It’s here! TheKaty ISD FFA Livestock Show and Rodeo is upon us and the community is gearing up to celebrate the event February 23 – 25. With roots reaching back to 1943, this is truly a community event offering something for everyone to enjoy. Celebrating its 69th year, Katy Rodeo requires a monumental effort by various committees, volunteers, business leaders and, most importantly, the students.
The three-night carnival delights kids of all ages, and the Saturday morning parade is famous for trailing through Katy with floats and wagons. This uniquely “Katy” festivity includes exciting pro rodeo barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, team roping and youth events. Adorable stick horse races are fun for the little ones, and mutton bustin’ is always a crowd favorite.
But the heart of Katy Rodeo lies in its FFA students. They benefit from the character-building experience of belonging to one of the most vibrant programs in the state. Rising early to care for their animals, they travel to the Gerald D. Young barns at 6 a.m. and return 12 hours later for evening feeding. The schedule is relentless, and they are required to keep paperwork in exacting detail in order to raise and show their lambs, goats, pigs, steers, rabbits and broilers. Sales determine the success of the FFA program, made possible by generous buyers and donors.
“Stewardship is the greatest lesson,” says Paige Holsapple, Communications chair. “Students learn responsibility, develop record-keeping skills, and hone a work ethic like no other.” In fact, many students (and agricultural science teachers) have a profound faith and regularly attend church and youth groups. “These are truly good kids,” says Holsapple. “These are our future leaders who will keep our traditions alive.” Holsapple’s daughter, Hanna, has entered her senior year in the program and has benefited greatly from the journey, one that involves dedication and self-reflection. She, like so many emerging young men and women, has been able to enhance her core values, define her belief-structure, and count her blessings through participation in FFA.
Make some memories and check out the events! Pre-sale tickets are available and limited number of tickets will be sold. Visit www.katyrodeo.org for a complete schedule. Join the fun, support a great cause and enjoy an authentic community-driven rodeo. Visit www.katyrodeo.org for details.
