On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, Natalie Pilkinton from the Houston Livestock & Rodeo spoke to the membership of the Magnolia Rotary Club. Pictured above from left to right are: Hope Moye (President of the Magnolia Rotary Club) and Natalie Pilkinton who is with the Houston Livestock and Rodeo.
Kelly McDonald introduced Natalie Pilkinton as a lover of life who is a real estate investor, realtor, mom, volunteer, and employee just to name a few. Natalie states that she has never met a stranger and loves working with people and making connections. She also loves to give back & volunteer. The Houston Livestock Show people say that Natalie never sits still and some say she never sleeps.
Natalie told everyone that she grew up in a small town called Alpine, Texas but later moved to the Houston area. She initially got involved with the Houston Rodeo & Livestock Show because it reminded her a little bit of her home town.
Natalie told everyone about the 2021 Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show and explained that the show is:
- A Texas Sized Entertainment
- 21 Star Studded Concerts
- A Carnival
- Has Special Days
- Rodeo & Livestock
- Wine & More
Natalie then told everyone that the mission statement of the Houston Livestock & Rodeo Show:
- The Houston Livestock & Rodeo Show promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases "Western Heritage" and provides year round educational support within the community.
Natalie then told everyone that the Houston Livestock & Rodeo Show actually started in 1932 and has been held annually ever since. She then asked everyone what their favorite part of the Show is and many people gave answers including the food, the livestock, the concerts, etc. Natalie then told everyone that her favorite part of the show is the giving of student scholarships. She also reminded everyone that before going, they should first visit www.rodeohouston.com.
Natalie then talked about "Go Texan" day where schools, small & large businesses and non-profit and government groups can send in photos of their groups dressed in Western wear and can win prizes for the group that best represents "Go Texan" day.
Natalie then talked a little bit about fun history facts such as:
- The annual Trail Rides started in 1952
- Today their are 12 different trail ride groups that are made up of over 2000 riders
Natalie also spoke to the annual Rodeo Parade that:
- Is held on the Saturday before the Rodeo
- Celebrates the $500 Million in scholarships given to date
- Has Marching Bands
- Has Trail Riders & Wagons
- Has Floats
- Last year the "Originality" award was given to Goya Foods & The Chairman's Award was given to the Houston Airport System
Natalie then spoke about the:
- Annual Rodeo Run
- The famous BBQ Cook Off Contest
- The Carnival & Carnival Food
- The Wine Garden
- Rodeo Shopping
Natalie then spoke about the Special Nights:
- Armed Forces
- Tejano - Mariachi Band Contest
- First Responders
- Black Heritage
- Special Needs
- Family Wednesdays
Natalie then spoke about the fun things to see in the NRG Center:
- Birthing Center
- Hatchery
- Fishery
- Honey Bees
- Horticulture
- Milking Parlor
- Petting Zoo
- Pony Rides
- Rabbits
- We're Small Y'all
- Tour of Texas
- Breed Row Barn
Natalie also spoke about:
- The Auctions and the 2019 World Records which brought $220K for the Grand Champion 3 Broilers and $165K for the Reserve 3 Broilers
- The World record for Turkeys where the Grand Champion brought $190K and the reserve brought $177K
Natalie then told everyone the important dates to remember for the Houston Livestock & Rodeo Show:
- Rodeo Run - Virtual May 1-9 with registration until May 9, 2021
- Calf Scramble - April 17 and 18 in Katy Texas
- All Auctions are in May 2021
- "Rodeo Drive" Shopping - During the Rodeo
- Champion Wine Gardens - On weekends in May 2021 (Check their website)
Prior to Natalie's presentation the club's newest member, Benjamin Petty, gave a 5 minute presentation telling everyone a little bit about himself: A photo of Hope & Benjamin can be seen below:
