Bronc, Stock and Barrel

I've been thinking about torn muscles and broken bones. Not mine, mind you--I find hangnails too painful to bear. I've been thinking of the members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association who, for the next 16 days, will ride bucking broncs and wrestle steers at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo; it's dangerous, exciting and entertaining. Now in its 110th year, the stock show and rodeo has hit its prime, with more than 800,000 people in attendance last year for the rodeos as well as barrel races, cowgirls and livestock exhibitions (with 20,000 animals, including cattle, goats, llamas and rabbits). The event also rounds up about four acres of shopping, a midway (with fried Oreos!) and carnival rides. It's everything you need to feel like an authentic cowboy, without the visit to the emergency room and shoulder sling. The lassos fly through February 5 with grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and rodeo events every night.
Jan. 20-Feb. 5