Western Experience

If you are looking for a fun-and free-way to spend your weekend, bring your family out to Stockyard Exchange for the annual Frontier Forts Days, May 10-11, 2013. During the two-day event, the Stockyard National Historic District will take you back in time to the wild and wooly days of the Texas frontier. During the festival, cowboys, Native Americans, and military personnel come together to reenact a time when these vastly different cultures mingled and clashed, as they forged the future for the city of Fort Worth. 

Exchange Avenue will be transformed to the 19^th century and lined with encampments from the Texas Forts Trail. Wander through the camps to learn about the tools and daily life of the soldiers, as well as get a unique glimpse of the relationship between Texas and US Military. Parades, demonstrations, and other cultural encounters are ongoing throughout the day to give you a glimpse of the journeys and people who shaped the land.

With so many action-packed activities on the agenda, the kids will be so entertained that they won’t even realize they are learning about an important period in Texas history.

You won’t want to miss:

• Artillery demonstrations
• Infantry and Cavalry demonstrations
• Native American performances
• Live music
• 10 Fort encampments
• Military parades and presentations

Frontier Forts Days will begin on Friday, May 10 at 10:00 am and run through Saturday May 11 at 5:00 pm. 

Photo: Brian Hutson

Hometown: Albany, New York

Occupation: Freelance writer and editor of AlbanyKid.com, a blog about enriching family travel.

Describe Fort Worth in three words: Spunky, Spirited, and Surprising.

If you want to discover America’s frontier spirit, there’s no better place to find it than in Fort Worth. The Old West comes alive every day in the Stockyards when cowhands drive a herd of Texas Longhorns through the Historic District. But on a recent visit, I discovered that there’s a lot more to this “Cowtown.”

Lush Gardens

The Texas landscape of my imagination is one of dusty trails, lone oak trees and barbwire fences. Not the verdant gardens—brightened by cottage pink roses, towering azaleas, and abundantly stocked koi ponds--that graced my stroll through the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. And as if that wasn’t enough to permanently shift my mental picture, the Botanic Garden offers a number of educational exhibits, including the extremely kid-friendly Texas Native Forest Boardwalk.

Renaissance Art

I was expecting to see works by legendary Western artists such as Frederic Remington, but little did I know that Fort Worth is home to world-class art collections.  The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth houses the second largest collection of modern and contemporary American and European art in the United States. And the Kimbell Art Museum, known as “America’s best small museum,” permanently displays Michelangelo’s first painting, The Torment of Saint Anthony. Both museums are neighbors in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, where a number of outdoor sculptures prompted smiles (and even raised eyebrows.)

Loss and Remembrance

When I visited, Fort Worth had just unveiled the JFK Tribute commemorating the city’s place in history as the site of President John F. Kennedy’s final speech before his assassination. I was staying across the street at the Hilton Hotel (formerly Hotel Texas) where JFK and the first lady spent their last night together, and thus had ample opportunity to study displays celebrating JFK’s accomplishments. What struck me, though, was not the photographs and signage, but the sense of pride and gratitude in his legacy emanating from a Texan vet I met at the exhibits.

I hope you dance.

Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk, has to be seen to be believed. We dropped in early on a weeknight, so I didn’t experience the energy of a 100,000 square foot establishment capable of holding 6,000 people. Instead, I was able to get a good gander at the decorative displays: the world’s largest belt buckle; walls covered in hand prints from the likes of Ringo, Richard Petty, and Huey Lewis; and a homage to the Live at Billy Bob’s Texas” label listing county music legends from Merle Haggard to Billy Joe Shaver who have recorded onsite. The image that will stay with me, however, is that of a middle-aged couple dancing on the wooden floor, under neon lights and a rhinestone studded saddle.

Seems to me that Fort Worth is full of fun and educational things to do with kids, but it’s also the kind of place that makes you want to dance.

Chandler Bownds has had his PRCA card for two years and has won several major rodeos in that short amount of time. In 2011, he was not only named Resistol’s Rookie of the Year, but also qualified for the 2011 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Be sure to catch Chandler on February 8th and 9th when he will be competing at the 117th annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo!

Name: Chandler Bownds
 
Hometown: Lubbock, Texas
 
Rodeo Event: Bull Riding
 
How did you become interested in riding bulls?
My Dad is a team roper and when I was little I used to follow him around every time he went to go rope. However, I was introduced to bull riding and raising bucking bulls at age ten when I met stock contractor Lyndal Hurst. His daughters moved into our school district and we stock showed together.  He invited me to come and try to ride and it stuck…I’ve been doing it ever since then.
 
