Doctor on rodeo.

It's used in Texas.

Get ready, Way are ready to rodeo.

I'm alone a Carson, and we are so thrilled to be your hosts for this incredible parade that kicks off three weeks of the biggest party in one of the biggest cities in America.

It is the Houston Livestock Show in Rodeo Parade that will sweep through downtown Houston.

As Gina said, rain or shine, missed or humidity, sunshine and warmth.

Everybody is ready for this big day.

So great to see the young folks.

The parents out here is we see every year celebrating as I said, our country our heritage way have something so unique here in Houston, Texas, that brings together people from all over the state and some from out of state journey for weeks to get here to downtown.

Used it to get to the actual rodeo festivities that we're gonna be having an energy when you think of the trail rides, it actually started.

Well, they started a year after we finished last year, right, But, uh, I think that they've come for 100 miles 100 20 miles for 80 miles, and that is the official really kick off.

But it's so far out of town.

Then they get here.

This and I told David Nunes, is earlier on the nine o'clock news that this is the official kickoff.

I like the way you said that.

That this is the biggest party in the world isn NRG Stadium.

It is the richest change your life party for my industry and professional rodeo.

On behalf of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Rodeo, Houston has been working hard to make it that way.

And I love the fact that here we are the fourth largest city in the nation.

We have one of the largest economies on the planet.

We have so much business going on here and in the streets of downtown Houston way turn into the Old West on this day, and it truly reminds us of where we came from and still where we're headed.

Because, Bob, there's still a lot of these folks.

They might be running big industries.

They might be working for the oil companies, but they're still spending a huge amount of their time involved in this.

What it does is it what Southeast Texas Texas used to be about when you have an opportunity to think I'm gonna put on a cowboy hat Whether or not I'm gonna work.

I'm going to get a taste of that environment three weeks of the year.

You know what?

That's the last.

That's where we come up with 35,000 volunteers.

Then they get involved in the show.

They get involved in great, get involved in the security, get involved in golf carts.

There are so many ways for people to get involved in the end result of that.

They take, They take all of their vacation time and they come be a part of Jim winnings.

35,000 volunteers.

That's official.

Let's go to the parade, right?

We're gathered here today to watch pageantry in action.

Since 1967 the United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard has represented the Marine Corps for Logistics Base, Barstow, California and numerous events throughout the United States.

We're so proud to have him here today.

Yeah, this is the only remaining and mounted color guard in the Marine Corps.

America's heroes, some of them riding the living legend, the palomino colored wild mustangs.

This is from the BLM adopt a horse program.

So a hugely successful story there as well?

Very much so.

Well, here they come.

Jana Bite, Texas Aggie Band Staff Sergeant Esteban Gay, That is our staff commissioned Officer in charge of the mountain killer Guard units stationed in a Marine Corps logistics base.

March Stoke, California Yet Ryder Women Sergeant Major Gene and Louise staff started Esteban, I believe we have David knew No.

And David you got there on the problem I got with Gina.

I got the grand Marshal, DeShaun Watson, and he's having a blast to Sean.

You were telling me earlier this year First Radio.

What's this Like a great time learning how to ride a horse right now.

But, I mean, it's good.

It's a blessing to be here.

I'm having a great time.

I see your confidence gotta grow, because when we started, it was almost running me over.

But now you've got it under control.

You know, I'm just getting the hang of it.

Takes a little bit of reps, little bit of, you know, running.

So it's good so far is the biggest party in the world, Man.

What is it like to be a part of it.

It's awesome.

I said before, It's a blessing and be a part of it.

Especially be the Grand marshal.

And I'm enjoying it last day for you.

How's your offseason treating you?

It's been good, healthy and ready to get back going.

And, you know I'm good for the mess.

You all right?

Thanks so much, guys.

Back to you.

Well, he's doing great out there.

If this is, in fact, his first rodeo, and he is literally learning to ride a horse right now.

Look at how d'oh!

Brave fella.

Yeah, Gotta tell Pat.

He looks natural, innit?

He does not.

You know, he white knuckled around this, but there's not a whole lot that he can't handle.

Well, I'm thinking, like, definitely don't want falling off of breaking his arm.

Great.

As late as he is, this is just a walk in the park for him.

We want to remind you forgotten.

Of course, John.

Drafted by the Houston Texans with 12 overall pick in 2017 and all the NFL is raving about this young talent.

We're so glad to have him in our city and have Mr Grant Marshall today.

It is really need to see him out there.

We've also got our flag.

There's on horseback, the lovely ladies carrying the Texas flag and, of course, the beautiful flag of the United States of America.

And it wouldn't be official without those two very important flags making their way down.

And these are the flags that we're going to see a ll the kiddos waving as well as they pass them by now I'm real impressed.

Way got here this morning.

It was it was the least the rainy way.

Thought the streets might be fair, but no, people have really come out.

They're born their love and support.

Yeah.

Yeah, it's It's great to see people.

Bills like this needs to be supported.

Extradition needs to be supported.

So I believe that we're gonna be seeing the chairman of the board here pretty soon, Bob and you'll be able to tell us a little bit about him and all the hard work that they've put in here.

They are right here.

That's Jim Winnie.

And he's the lead volunteer.

