Bustin' Loose!

Are you ready for a good time?

2011-10-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

Okay! Wait a minute. Im not sure I'm ready for cooler weather. I actually considered wearing a jacket to work this morning. I can't believe we are now past the drought and HOT weather. Nevertheless....Halloween is almost here and it is usually fairly cool by then, so here I am. On the bright side, it is much cooler than this summer and everything is green again - for now.

So who's ready for a good time? I know that I am always ready to have fun. Of course, that is a rhetorical question - I hope it is for you also.

In the spirit of old, "It's almost Stock Show time." The office is brimming with anticipation of incoming livestock and horse entries. (Believe me - that is a big time of the year when you are the "Oldest Livestock Show in the Nation"). So that means one thing - the good times and memories are just around the corner.

As a newbie to the Show (two years and counting), I can't help but feel immersed in the rich tradition and Fort Worth culture. I mean we have been a part of Fort Worth - SINCE 1896. That will be 116 years at the beginning of the 2012 Show. At first glimpse, the Show is a unique atmosphere for most general market consumer (sorry, I will try to refrain from the marketing terminology - it just seemed so appropriate), and upon further inspection that glimpse can be validated. We are a unique atmosphere full of memorable experiences, decades of loyal volunteers (I'm talking like 50 year volunteers) and a worldwide reputation that I feel is second to none (of course, I'm biased).

As an ex-bull rider and modern day cowboy, I feel like a New York baseball fan walking onto the Yankee Stadium (I chose Yankee stadium because of their deep baseball roots **Go Rangers**) grass when I walk into Will Rogers Coliseum before each rodeo. There is just this unspoken ambiance that can almost give you chills. Sometimes I just stop and think about all of our forefathers that pioneered the Fort Worth Stock Show. Better yet, I think about the specialty acts (e.g. Festus Hagan) and the professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls that have walked the grounds and competed in the arena. It's quite moving to really stop and give that a thought.

The history really takes me for a ride when I pop open some of the old Rodeo Souvenir Annuals (RSA) that we have combined into bound BOOKS. They go way back to 1927 and there are some great photos. It really is just awesome to think about where the Show came from and where it is headed. However, in spite of all of the modernization and change - the Show still has a very traditional and conservative feel. It is a great family environment full of memories (now I'm selling, haha jk). Really though, it is a great atmosphere. We average over 900,000 people during our 23 day run - that speaks volumes to me.

My whole point - while you are out at the Show or you are following our updates on one of our many social networks, just enjoy the experience and immerse yourself in history in the making. I know I will be. (If you see me wondering around aimlessly, snap me out of the daydream, LOL). I hope you enjoy looking at the photos on our social networks and if you are at the Show take plenty of photos because you will be looking at them and reminiscing about days "when you had to walk a mile in a foot of snow with no shoes."

It's almost Stock Show time, so if you get a chance to make it out to the grounds......come on! We are ready to have a good time and would love to make history with you.

Taking it back to the old school!

2011-10-06T11:20:00.000-07:00

Facebook has yet again decided to redesign the profile page. The new “timeline” is actually pretty cool, and here’s why:

1. The new “cover story” allows users to easily customize their timeline. From a marketing/tech geek perspective, so many creative things can be done with this new cover story image. If you have photoshop, let the fun begin. There are already blogs and articles popping up about users who are going the extra mile to increase interactivity and add a custom design to their "timeline": http://bit.ly/pMapM3

2. As you can also see, there are two hot buttons below the “cover story” that allow the user to easily “update info” and “view activity.” The additional dropdown to the right of “view activity” allows the user to “view page” as a friend would see it and allows you to “add a badge to your site.” I assume that this dropdown will probably include more option in the future or be consolidated into another button. The view activity hot button is actually really cool. This provides a complete list of your recent facebook activity, instead of having it broadcasted on your “profile page,” it now has been consolidated into a user friendly page that allows for easy deletion and disapproval of “tags/comments” (if you have selected to review before they are posted in your privacy settings) and also includes the ability to sort the activity log into a multitude of categories as well as sort through activity by month and year. The activity log is one of my favorite features, because there was nothing worse than recent activity adding to the clutter on the old profile page (and manually deleting each one to clean it up).

