people just refer to as "Cadillac." This is the home of the true after-rodeo hang out that has a cheap cover, the cheapest beers I've found in the Stockyards, and if you are an unescorted lady--you get in FREE! If you are meeting friends there, good luck. The music is usually jamming and when it's a busy night like last night, expect to spend 15 minutes trying to make your way across the tiny bar. It can be found jam packed with people standing, drinking, dancing or a combination of the three. If you are Claustrophobic, this is not your scene. One of the con's is it sits on the corner of a very steep hill. Therefore, if you are intoxicated, and your car is somewhere other than behind the bar, you may have a chore ahead of you. Beware of the slope and steps going down the hill.

I hope everyone, whether they are affiliated with the western lifestyle or not, makes a trip down to the Stock Show just to check it out. If not, at least go see the night life in the Stockyards.

In 8 Seconds: The best way to kick off the new year is to kick up some dust at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo!

See more here