What is your most memorable moment in the arena?
My most memorable moment in the arena is when I was 95 points and tied the arena record is Ellensburg, Wa.
 
Who would you consider one of your heroes in the sport of rodeo?
Lane Frost because he was a great bull rider and an inspiration to the rodeo world. I had the honor of meeting Lane Frost’s parents at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo a couple of years ago. I consider that to be a memory I will never forget.

What would your advice be to someone interested in becoming a bull rider?
Set a goal, try hard, be positive, and surround yourself with a good support system. Make sure you have the right equipment, especially your Justin boots, and you get on a lot of practice bulls when you get the opportunity. Most of all, don’t forget where you came from and what it took to get there.
 
What is your favorite thing to do outside of competing when you visit Fort Worth?
I like going to a Rangers game or hanging out with friends that live in the area.
 
What is your favorite place to eat when you visit Fort Worth?
 My favorite place to eat is Fred’s. It’s a great atmosphere and I like to listen to some of the bands that they have play there.

Photo Credit: James Phifer

For the past five years, Dusty Tuckness has been hired as one of two PRCA Rodeo bullfighters for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. As part of being a bullfighter, Dusty puts his life and body on the line each time a bull is bucked and/or a rider is down or hung up. For this, bullfighters are one of the biggest reasons that bull riders are able to compete and stay healthy. He wears very little padding, his trademark makeup, cowboy hat, cleats and “baggies.” Like many bullfighters, Dusty has taken some hard hits in his career – most recently during the televised 2012 National Finals Rodeo – and if he is able, gets right back out there to do his job for each performance and never misses a beat. He fights bulls with a fluidity and style that makes his job look effortless which is one of the many reasons he has won the PRCA “Bullfighter of the Year” award  three times.

Name: Dusty Tuckness

Hometown: Meeteetse, Wyoming

Which rodeo Events do you/have you participated in?
 Bullfighting and I got on a few bulls but didn’t like it though.

What are your current rodeo related career achievements?
•    2X Professional Bullfighters Tour World Champion
•    3X Bullfighter of the Year – PRCA
•    4X NFR Bullfighter
•    3X College National Finals Bullfighter
•    6X Mountain States Circuit Finals Bullfighter
•    Salinas Bullfight Champion
•    Big rodeos I’ve worked: Odessa, Fort Worth, Houston, Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (previously DNCFR); Cody Stampede, Central Wyoming Fair, Cheyenne, Kansas’ Biggest Rodeo, Nampa, Idaho; National Western Stock Show & Rodeo, Omaha, Nebraska; American Royal, Oklahoma City and Greeley, Colorado.

What would your advice be to someone interested in getting into fighting bulls/ cowboy protection?
Get to a good Bullfighting school and learn from someone who knows what they are talking about.

What is the your most memorable/favorite Stock Show moment?
I survived, LOL. There are a lot of great moments from the Stock Show. My first year there, the group of guys that were working the Rodeo was a lot of fun: Andy Burelle, John Harrison, Gizmo, the trick riders and myself. We all got along and hung out all the time. My 2nd year, Andy Burelle, Ted Bert, Chad Denton and a few others would stay up late every night playing monopoly. We had a lot of fun with it. Sometimes when I am working the event, I’ll sit up in the stands and just look into the arena and think of all the greats that have either competed or fought bulls in that arena. The history is awesome, and I’m just glad to be a part of it.

What type of preparation does it take throughout the year to get ready for a Show the size/length of the FWSSR (23 days/ 36 rodeo performances)?
My preparation really doesn't’t change much going into the FWSSR because I work out and train all year long. The FWSSR is one of a kind rodeo though. You have to be mentally and physically tough because it is the longest rodeo you can work – 23 days, 36 rodeo performances, and 12-15 Bull Riders per performance.

How has your experience in the rodeo arena benefited you in life (to date)?
My experience in the arena has had a big benefit in my life because I grew up in one. My dad fought bulls and it’s something I have always wanted to do. It’s what has helped make me the person I am today.

What has been your worst rodeo-related injury?
Worst injury that I have had would have to be when I tore my shoulder up and had to have surgery.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of the FWSSR when you visit Fort Worth?
Well, we do make a few trips down to Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. We eat there a lot when we are there for the Rodeo.
 