3. Your information - job, location, school and whether or not you speak Pirate English, are included in one easy location complete with a CLICKABLE collage of friends (list), photos box, map box (this feature maps all of your check-ins on facebook- really cool, especially if you travel a lot), likes and other profile information about yourself and interests.

4. To make it a timeline, well there has to be a timeline. As you can see down the middle of the screen lays the “timeline” with each bubble broadcasting status posts, comments and actions (checking-in, etc.). On the right-hand side of the screen, the user has the ability to jump to specific dates and key information within the timeline, (bring on the memories). FYI- if you are a business professional and don’t want your colleagues or better yet bosses reliving your past with you, you might want to keep in mind that all of your college photos and conversations are visible (in other words, may be deleting some old posts). The coolest part is that in the upper right-hand corner there is a listing of the various years that are included in your timeline and you can click them for a quick jog to that timeframe.

5. The status post box has become a more all-inclusive destination for users, including: Status updating, Photo uploading and checking-in capabilities. Additionally, Facebook has added some cool new features including the ability to customize your posting with actions like “broke a bone” or “bought a house” as well as the ability to tag the friends that were with you.

6. Each timeline has a Recent Activity box along with the aforementioned activity log. This box remains on your page and keeps your recent activity, recent….instead of having a ton of listings in one area and then scrolling down your page and seeing another set of listings, this keeps them nice and clean in one spot for the user.

This is by no means an all inclusive list, but just some features that stood out as innovative and progressive. I believe that many users have already started using the new design (if you developed a developer account) and others will be receiving it starting tomorrow – “don’t quote me on that.” Nevertheless, I think everyone is going to enjoy the new layout….and of course, there will be a few groups that pop up that want the old layout back – it’s technology though and it changes. Have fun..see you at www.facebook.com/fwssr

To + or not to plus, that is the question?

2011-09-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

As the Social Media Manager of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo my job consists of staying on top of the latest Social Media trends. In this day and age, that could be a job title in itself. (hmmmm - Social Media trend finder - haha). Anyway, my point lies in the fact that staying up to date and polished can be difficult. With Google + opening up, Facebook re-designing the profile page yet again (http://bit.ly/n1beIB), Foursquare pages and profiles, Groupon and LivingSocial merchant (daily deal) offerings, yelp, reddit, stumbleupon, twitter, youtube, pinterist, wikipedia, iPhone and Android apps, email accounts, personal and business accounts, online bill pay (say that ten times fast)....you get the drift, it can be difficult for small business operations and individuals to get a grasp on Social Media, technology and the latter. Do you feel like you are riding the wave? <----(Before you click out of this post....I am not selling anything).

In one sense......I am venting and in another sense......i'm addressing what everyone in their right mind is thinking. When does all of this technological stuff stop changing and when can we as users just settle into our daily facebook/Google +/twitter/YouTube fix/other accounts with the comfort of knowing that nothing is going to change the next time we login. There is one simple answer: "Technological evolution will remain ever present." It will keep changing..........haven't you heard the old adage: Don't stop to smell the roses.

In terms of change, I always reference my high school years (only 10 years ago) when having a hotmail account was super cool. I mean, I used to get excited about getting "junk mail." I also had a watch that you could push a button and a digital calendar would pop up and you could enter phone numbers into (I felt like 007). Now I have an iPhone 4, wishing that I was due for an upgrade when the iPhone 5 is released, 18 million online accounts and barely own a check book. (I actually use my check book so that I can remember my accnt. number for online transactions - LOL). I watch as people aimlessly wonder by staring blankly into their phone screens or sit in waiting rooms as magazines long to be utilized. My truck will talk to me, my phone will talk to me, I can become an arm chair doctor, scientist, bull rider and wing suit skydiver in one Google/Bing/Yahoo search - and can book a same day flight in the click of a few buttons.

Back to my point.....or lack thereof, we are in the midst of SO much CHANGE.

