Tenth of Ten Top Rodeos

PRCA Top 10/10

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo – San Antonio, TX

In 1854, in an emerging Texas cattle town, history was made when one of the first ever Texas Agricultural Fairs was held in San Antonio. In the following years, many other fairs and expositions came to San Antonio and have been held in the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum. Over the years the stock show and rodeo have worked their way up to being in the top ten rodeos in America. The show is in February and starts on the first weekend and finishes on the third weekend of February. The rodeo consists of day to day competition, then two sets of semi-finals, followed by a wild card final, and finally well the finals of the two week event.

Alongside the rodeo is the stock show that has just about every farm animal imaginable up for judging. From goats and pigs to horses and cattle. With the winner and high seller of these classes taking home a good pocketful of change and maybe even a scholarship or two. Along with the stock show is the trade show that has been located in the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum since the rodeo was moved into the AT&T Center. Here you can find custom works for sale done by painters, sculptures, leather workers, bit and spur makers and delicious treats made by many homemakers.

While staying in San Antonio for the stock show and rodeo you could also go to Museo Alameda museum, a Smithsonian Institute affiliate, Sea World, Six Flags, the San Antonio Zoo, or go for a walk on the San Antonio River Walk. You could shopping at one of the indoor or outdoor malls, antique and souvenir shops or go barter at one of the many flea markets. While doing all this you will work up quite an appetite but luckily there are many eateries from Greek, Tex Mex, Asian, Mexican restaurants, to BBQ houses and steak houses to sit down at and enjoy a wonderful meal. After a hard day at the stock show and rodeo or out for a day in the city you can stay at one of the 265 hotels and inns or since there is no camping on the show grounds you could stay at one of five campgrounds.

The official website of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo is - http://www.sarodeo.com/

CPRA Top 10/10

Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede – Medicine Hat, AB

The wide open spaces and clear blue skies of southern Alberta are the canvas for the natural beauty of our city. Located in the scenic South Saskatchewan River Valley, Medicine Hat has more hours of sunshine than any another Canadian community (2,512 hours per year!) making us “Canada’s Sunniest City”, and home to Canada’s tenth top rodeo. This rodeo is held on the fourth weekend of July at the Medicine Hat Exhibition Grounds. Along with this rodeo, “The Hat” as it is referred to, also hosts the Broncs & Honky Tonks Rodeo the third weekend in April. The stampede consists of three performances and two morning slacks. Along with the entertainment of the rodeo a carnival with rides and games is located on the premises by West Coast Entertainment Inc.

While at the stampede while you are sitting around waiting for the next performance, there are many activities and events you can take part in. Like you will find over 100 parks and 90 kilometres of walking trails throughout the city, as well as seven golf courses, a 20-storey high Saamis Tepee, southeast Alberta’s largest shopping mall, and casino. Other world-famous tourist attractions, such as Dinosaur Provincial Park, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park & the Royal Tyrell Museum of Palaeontology are just a short drive away.

Medicine Hat offers over 100 superb dining choices to fill your appetite. Choose everything from fast food to fun pubs and family feasting to fine dining. Cozy coffee houses, bistros, cafes and patio restaurants add to the mix. There is camping allowed on the exhibition grounds but is limited. However there are five other RV parks located in Medicine Hat along with four Bed and Breakfasts and over twenty-one hotels and inns.

The official website of the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede is - http://www.mhstampede.com/