The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame pays tribute to the cowboys and cowgirls who have excelled in the sports of rodeo, cutting and ranching, and those individuals who have dedicated their lives to promoting and preserving Texas Western heritage. The Sterquell Wagon collection features more than 60 Old West wagons, carts and sleighs. At the Exploratorium, children can learn to pack for a trail drive and dig for treasures in the sawdust, among other hands-on experiences. Western-themed apparel, jewelry and souvenirs are available in the gift shop.

Induction into Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed on individuals who have shown excellence in competition, business, and support of rodeo and the western lifestyle in Texas. This year's induction will take place January 17th, 2013 at the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.

This year's Inductees include:

• Dr. Tandy Freeman, III - Medical Director for the Justin Sports Medicine Team and Professional Bull Riders Sports Medicine Program, Team Physician for the Dallas Mavericks and a member of the physician pool for the U.S. Ski Team.
• Sandy Kirby - A 9-time qualifier for the bull riding and 5-time qualifier for the bareback competition. Kirby took home the Bareback Average title in 1973 and the Bull Riding Average title in 1974.
• Edwards Family & Edwards Ranch - The Edwards Ranch, which has been operating over 160 years, is considered prime real estate in Fort Worth. Over the years parts of the ranch have been sold and developed into Trinity Park and the Fort Worth Zoo.
• Tommy Steiner - The Steiner Rodeo Company has been home to some of rodeos finest stock including 6 Black 6, the 1975 Bull of the Year; 11 Red Lightning, the 1978 Bull of the Year and Stormy Weather, the 1975 Bareback Horse of the Year just to name a few.

Rick Smith Spirit of Texas Honoree:

• Randy White – A retired professional football player, White has appeared in numerous western and children’s fundraising events and is involved in celebrity roping events as well as with other western organizations.

Proceeds benefit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in their ongoing education and preservation efforts. Click here for more information on the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony or other Events in Fort Worth.

We caught up with Rikki Buckalew, Fort Worth Stock Show exhibitor who presented the 2010 Grand Champion Market Steer, War Admiral (a 1,309-pound European crossbred). That year, during the Sale of Champions, she set an all-time auction record when Larry B. White Jr. Investments purchased War Admiral for a record of $210,000. What makes her story that much more special is that she overcame health issues just to be able to compete during the Show. She has since gone on to Texas A&M and will graduate next fall.

Name: Rikki Buckalew

Hometown: Graham, TX

Livestock Events: I showed steers at all of the major livestock shows in Texas for eight years and goats for four years. I also showed heifers at major live stocks in Texas for two years.

Favorite Stock Show moment: My favorite stock show moment was my senior year of High School when I showed my steer, War Admiral, at the Fort Worth Livestock Show. The experience was special because I knew it was my last livestock show as an exhibitor and it was my last opportunity to see what all of mine and my family’s hard work had brought. It was also special because I did not even know if I was going to be able to participate in my last livestock show. But thankfully through the work of my family, close family friends, and doctors I was able to show and win the title of Grand Champion Steer.

What type of preparation does it take throughout the year to get ready for a Show the size of the FWSSR? Preparing for a livestock show the size of the FWSSR is no easy feat. It requires time, patience, and lots of hard work. It requires making the trek to the barn to feed and water your animal when it’s freezing cold or blistering hot. It requires spending hours working with your animal so that they are properly trained and show ring ready. You have to groom your animal, keep them cool during the horribly hot days of summer, and clean their pens every day.

How has your experience in the livestock arena benefited your immediate future and how do you expect it to benefit you long term? Being in the livestock arena has benefited me in so many ways. The biggest two lessons it has taught me to be is being cool and collected under pressure. It has also taught me to accept defeat and success both with grace and humility. These lessons will benefit me in so many ways in my future career, school, and even in daily life.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of the FWSSR when you visit Fort Worth?
I enjoy walking around Sundance Square and visiting all of the shops. I also enjoy watching performances at Bass Hall, touring the Kimbell Art Museum, and visiting the Stockyards. Fort Worth has so much to offer and there is always something new and exciting to do!

Besides food at the Stock Show, what is your favorite place to eat when you visit Fort Worth?
My favorite place to eat when I visit Fort Worth is Razoos in Sundance Square. I love the atmosphere and I have always had great service. Everything on the menu is delicious and their bread pudding is the best I’ve ever had.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is a 23-day extravaganza, offering a unique atmosphere rich in tradition and history. Also known as Tarrant County's largest annual event, the Show attracts more than one million visitors each year. This year's event will last from January 18th - February 9th, 2013.