35,000 right there on the buckskin horse.

Let's say that again.

35,000, 35,000 of our friends and neighbors.

But you need to understand about Jim.

Winnie.

He's a rancher.

He's a cowboy.

Um, he is a horseman and he is the lead volunteer.

Somebody has got to set the image carried and carry that torch for all of these people that give tens of thousands of hours each and every year.

And some of them are 25 30 years into the project.

As they get older, they find other things to get involved with.

So in order to say thank you to Jim, Winnie and Joel Callie off to his left any other side, I think he'll be joining us.

Yes, as our president of HLS are a little bit later, right here on Channel 13.

Always great to see them.

We've also got some members of the executive committee riding right there behind them.

And these were all good friends of yours, Bob.

So you can continue to walk us through Well, when you when you look at this group men and women of what they do and where they come from, there's ball Somerville And as they're waving here today, staged a van's in the background.

It just goes on and on.

These are people that have dedicated their life, their family, their businesses and in many cases, personal resource is in order to keep the graduation year to year to get bigger and stronger.

Remember, they are also a part of that volunteer base.

So in each of their categories, to the testament of who they are and what they've done, it's a lifetime endeavor.

There in the beautiful carriages are some v I.

P saw the Watsons gaps and we saw right there.

First lady Linda Winning is well, And Tammy Kallias.

Well, there she is, right?

There is a solution.

Very, very happy to be celebrating this day.

All right, A lot of work and nice to not be rained on.

I know this forecast has been so up in the air, and we've been watching it literally, right down to the last minute.

I know our meteorologists are still on the job worrying about exactly where the showers are coming, but I feel like we're actually seeing some frightening skies.

Right.

As we kick off down here north, I can tell you the humidity has dropped by 50%.

Okay?

Yeah, it really feels good.

My hair didn't notice that.

But I'll take you to help us, right?

Take your word on that, fellas.

You look at this group with Jim Bloodworth Brady Truth Ray Hensley, of course, happening.

Jack Lyons, that man Phillips.

But Robinson Wesley, Signer to Steve Stephen, Joe Van Matri, Wayne Hollis, Ed McMahon and Big Ball Somerville.

That is the shot in the group of our executive committee that just a part of this morning's parade, and we're seeing a few women tell us a little about women joining the ranks well, the year you know what everyone?

Everyone in the Western lifestyle and around the rodeo business and fair and livestock business they've always.

Always.

The women always either stood beside him, stood behind in Houston, being his formative as it is and progressing as it is women for the executive committee.

Women in high echelon parts of this is really important touch, and I'm talking about it from the international committees of women that might speak for five languages for people that come here from all over the world.

They're not just a first lady of the chairman of the board, first lady of the president, first lady of an executive member.

These women work as hard as they possibly can in their time.

And I mean, they've got kids, have got grandkids, they have other duties.

Ladies, do I have to tell me, Oh, hello, Wire.

But times they have changed eyes.

Yeah, I guess the point.

And I think it's absolutely wonderful.

It's an old deal, you know, if you want it done right, way got to get right on in there.

And as we continue to watch some of the officers making their way on horseback, there was a number that stuck out to me as we were preparing for this year's parade Bob.

And it's almost half a 1,000,000,000 dollars, 400 that is really it is mind blowing to think that is the money that has bored into scholarships to sending thes Texas kids to school, to be educated and to really give back to their communities in so many different ways.

Well, even collectively, the three of us, as young as we are, can think back to 19 32 but $475 million.

Now remember, it's not just scholarships, its research, it's endowments, It's got scramble.

Participants junior show examiners, school art participants and other educational youth programs that fit this in tires sphere.

And so many people that come from the outside goal.

Yeah, they're gonna give it to all those farm kids those kids that are raised on ranches and farms.

No, no, no, no, no, no.

I did an interview on walk.

I think yesterday when I was driving to explain to people that the inner city kids that have an opportunity to study art it's such a big thing.

Kids want to go to get a a scholarship to become a nurse or a doctor.

All area either the sinister MD Anderson to do in terms because they have that scholarship, then get into the next project.

And it does not make any difference of where they come from, who they are.

All they have to do to apply may throw something in.

Things have changed in the last couple of years, you know, for years and years.

A several 70% of its girls get scholarships.

You know why?

Because the girls will do the paper paper way that happens at my house.

Two bombs have got some guys that are starting to do the paperwork.

Well, there's lots of organizations.

I'm a part of the organization that tries to help kids that normally would not know about the process to help them get their injuries in.

So, yeah, it's it's nice that this is accessible.

This opportunity for education is accessible to all of our kids.

I know we don't have time to go through the whole thing.

I got it to our dissertation on you.

Get starting of your scholarship and maintain your grades, and you can get it again and again.

And then you do well as a junior run on to be a senior.

You come back into grad school, continues on with college.

All right, guys, we got to say, Say it every year and this is when it becomes official.

Ready?

I held onto my hat when I said I thought that would give me extra.

Howdy is riding in a big old boot, representing the show strong ties to our Western heritage that Leggett H became the Houston Livestock and Rodeo official logo all the way back in 1966.

Show officials basically knew that this logo would really help come to life really over a casual lunch with friends.