1The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo boasts that it has the “World’s Original Indoor Rodeo.” Held nightly, the rodeo features everything from barrel racing to bull riding. Although the livestock competition is always the centerpiece of the show, the in between event entertainment, such as Tijuana stud poker, in which four men play a game of poker with a wild bull on prowl in the ring, providing both laughs and thrills. Oftentimes, the rodeo clowns steal the show with their sarcastic in-between bull banter. 2 With more than 200,000 square feet of space, the Commercial Exhibits section rivals the local mall in shopping options. With everything from farm equipment and tractors to clothing and jewelry, the Commercial Exhibits are like a cross between a mall and a flea market. The exhibit hall is open daily throughout the event.
3 Often marked with humor and wit, “Campfire Stories,” presented by the Texas Cowboy Poet’s Association is a concert of readings by some of the most clever cowboy poets around. The readings range from humorous takes on the cowboy life, to poignant, lyrical ballads about friends and legends. The show starts at 12 p.m. Jan. 23 and 24.
4 To take a break from the Western world and enjoy the unseasonably mild weather, stop off at the Carnival Midway. Cotton candy, a ferris wheel and the trademark game booths run the length of Midway. The Midway is open daily to all ages.
5 You’ll have to wake up pretty early in the morning to catch the Southwestern Sheepdog Trial, but losing the extra sleep is worth seeing these sheepdogs do things that put Spot to shame. Border collies and Australian Shepherds go head to head in an event made famous by the movie “Babe.” The event will be held at 8 a.m. Feb. 4 and 5.
6 On Saturday, Jan. 21, llamas invade the arena for the Southwestern Llama Show in the Justin Arena. The show demonstrates performance, with llamas running through obstacle courses, pack classes (in which llamas carry 40-pound weights and hurdle obstacles), and obstacle driving courses. The show is at 8 a.m.