Facebook is a perfect, real life example of how fast technologies can become "old news" and how quickly we can become introduced to a new form of interaction with the world. Random thought: It always cracks me up when Facebook makes a change (large or small) and someone sends me a message or group request that discounts the new changes (e.g. Dear Facebook, we want our old profiles back). Personally, I like the challenge of staying up to date and educated on the newest changes....after all, that is why I have a job.

Although, you may feel like your head is spinning (like mine is today) on a daily basis - hang in there. In one breath, you may be saying some "not so nice" things, but hopefully in another breath you are saying this is cool. Imagine where we will be in another 10 years and another ten years. We have some of the best and brightest minds (entrepreneurial) that this country has ever seen, changing our lives forever. WOW! That really hits home - "...changing our lives forever."

For those that remain oblivious to technological advances and still carry "Smart" phones (flip phones or push button phones)....this blog may or may not reach you, but the point will remain the same. Change is all around us and we can either "ride the wave" or jump out of the boat! For now, I'm on board (might be sea sick, but I'm here).

See you in cyber space.

Rodeo First Aid Docs

2011-01-31T17:58:00.000-08:00

All Hands on Deck- Entries are in!

2010-11-18T13:15:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again...entry time! As we speak, thousands of livestock and horse entries are being worked and processed here in the office. As many people know, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is all about tradition. Many things here on the grounds are done the way they were 40 years ago. The entry process is no exception.

Each year, exhibitors purchase animals and get them show ready with hopes of becoming successful during one of the major livestock shows held at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Over 23,000 head of quality livestock will be exhibited during the 23 day run of our event, along with over 3,000 Equine exhibitors.

4-H and FFA kids work hard all year long preparing themselves and their animals for the show ring. Cattle, sheep, swine, goats, pigeons, poultry, rabbits, llamas, horses, mules, donkeys and even dogs will show up in tip-top condition - ready for competition. The idea is to be the best in their respective departments and ideally become the overall champion of the Fort Worth Stock Show. Easier said than done....right?....right!

It takes work and support from not only the exhibitor, but the exhibitor's family, friends, county agent, ag-teacher and anyone that might be directly or indirectly involved with their efforts. Each year livestock exhibitors compete for not only the championship, but with hopes of making the annual Sale of Champions, and a chance to sell their animal for "big bucks". This translates to hundreds, maybe thousands of hours of work per exhibitor to get their animal ready to compete with the best.

AQHA equine exhibitors compete for the timed event championships and against some of the toughest competitors the equine world has to offer. To give you an idea of how tough it really is, last year Trevor Brazile - seven-time PRCA all-around champion - recorded the fastest time of the day in the AQHA calf roping event. Pretty tough, right? Well...he roped and tied his calf without a bridle on his horse. How is that for competition.

With some of the most prestigious horse and cattle sales in the nation, the Stock Show is proud to be the "Oldest Livestock Show in the Nation" and proud to host an array of exhibitors from all over the world. Livestock and equine exhibitors make their way here each year to showcase their best efforts....

A couple of days worth of entries

With all that being said, entries are rolling in. The office is in full swing and everyone has kicked into high gear. FYI....entries become the theme until every sheet of paper has been thoroughly inspected. I know what you are thinking.....thoroughly inspected? Yes...our entry process is completely manual. While many shows have moved to an online entry process, we prefer to open and receive every entry by hand. One word...Tradition! We still feel that there is value in handling each entry in this manner. Not only that, but exhibitors have commented that they receive correspondence from us faster than some Shows that still use an online process.

And although, the online process may seem more efficient and convenient.....we think differently. So during this time of year, if you are wondering what is happening in the Stock Show offices - pay us a visit! You will find plenty of paper on desks, un-opened envelopes brandishing FFA and 4-H groups' identification, and "all hands on deck." When I say "all hands on deck," I'm talking right up to our president and general manager, Brad Barnes and president emeritus, W.R. "Bob" Watt, Jr.

More than a game - This thing is legendary.

The Experience of a Lifetime!

