The Southwestern Trail Riders saddle up for their six day, 102-mile journey from Angleton to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo celebrating the history and heritage of the Old West. Each year thirteen Trail Ride groups embark from their destinations across Texas and as far away as Mexico to assemble at Houston’s Memorial Park officially kicking off the Rodeo season on Go Texan Day, February 26.

Established in 1973, the Southwestern Trail Riders have traveled through the Pearland area to get to their final destination every year. This year, the Southwestern Trail Riders will camp overnight at Tom Bass Park just outside Pearland on Highway 288 and Beltway 8 on Wednesday, February 24.

Around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 25 riders and wagons will leave Tom Bass Park to complete the final leg of their journey. They will take a u-turn on Beltway 8 toward Almeda School Road for their next stop at Hwy. 521/Almeda Road and Fellows Road for a lunch break before departing for their overnight camp at the Post Oak Arena.

All of the Trail Ride groups assemble at Houston’s Memorial Park on Friday, February 26 for an Awards Ceremony presented by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials in preparation for the Rodeo Parade on Saturday.

Look for the Southwestern Trail Riders in the Downtown Houston Rodeo Parade on Saturday, February 27 beginning at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Bagby and Walker streets.