A Thorny Blessing Prickly Pear - Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

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By Teresa EhrmanBy4Howdy visits with young contestants in the Lil’ Rustlers Rodeo, justone of his many appearances during the Show.To many Texans, the official greeting of the Lone StarState is “Howdy.” The Houston Livestock Show andRodeo took it a step further by creating “Howdy” asthe larger-than-life mascot for the 74-year-old organization.The Show’s official logo — the “Bowlegged H” — has beenan integral component of the Show’s heritage, culture andpersonality since the logo was designed in 1966. In fact, theBowlegged H has become as much a part of the Houston LivestockShow and Rodeo as the rugged bull riders and worldchampionlivestock.One volunteer believed the Show’s registered mark couldbe more than a logo — that it literally could come to life forthe millions of people whose lives are touched each year byone of the most renowned civic and charitable events in thenation. While dining at a local restaurant in 1993, currentLifetime Vice President Hap Hunnicutt — who then wasserving as chairman of the Parade Committee — sketchedhis vision for a Bowlegged H mascot on a napkin. And,because everything in Texas is bigger, Hunnicutt thoughtthis Bowlegged H should be no exception.“I believed we could create a unique mascot for ourorganization, like many sports teams have, that wouldhelp children really connect with the Show and what it’sall about,” Hunnicutt said. According to Hunnicutt, it wasimportant that it be accomplished without compromisingthe integrity and reputation of the organization or its distinguishedlogo. The design was completed quickly, and,for Hunnicutt, the name “Howdy” was “simply an obviouschoice.”After researching costume creation and development,Hunnicutt worked with a designer on creating the variousdetails of Howdy. The final product was a 7-foot-tall,orange, fuzzy Bowlegged H weighing in at a modest 75 lbs.— complete with Western boots, a colossal 10-gallon cowboyhat and a charming mustache.“We were truly excited when Howdy was ‘born,’” saidHunnicutt. “I knew we had created something reallyunique that would be an asset to the Show. I was thrilledt about all the opportunities we would have to sharethe mission and excitement of the Show — especially withyoung children — through Howdy.”Under Hunnicutt’s leadership, Howdy was integrated intothe Parade Committee. Show volunteer Terri Walker servedas Howdy’s first “mom” and largely was responsible for gettingHowdy on the Show’s radar. Initial appearances in 1995,Howdy’s first year, included visits with youth livestock exhibitorsduring the Show, riding in the Downtown Rodeo Paradeand in the grand entry, and attending the various junior marketauction breakfasts. “Howdy is the quintessential mascotthat truly represents the spirit and ideals of the parade,” saidBob Hunter, chairman of the Parade Committee.In subsequent years, Howdy’s role expanded, and he madehis mark at the daily show parades and numerous committeefunctions, as well as greeting thousands of shuttle bus ridersarriving on the grounds during the three-week run of theShow. He also has made dozens of appearances at Destination:AGVENTURE, visiting the numerous school groups on tours,and has represented the Show at various citywide events along
with the Houston Texans’ mascot, Toro. Show Vice Presidentand Parade Committee Officer in Charge Harry Perrin said,“Howdy is terrific. It is really fun to see the excitement andpleasure he brings to children.”“It is always amazing to see people’s reaction to Howdy,”Walker said. “As expected, children get so excited and aretruly enamored with him. They love touching him, too. But,what may surprise people is that it’s the adults who alwayswant their picture taken with him! They absolutely loveHowdy!”After Walker’s first year as Howdy’s guardian, the ParadeCommittee established a subcommittee to efficiently facilitatethe mascot’s appearance schedule and maintain thecostume. Walker then served as the vice chairman ofthat group for three years. Today, Howdy remains underthe auspices of the Parade Committee and is escorted atall times by a member of that committee.In fact, Howdy even has a sense of what it feels like to bea rock star. “Every once in a while, he gets mobbed by enthusiasticfans,” Walker remarked. Therefore, the committee hasseveral handlers for Howdy at peak attendance times andcrowded events. For the 2004 Show, Howdy had approximately12 “helpers” who shared the responsibility for escortinghim to his various appearances.Grooming and maintaining Howdy are additional responsibilitiesof the Howdy helpers. After every appearance, theBowlegged H is sprayed with an odor eliminatorand a disinfectant and then is brushed.Sometimes repairs to the costume are necessary.For example, when children pull toovigorously on Howdy’s mustache, the mustachedoes not lay flat on Howdy’s face and must beglued. Also, touchup polish is necessary when peoplestep on Howdy’s boots.One of Howdy’s annual appearances includes the Lil’ RustlersRodeo. Wade Gibson, immediate past Parade Committeevice chairman – Howdy Events, said, “When we take Howdydown to meet the participants in the Lil’ Rustlers Rodeo,the kids’ faces light up. He makes their day. In my years ofworking with Howdy, we helped countless people take photographswith him. It’s a great idea because having a photo withHowdy gives someone a free souvenir.”Parade Committee Vice Chairman – Howdy Events, TravisMiddleton, has worked with Howdy since Howdy’s arrivalin 1995. “Howdy is a huge ambassador for the Show. He is agreat visual tool that gets attention focused on the Show,” saidMiddleton.Howdy has countless fans — from his close-knit ParadeCommittee family to the thousands of people who have metand have been amused by him since 1995. Brothers Jacoband Joshua Vegas, of Pearland, Texas, met Howdy at the 2004Show while strolling through the carnival. Four-year-old Jacobwas mesmerized by the stately character and would not leavewithout posing for a picture. “He was really, really tall, and hegave me a big hug!” Jacob said. He added, “I loved him andwanted to take him home with me!” Howdy wouldn’t want itany other way.5
Page 4 and 5: Wagon WBy Gina Steere“Cookie,”
Page 8 and 9: 6By Amy MackayAmong the most distin
Page 10 and 11: In Memoriam—H al H illmanBy Todd
Page 12 and 13: GO TEXAN WEEKEND - Feb. 24 - 26Worl
Page 14 and 15: 2005 Show MapsReliant Park12
Page 16 and 17: Prickly PearCactus:A Thorny Blessin
Page 18 and 19: ScholarshipStudentBy Samantha Fewox
Page 20 and 21: Steer AuctionCommitteeBy Sonya Asto
Page 22 and 23: 20By Marshall Smith IIIDanny Boatma
Page 24: Houston Livestock Show and RodeoP.O

A Thorny Blessing Prickly Pear - Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

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