The 117-year old event is the nation's oldest livestock show, featuring over 22,000 head of world-class livestock on exhibit. The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is home of the World's Original Indoor Rodeo®.

In addition to the various livestock shows and professional rodeo thrills, Stock Show patrons can also enjoy interactive educational exhibits, nearly 200,000 square feet of unique shopping, live music, an exciting carnival, great food and much more! Experience this legendary event full of western heritage, family entertainment and lasting education each January through February at the Will Rogers Memorial Center.

Rodeo tickets range from $19 to $25 and will be available for:

• "Best of the West" Ranch Rodeo @ 7:30 p.m. January 18-19th
• Best of Mexico Celebracion @ 7:30 p.m. on January 20th
• Cowboys of Color Rodeo @ 2 p.m. on January 21st
• "Bulls' Night Out" @ 7:30 p.m. January 22-23rd
• World's Original Indoor Rodeo January 24th-February 9th.

Check www.fwssr.com for a complete list of times and events for the 2013 Stock Show and Rodeo. Check back on our Facebook page for a FWSSR photo contest January 2-January 14! 

The ticket office at 3401 W. Lancaster Ave. will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Fans also can purchase tickets by calling 817-877-2420 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. 

Bringing a group to Fort Worth? Let us help! The Fort Worth Tourism team is here to help all leisure travel groups traveling to Fort Worth. Some of the many services we offer free of charge to all groups coming to Fort Worth are:

• Happy Trails Greetings, we personally welcome your group to our city and offer a free souvenir gift to each person in the tour.
• We can assist you with itinerary planning: destination, region or stop over.
• We offer “one-stop” hotel rate quote assistance from our group and Motor coach-friendly hotels.
• With our promotional video, images, attraction brochures, maps, calendar of events, discount coupons and more, we can give you any marketing assistance needed.
• We provide group reservation assistance for attractions, performing arts and special venues.

For details on any of this please reach out to our Tourism Team.

Miss Molly's Hotel is located in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District and is filled with history and haunts as it started as a borthel circa 1910. During this time, Fort Worth was a favorite stop during the cattle drives, and so many cowboys took solace knowing Miss Molly's Hotel would be waiting for them with a hot bath and ladies of the evening for entertainment. Later converted to a boarding house, and then Fort Worth's first bed and breakfast in 1989, Miss Molly's Hotel offers eight themed guest rooms-each named appropriately to reflect the history of that particular room. The premier room, "Miss Josie" was the madam's quarters during the bordello days and still serves as the most requested room. Sightings of the last madam, Ms. Josie King, have been reported; it is said she stands at the foot of the bed, watching over whoever is sleeping in her bed. Reports of hearing footsteps in the room and in the private bath area in addition to hearing a woman's voice during the night, only validate previous and similiar claims. The decor of the private bath takes you back in time to an era of days gone by with the original pull chain toilet, pedastal sink, rose petal wall-paper, draped ceiling, polished hardwood floors, and the claw-foot bathtub and shower apparatus from the Victorian era.

Of course, claims of paranormal activity from guests and innkeepers through the years only add to the mystique of Miss Molly's.

There is no better place to experience the Western lore and mystique of the cowboy lifestyle than the annual Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering and Western Swing Festival. Every year, thousands of spectactors, cowboys and locals alike gather for the 'Best Gathering and Best Family Event' voted by the readers of American Cowboy Magazine.

The 22nd annual event in the Historic Stockyards: October 26-28, 2012, is fun for all ages filled with a variety of entertainment. Get your tickets now for the Friday or Saturday special edition Red Steagall Rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum. Shoppers can visit Mule Alley for cowboy goods and accessories. Last year, we scored a pair of vintage Justin Boots for just $20! Enjoy the chuckwagon cook-offs and set-up along Exchange Avenue. Of course, there will be live cowboy poetry and music as well.

So, boot up and come out to the Stockyards National Historic District this weekend for some cowboy fun!

Animals Alive! is taking place this Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012 in the Fort Worth Historic Stockyards! Come to Stockyards Station between 11am and 4pm for a free day of family fun! This is a great chance to get up-close with some of Texas' most unique animals, ride a pony, visit the petting zoo, and watch the amazing Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive. Animals Alive! activities include armadillo races, pony rides, petting zoo, live animal presentations with Critterman and Fort Worth Herd Cow Camp where you can learn how life was back in the day on the legendary Chisolm Trail. Make plans for this Saturday to enjoy some fall family fun! 

