HOUSTON, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- The 87th annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officially kicked off here Monday, with the country's best breeds of livestock on display.
The annual rodeo tradition, which lasts for three weeks, has attracted visitors from across the world to experience Western heritage in the nation's fourth largest city.
Kacey Musgraves, a U.S. singer and songwriter, performed following the first rodeo Monday night, drawing loud cheers and applause from the audience.
"The 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," said Joel Cowley, president and chief executive officer of the show.
The event provides a wide range of activities such as livestock shows, traditional ranch competitions, the carnival rides, animal auctions and live music.
During the interactive agriculture show called "Agventure," visitors have the chance to ride horses, pet animals and closely watch them breed.
"My favorite part about the show is the animals," said Chris Pavlick, a Houston local who has come to the show for 25 years in a row. "I like to watch the animals. I like to watch them compete. And I also like the birthing area where you can see the baby pigs and the baby cows get born. That's really interesting."
In the competitions, renowned rodeos across North America will compete in bareback riding, steer wrestling, bull riding and more.
Since its debut in 1932, the show has become the largest of its kind in the world, with about 2.4 million visitors attending last year.