2010-11-03T14:13:00.000-07:00

Here we go! The staff is growing larger by the day, the meetings are starting to multiply, there is an un-spoken feeling in the air. It is safe to say that our offices are changing by the day....I think IT is getting closer! I am referring to the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, which is slowly moving onto everyone's radar. Soon...there will be thousands of people passing through the gates to witness the musical entertainment, take a stroll through our exhibit halls, watch a rodeo performance, attend a livestock Show or all of the above. With a simple purchase of a general admission ticket, souvenir pin or rodeo ticket...you can enjoy all of these events! Sounds like a full day, right? That's because it is.

It gets better though. You might want to set aside a little more time this year, because the "Moo-seum" program takes the Stock Show experience to a whole new level. In case you haven't heard, the "Moo-seum" program now allows Stock Show patrons to experience three world-class museums at no additional charge. Yes....that's right.....the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Texas Cattle Raisers Museum and National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame are included in the "Stock Show ticket" (GA, rodeo, souvenir pin). Even better, if you become a member of one of these museums or are an existing member, you have access to the Stock Show for the ENTIRE duration. That's 23 days of tradition, culture and Fort Worth history. Doesn't get much better than that.

There's no catch....except the Stock Show ticket price went up to $10 for adults and $5 for children (6-16), but that is only a two dollar increase for adults and a one dollar increase for children. Between the livestock shows, midway/carnival, rodeo, rodeo roadhouse, shopping, museums and eateries, you could virtually spend several days on the grounds. So i've got a cost effective solution for you: the 115th annual Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Souvenir Pin!

The Stock Show offers a Souvenir Pin....a commemorative pin that satisfies your sudden urges to get out of the house and head to Will Rogers Memorial Complex. Ironically, it is shaped like a cattle ear tag and features roman numerals that represent our 115th anniversary numerically, (as a side note: the roman numerals are also a "tip of the hat" to a very large event that will be taking place on Feb. 5 in Arlington). The Souvenir Pin is a dynamic option for the avid Stock Show fan. At only $30, plus a $5 handling fee, the Souvenir Pin will grant you access to the Grounds, Rodeo Roadhouse and all three museums throughout the duration of the Show. This is by far the best value and you get to take home a telling piece of Stock Show history. You could even start your own collection of pins from the various years...we don't mind.

Although, we suggest purchasing a Souvenir Pin for multiple visits to the Show this year...each patron that purchases a single-day GA ticket will still be getting the ultimate value. The "Moo-seum" program is designed to provide an all-inclusive cultural experience for each Stock Show patron. Take advantage of this opportunity and bring the whole family. For more information...follow the highlighted links to the respective museums' websites or visit fwssr.com. More than a Game - This thing is legendary!

Gearing up for 2011!

2010-10-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

"World's Original Indoor Rodeo"

I know what you are thinking? Is it already Stock Show time in Fort Worth? According to www.fwssr.com, there are exactly 100 days left until "Fort Worth's largest annual event, the "world's original indoor rodeo" and the "oldest livestock show in the nation" unlocks the doors for the 2011 kickoff. WOW! I would have to say that 2010 has flown by. So to answer your question...It's almost Stock Stock Show time in Fort Worth, TX.

In our first blog, I want to talk about some of the new events and happenings this year and some of the traditional events that have some new things intertwined into them. So here it goes:

Our final day of the Show has historically ran for 24 days and ended on a Sunday in February. Beginning this year, our Show will run 23 days with our final performance ending on a Saturday evening. The final Saturday, dubbed as the "Day of Champions" will feature our Junior Sale of Champions, 55th annual Select Breeders Quarter Horse Sale, 24th annual Commercial Heifer Sale and World's Original Indoor Rodeo Finals. Our "Day of Champions" will be filled with top notch events and entertainment....so get ready!

Our Calf Scramble, presented by Mrs Bairds and Justin Boots, will be celebrating its 25th anniversary and will feature several new breeds available to purchase for Calf Scramble winners: Braunvieh, Chianina, Longhorn, Ayrshire, Milking Shorthorn and Guernsey cattle. These cattle will have the same set of rules as a typical Junior Show entrant, yet will be shown in the respective Open Show in 2012. In other words, there will not be a Junior Show designated for these entries due to space limitations and constraints. However, we are looking forward to accomodating these new entries and know that this will present some great opportunites for the kids.

