Across 23 days, more than one million guests passed through the gates to compete, exhibit, shop, eat, listen to music or simply be part of a Texas tradition unlike any other. From record-setting moments to new events, the 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo once again proved why it is Always A Perfect Fit. The year brought challenges that tested preparation and perseverance. Cold winter weather rolled through North Texas during our 23 day run, forcing adjustments behind the scenes and highlighting the grit of exhibitors, staff and volunteers alike. Despite the obstacles the Show never missed a beat, reflecting the resilience that defines agriculture and the Western way of life. Inside the arena, records were broken as top athletes delivered high-level performances. With more than $1.5 million awarded, the PRORODEO Tournament ranks among the richest rodeos, reinforcing Fort Worth’s place on the national rodeo stage. New additions helped make 2026 a milestone year. The inaugural PRORODEO Rookie Rally welcomed emerging athletes to compete under the bright lights, while the introduction of a Collegiate Rodeo brought student-athletes together to showcase the future of the sport. In the barns and show rings exhibitors presented projects shaped by months and often years of hard work. That commitment culminated in another historic Junior Sale of Champions, where a new all-time sale record underscored Fort Worth’s committment to the future of agriculture and Texas youth. Beyond competition, the Stock Show remained a place to connect. Families made memories along the midway, firsttime visitors experienced agriculture up close, and longtime supporters returned for traditions that span generations. Read more about the 129th edition of FWSSR in this issue of Whoa! NEWS BRIEFS The road to the 2027 FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament is already underway. Rodeo athletes have two routes to get here. By finishing the 2026 professional season among the top 49 year-end competitors in their event or by earning a spot through one of seven North Texas rodeos designated as official qualifiers. Success at any qualifier guarantees the chance to compete under the bright lights of Dickies Arena. ELLIS COUNTY LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO Waxahachie, Texas March 27-28 PALO PINTO LIVESTOCK ASSN. RODEO Mineral Wells, Texas April 30 - May 2 GLADEWATER ROUNDUP Gladewater, Texas June 11-13 PARKER COUNTY SHERIFF’S POSSE RODEO Weatherford, Texas June 10-13 JOHNSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S POSSE PRCA RODEO Cleburne, Texas June 10-13 WICHITA FALLS PRCA RODEO Wichita Falls, Texas August 21-22 NORTH TEXAS FAIR & RODEO Denton, Texas August 21-23 MARCH 16 – TRADE SHOW VENDOR APPLICATIONS OPEN Trade show vendor applications are being accepted. Go here for more info. APRIL 1 – VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS Volunteer applications open. Go here for more info. APRIL 1 – YOUTH ART CONTEST ENTRIES OPEN Go here for more info. MAY 14 – JUSTIN SCRAMBLE FORE SCHOLARSHIPS Benefits FWSSR youth education programs. Entry deadline is May 11. Entries are limited. Go here to buy teams beginning April 1 SEPT. 14 – RODEO TICKETS ON SALE SEPT. 15 – ENTRIES ACCEPTED / PREMIUM LISTS AVAILABLE ONLINE Livestock, Horse, Poultry, Pigeons and Rabbits. OCT. 1 – SHOOT FOR SCHOLARSHIPS SPORTING CLAY TOURNAMENT — Presented by AgTrust Farm Credit. Support FWSSR Jr. Shooting Sports Competition and Aim for Education scholarships. OCT. 1 – 3 – FWSSR JR. SHOOTING SPORTS COMPETITION AND AIM FOR EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS 4-H and FFA members shoot for a chance at belt buckles, more than $45,000 in premiums, and scholarships. THE ROAD TO THE 2027 PRORODEO FWSSR HORSE SHOW SALUTE National recognitions to the FWSSR Horse Show Department “Top Ten Versatility Ranch Horse Show” honor for the 2025 FWSSR bestowed by Am. Quarter Horse Assoc. The FWSSR’s Paint Horse Show named the third largest Am. Paint Horse Assoc. show for 2025. 2 3 MARCH 2026 NEWSLETTER THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 15 - February 6, 2027 www.fwssr.com A YEAR TO REMEMBER
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