Fort Worth stock show parade back after 3 years of COVID, last year’s strong winds
January 5,2023
See Fort Worth Star-Telegram article by Daila Faheid here.
After three years, the All-Western Stock Show Parade will return to Fort Worth on Jan. 14, a cherished tradition in Fort Worth since 1896.
Last year, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo parade was canceled due to strong winds. In 2021, the Stock Show & Rodeo itself was canceled because of COVID.
Weather is not a concern at this year’s Fort Worth Stock Show parade, a spokesperson said. Large crowds are expected because of pent-up demand for the longstanding tradition. The forecast on parade day calls for a high of 61 degrees with a 3% chance of precipitation.
“I expect a very robust parade with lots of participants and lots of spectators,” said Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo spokesperson Matt Brockman. “I do think there’s been some pent-up desire.”
The spectacle of more than 2,000 horses riding through Fort Worth’s downtown has become a local tradition, with generations of families coming out to watch.
“We fully expect that we’ll get a good turnout at this year’s parade,” he said.
The tradition includes marching bands from around the area, floats and many local dignitaries, Brockman said. There’s also a lot of excitement around the TCU Horned Frog Marching Band’s participation after returning from California, where TCU plays Georgia for the College Football Playoff National Championship Jan. 9.
RESERVING SEATS IN ADVANCE
If you’d like reserved seats, get them in advance on ticketmaster.com, by phone at 817-502-0011 or through the Dickies Arena Box Office at 1911 Montgomery St. Enjoy face painters and balloon artists in the Sundance Square Plaza for $25, or watch the parade turn in front of the Convention Center for $15. The parade starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
After the parade, head to the Will Rogers Center for more Stock Show fun while the crowds aren’t as heavy. If you purchase a parade seat ticket, you’ll get general admission to the Stock Show grounds on any one day during the 23-day run from Jan. 13 to Feb. 4.
“I just encourage people to come out and then come to the Stock Show. Typically, the first weekend isn’t our busiest weekend, so that weather being nice, make a day of it,” Brockman said. “Come out and have a good time and embrace what makes Fort Worth the most unique city in Texas.”
Stock shows are held in cities across Texas each year, Brockman said, winding up a pitch for why come to Cowtown.
“But they’re not as unique and as special as Fort Worth’s. Ours is the oldest, ours is the most traditional and it’s the most fun,” he said.