TGIF! What better way to kick start your Friday evening than a little wild West fun at the Stockyards Championship Rodeo? Every Friday and Saturday night at 8pm, watch live bull riding, calf roping and barrel racing all inside Cowtown Coliseum, home of the world's original indoor rodeo. The Stockyards Championship Rodeo is a truly Texas experience where locals and visitors alike come for authentic Western entertainment. If you've got younger ones (7 and under), they will surely enjoy the mutton scramble where kids come down into the rodeo ring and chase around young sheep or calf. 

Also at Cowtown Coliseum, don't miss any of the action from Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show every Saturday and Sunday 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. For a full day of fun, head on out to the Wild West show, catch the Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive, enjoy dinner at one of the many spectacular Stockyards restaurants, head to the Rodeo followed by a night of live music and fun at Billy Bob's Texas, the world's largest honkey tonk. Whew! Now that's a fun weekend!

Fort Worth Herd Drover: Brenda Taylor

Hometown: Springtown, TX

Time spent with the Fort Worth Herd:  11 Years

Favorite Horse and Steer: Favorite Horse is Bose; favorite steer is Freckles.

The best thing about being a Fort Worth Herd drover:The best thing about being a Fort Worth Herd drover is having the opportunity to speak and interact with the public each day, as well as putting on the educational program for thousands of kids. The Herd has given me the opportunity to interact with people from all different parts of the country and world.  I enjoy being able to teach visitors about Texas History, and the history of the cattle drive.

The most interesting thing you’ve learned as a drover for the Fort Worth Herd:I find it interesting how the public’s knowledge of our cattle & horses differs from our knowledge as drovers. I enjoy educating the public, and increasing their knowledge of Texas history and our livestock. The public seems to really enjoy hearing about the horses and steers, and knowing where their name came from.

The most frequently asked question (s) people ask you on the street: Two of the most common questions we are asked is “What is your horses name and what kind of horse is he?” and “Does it bother the horse when he has a bit in his mouth?”.

Fort Worth is known for many things, but one thing that helps us stand out from the rest is our Western heritage. Make sure to sign-up for the Fort Worth July "Where the West Begins" Sweepstakes by July 30th on FortWorth.com. Don't miss your chance to win one of these four amazing Western packages! Each package includes:

1. Concert Tickets to Billy Bob's Texas
2. $50 Gift Certificate to Hunter Brothers H3 Ranch
3. Admission for (4) to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
4. Admission for (4) to Stockyards Championship Rodeo
5. Billy Bob's Texas framed photo of Willie Nelson wearing a red Fort Worth bandana (pictured right)
6. (4) Fort Worth Bandanas (Red and Brown)

The only way you can hurt your chances of winning is not signing-up! Go to FortWorth.com to enter for your chance to win! The winners will be chosen at random on Tuesday, July 31st. The winners will be notified by email or phone that day. Questions? Check-out the contest rules for more info.Good luck everyone!

Fort Worth Herd Drover: John Clements Piepho

Hometown:  Arthur, Nebraska

Time spent with the Fort Worth Herd: 7 months

Favorite Horse and Steer: Favorite Horse is Niles the Mule, and my favorite steer is Thunder

The best thing about being a Fort Worth Herd drover: The best thing about being a Fort Worth Herd drover is making little kids feel special when they get to pet our horses.

The most interesting thing you’ve learned as a drover for the Fort Worth Herd: Working for the Fort Worth Herd has enhanced my knowledge of the history behind the longhorn.

The most frequently asked question (s) people ask you on the street:
“What time is the cattle drive?” or “Is that a donkey?"

Ever wondered what it would be like to step back in time during the days of the Wild West and experience the day in the life of an American cowboy? This Saturday, July 28th, is you and your family's chance to experience the best of the West at the 5th Annual National Day of the American Cowboy in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District!

The event takes place 10:30am-4pm and is filled with fun Western heritage events for the entire family to enjoy including watermelon eating and seed-spitting contests, best mustache, hay stacking, buckaroo crafts and coloring, Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive, Riscky’s rib-eating contest and much more! Don't miss the gunfight shows, Cowboy Celebration parade or Billy Bob's Texas' Cowboy Idol!  This event is also free, so come out and celebrate our city's amazing history and be a cowboy or girl for the day!