Our AQHA Show is now a triple judged/triple pointed show. In laymen's terms, placing entries will receive 3 times as many points. Pretty sweet deal. Our SHOT competition has traditionally featured Paint horses vs. SHOT horses, yet this year the SHOT will debut as a team competition. Our 2nd annual Stock Show Bowl will feature TCU vs. Baylor in a Western equine dual that will determine the 2011 Champion. TCU is a force to be reckoned with and will be returning to defend their 2010 Stock Show Bowl Championship.

The Rodeo Roadhouse, our very own live music venue, will now have a new layout that has been designed with the patron in mind. The venue will be much more user friendly and will feature plenty of seating, a large dance floor and several social areas. Not to mention....an exciting lineup of entertainment. The Roadhouse will be open Mon.-Wed. 4 p.m.-11 p.m., Thurs. 4 p.m.-1 a.m. and Fri.-Sun. 12 noon-1 a.m. Just follow the tunes to Tower Plaza and enjoy an exciting new lineup of performers.

TCU vs. Texas A&M - 2010

NEW for 2011. We have partnered with the Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) and are now hosting a seminar appropriately titled as Wildlife, Land and Livestock. This seminar will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will last until 4:15 p.m. The first session from 8:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. will focus on Land Stewardship and Management. The second session from 1:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. will introduce Fire as a Management tool. We are very excited about this new partnership and looking forward to its growth potential.

So as you can see, 2011 offers an eventful year at the Stock Show with a ton of new things going on....really too many to list in one blog....But, we have some more tricks up our sleeves, so stay tuned to our Facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/fwssr, and check our website regularly for more information www.fwssr.com. Hope you are having a great year so far and we look forward to seeing you next year at the 2011 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. More than a game - This thing is legendary!

P.S. The Show runs January 14 - February 5, but I would recommend getting your tickets NOW....they are selling like hotcakes and our rodeo performances are filling up fast! http://www.fwssr.com/pdfs/2011tof.pdf

Regards,

Cal White
Social Media Manager

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Wrap-Up Report!!

2010-03-02T06:56:00.000-08:00

I know this is coming a little beyond the close of the Stock Show, but I still wanted to let everyone take a glance at the results and afterthoughts of the 2010 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. It was a great year, with a lot of new and exciting events and happenings.

This is a copy of the Press Release that was drafted with Stock Show results and afterthoughts:

Packed full of fun, excitement and new attractions, the 114th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo allowed over 920,000 visitors to experience a distinctive Western atmosphere at the Will Rogers Memorial Complex from January 15 through February 7. Another year of enthusiastic crowds proved to be just what Fort Worth’s largest annual event needed to experience success in all respects.

The Best of The West Ranch Rodeo crowned the reigning champion, B&S Cattle Company from Terrell, Texas, as the event champion. B&S Cattle Co. won the battle of the ranches while also claiming Ranch Vet and Bronc Riding event wins along with Top Horse honors. The Top hand award went to Shannon Vinson from Johnson Ranches. B&S was awarded a gooseneck trailer compliments of Cherokee Trailers of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma while team members took home hand-made bits, custom bed rolls, custom made boots, a buckle and spurs.

Featuring exceptional geldings from 17 stellar ranch horse programs, the Invitational Ranch Horse Show and Sale overall champion was Chew Tobacca from Sandhill Cattle Company of Earth, TX. A 2002 sorrel gelding, Chew Tobacca was purchased for $16,000 by Dan Nance of Haslet, TX. The reserve champion, Playing Lucky, owned by Michael Ranch of Channing, TX was obtained for $14,500 by Elizabeth Hardeman of Victor, MT. The average selling price for the sale was $11,294.12.

