The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s 23-day western celebration began with the All Western Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, drawing crowds who faced an arctic blast that sent temperatures plummeting.
At a Glance
- Parade stepped off at 11 a.m. as an arctic front arrived
- Spectators layered up to support marching-band kids and horses
- Visitors from Houston and Mexico refused to skip the tradition
- Why it matters: Families say the cold is a small price for a once-a-year cultural showcase
Cold Snap Greets Parade-Goers
The mercury tumbled just as the parade started, catching many off guard after a mild week. Spectators wrapped scarves tighter and pulled hats lower while horses, bands, and floats rolled through downtown.
Parents Brave Chill for Kids
Buzz Buswell and Stephanie Pointer came prepared with multiple layers to cheer Benbrook’s marching band, where their son performs.
“I’m wearing quite a few [layers],” Pointer said. “It was such a great week this week and then we get an arctic front that blows in the day that we’re going to be outside.”
Her daughters, Lily and Ella, arrived under-dressed but stayed for the horses and music.
“It’s really cold, but it’s really nice to watch a parade,” Ella said.
“I definitely was not prepared but I did like to see all the horses,” Lily added.
Travelers Won’t Cancel Plans
Sarahy Rodriguez stood roadside to support her cousin, who traveled from Mexico to perform. “I was debating it if I wanted to go or not because it was really cold outside,” she admitted.
Ivone Rangel and her partner left Houston without checking the forecast.
“We just happened to pack a little-a few extra layers, which was a good thing we did,” Rangel said. The cold became an unexpected birthday-adventure twist. “We’re going to take advantage of it,” she insisted.
First-Timers Embrace Tradition
Damon Broome, experiencing the parade for the first time, refused the indoors. “I woke up this morning and I said, ‘You know what? I got my cowboy hat on, so I’m going to go out and enjoy it, regardless of the weather,'” he declared.
Vivian Guajardo shivered beside her grandson, determined not to miss a milestone. “Well, this is the first time I was able to bring my grandson out here,” she explained.
Key Takeaways
- The All Western Parade officially launches the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s 23-day run
- Temperatures dropped sharply right at kickoff time, testing crowd endurance
- Families from across Texas and Mexico prioritized tradition over comfort
- Organizers made no weather-related schedule changes, and the parade rolled on as planned
