HOUSTON – Hundreds of people packed into downtown Saturday morning to kick off the Rodeo season in Houston.
The morning started bright and early at Memorial Park as trail riders prepared their horses to ride in the annual parade.
Just after 9 a.m. the Conoco Phillips Rodeo Run began at the intersection of Bagby and Walker with the wheelchair race, followed by a 10K and 5K walk/run.
“It has so much electricity and everybody's so enthusiastic,” runner Rebecca Zielinski said. “It's that great time of year when the rodeo comes to town.”
University of Houston head football coach Tom Herman, this year’s grand marshal, kicked off the parade by hopping on a horse.
“To see so many people turn out for it and so many families bring their kids out, it’s wonderful,” Janet Johnston said.
Even some familiar KPRC Channel 2 faces, including Jennifer Reyna, Jonathan Martinez, Justin Stapleton, Rachel McNeill and Sara Donchey, got in on the fun, riding on a wagon through the streets of downtown.
Opening day for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is Tuesday, March 1, at NRG Park.