Thresher Presents: Rodeo Preview
There’s a musty hint of hay and grease in the air. An occasional whinny may be heard in the distance. The streets are packed with more hats and pairs of cowboy boots than usual. It can all mean only one thing — it’s Houston Rodeo time in the city. Especially for Houston newcomers, Rodeo can be a bit overwhelming. Dozens of performers, food vendors and other entertainment will all vie for your hard-earned pennies and attention. While you’re sure to have a good time no matter what you do and see, the Thresher has narrowed down your options a tad to let you know which are actually the best concerts and treats being offered.
BEST MEALS:
For the BBQ fan: Triple J’s Smokehouse
Location: NRG Park, KC501
What to get?
Big J Potato, $15 — A baked potato stuffed with butter, cheese, sour cream, chives and your choice of beef, sausage or rib meat
Meat Combo, $9.99 — Two meats (ribs, beef or sausage) with barbecue sauce and bread
For the Vegetarian: Stump’s Wood-Fired Pizza
Location: NRG Arena, AR600
What to get?
The Jimmy Buffet, $10 — A nine-inch hyper-fresh margherita pizza; San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil and olive oil
For the Adventurous: Belgian Waffles
Location: KC306
What to get?
Fried sriracha balls — Shredded chicken, tomatoes, green chiles and sriracha encrusted in tortilla chips and then deep-fried
Strawberry waffle balls — Like cake balls, but waffles that come with strawberry dipping sauce
For the Tex-Mex Fan: Tad’s Bodacious Burritos
Location: NRG Park, RP65
What to get?
Chipotle beef burrito, $8.50 — Enormous burrito filled with shredded beef rubbed with chipotle, black beans, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses; coated with chipotle cheese sauce and garnished with pico de gallo
BEST TREATS:
For the Fried Food Lover: Aunt Edmoe’s Homemade Cookies
Location: NRG Park, CD205
What to get?
Fried cookie dough on a stick, $7 — Real, delicious cookie dough deep-fried and put on a stick, can also be dipped in chocolate
Cookie dough parfait, $7 — Ice cream, cookie dough, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and a cherry and two warm cookies on top
For the Cinnamon-aholic: Stubby’s Cinnamon Rolls
Location: NRG Arena, AR903; NRG Center, L259
What to get?
Cinnamon roll with “the works,” $5 — A cinnamon roll as big your head topped with rich icing and pecans
Bacon-wrapped cinnamon roll, $5 — Huge cinnamon roll coated in juicy bacon
For the Popcorn Fan: Kettle Corn of Texas
Location: NRG Park, KC506
What to get?
Small bag of kettle corn, $3 — Decent helping of fresh-popped kettle corn made in 100 percent corn oil
For the Intense Dessert Fan: Granny’s Cheesecake & More
Location: NRG Center, L255
What to get?
Chocolate-dipped cheesecake with Oreo, $7 — Means what it says; a delicious cheesecake dipped in chocolate and served with Oreos on top
EVENTS:
Mutton Busting
Mutton busting is everyone’s favorite rodeo event. Like bull riding for children, kids between ages five and six must grab hold of a sheep and attempt to stay on as long as possible. While everyone in mutton busting is declared a winner, the child who stays on the longest is awarded a champion belt buckle and serious bragging rights.
Calf Scramble
The calf scramble is arguably the most chaotic rodeo event. Officials release 15 calves into the arena that 30 4-H and Future Farmers of America youth must race after and try to catch with nothing but a rope halter. Each successful student is given a $1,500 voucher to purchase his or her own beef heifer or market steer to show in next year’s rodeo. This event is intended to encourage agricultural enterprise in the state of Texas by supporting students’ interest in ranching and farming.
Tie-Down Roping
This rodeo sport, inspired by traditional ranch-hand practices, tests skills necessary for any good rancher. The event starts when a calf is released and crosses a trip lever that frees the mounted roper. The team must race after the calf and quickly lasso its neck. The horse must then maintain tension on the rope so the calf does not escape as the roper dismounts and ties the calf’s legs. The fastest roper to complete the task wins.
CONCERTS:
If traditional country’s not your thing:
Zac Brown Band
Time: Thursday, March 12, 6:45 p.m.
Hits: Chicken Fried, Colder Weather, KneeDeep
Summary: Melodic, slower-tempo country with deep lyrics and some nice harmonies
If you like to sing along:
Luke Bryan
Time: Sunday, March 22, 3:45 p.m.
Hits: Crash My Party, Play it Again, I Don’t Want this Night to End
Summary: Strong beat, authentic country — mostly feel-good tunes and love songs
Brad Paisley
Time: Saturday, March 21, 3:45 p.m.
Hits: Perfect Storm,Whiskey Lullaby, Beat this Summer
Summary: Classic songs that tell stories — rich with nostalgia, humor and heart
If you want a pop/country mix:
Florida Georgia Line
Wednesday, March 18, 6:45 p.m.
Hits: Cruise, This is How We Roll, Dirt
Summary: Fast-paced music that sounds best on a road trip, windows down, wind blowing
The Band Perry
Friday, March 20, 6:45 p.m.
Hits: If I Die Young,Better Dig Two, DONE.
Summary: Strong female vocals, soft melodies and powerful, belting choruses
If you want something TOTALLY different:
La Arrolladora Banda El Limon
Time: Sunday, March 15, 3.45 p.m.
Hits: ?
Summary: Traditional Mexican regional music. You can’t help but dance along.
If you want straight-up Top 40:
Ariana Grande
Time: Tuesday, March 17, 6:45 p.m.
Hits: Love Me Harder, Break Free,One Last Time
Summary: Belting pop ballads, choruses that always manage to get stuck in your head
Pitbull
Time: Friday, March 13, 6:45 p.m.
Hits: Timber, Fireball, Time of Our Lives
Summary: High-bass tracks that make you wish you were in a downtown nightclub
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