For the sixth year in a row, the AQHA’s “Best of the Remuda Sale” was hosted by the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in the Justin Arena. Award-winning ranches from Texas, Oklahoma, Nevada, New Mexico & Nebraska participated in the sale. Our Special Diamonds, from the W.T. Waggoner Estate captured the highest bid at $20,000 paid by Bob and Kate Ballew of Casper, Wyoming. Eighty-two head sold for an average price of $4,042. The horse sales, “Best of the West” Ranch Rodeo and the Stock Show’s Ranch Gathering comprised Ranching Heritage Weekend, which was presented by Western Horseman magazine.

The “World’s Original Indoor Rodeo” attracted a record 1,200 professional athletes participating in seven PRCA sanctioned events competing head-to-head for over half a million dollars in purse money. Champions include: Bareback Riding – Kaycee Field, Payson, UT; Steer Wrestling – Cash Myers, Athens, TX; Team Roping – Joel Bach and Paul Eaves, Millsap, TX; Saddle Bronc Riding – Shaun Stroh, Dickinson, ND; Tie-Down Roping – Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, LA; Women’s Barrel Race – Tana Poppino, Big Cabin, OK and Bull Riding –Lucas Guilbeau, Mount Pleasant, TX.

Bulls Night Out, the PRCA extreme bull riding event presented by Lone Star Ag Credit, thrilled crowds with exciting action from the PRCA’s elite bull riders. Champions for the two performances were Corey Navarre, Weatherford, Oklahoma (January 19) and Jordan Hooton, Daingerfield, Texas (January 20).

A sold out performance of the “Best of Mexico Celebración,” January 17, presented by Coors Light and Univision, featured the romance and beauty of mariachis, singing and dancing combined with the impressive talents and horsemanship of fourth generation charro, Jerry Diaz and his family. The event also featured many local charros, musicians and folklorico dancers participating in this fiesta-style production. The newest rodeo production, the Cowboys of Color Rodeo on January 18 also presented by Coors Light and Univision, was a daring display of multiculturalism, horsemanship and pageantry. Traditional rodeo events, along with demonstrations by Diaz, La Guadalupana and the Pony Express relay teams, comprised this unique presentation.

Livestock entries for the show totaled more than 22,000. During the Sale of Champions, 286 steers, barrows, lambs and goats were purchased by area businesses and individuals for an impressive record total of $2,773,912. Even during some challenging economic conditions, the Sale of Champions’ gross receipts exceeded the previous year’s total of $2,011,571 on 287 head, bringing the grand total of all 17 livestock sales to $5,662,307.

The grand champion steer, a 1,309-pound European crossbred known as “War Admiral,” was shown by Rikki Buckalew of Graham, TX. Larry White Jr. Investments topped all challenges with a record-breaking bid of $210,000, surpassing the 2007 record of $185,000 set by XTO Energy Inc. The reserve grand champion steer, a 1,329-pound Hereford known as “Reeses,” was exhibited by Allie Henrie of Wolfforth, TX. “Reeses” was purchased by long-time Stock Show supporter Coors Distributing Company of Fort Worth for a record-breaking total of $200,000, which exceeded the previous record by exactly $100,000. The strong momentum set early in the day also flowed into the additional auctions. The grand champion barrow was purchased by H-III Development for $25,000. The Hampshire barrow was shown by Carole-Hattie Bezner of Dalhart. Happy Davis Foundation topped the bidding at $13,000 for the reserve champion barrow shown by Mandy Stevenson of Hamlin. The grand champion lamb, shown by Kelsie Asher of Spring Branch, was sold to the Ladies on the Lamb for $20,000 as well as the reserve champion lamb for $15,000, which was shown by Kenzie Cantrell of Chico. The grand champion wether goat, shown by Jessica Smith of Zephyr, sold for $14,000 to the U’ Ol Goat Committee. Reserve champion wether goat, shown by McKenna Danielle Bergmann of Boerne was purchased by Dr. Bill Bonnell for $8,000.

The legendary 24-day event will return in 2011 from January to February respectively. Tickets to the “Best of Mexico Celebración,” Cowboys of Color Rodeo, “Bulls Night Out” PRCA Extreme Bull Riding and the PRCA Rodeo can be purchased via mail order after May 1. For more information visit http://www.fwssr.com/. Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo – This thing is legendary.

What an exciting year to come!!! Stay Tuned....