Throw on a cowboy hat and pull up some boots because the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is here again.Throughout this month and into February, the Will Rogers Memorial Center will host the event, which has taken place annually since 1896.

Participants from 40 states and even a few foreign countries are attending the event with more than 21,000 bodies of livestock.

Also attending are some of Fort Worth’s more notable citizens.

“All the big-name people are here,” said Sam Brisendine, a longtime visitor, “like Moncrief, Bass and the state representative, Geren.”

Brisendine said he appreciates the traditional feel of the event.

“My friends and I grew up showing livestock here,” Brisendine said. “And now their kids are doing the same.”

Other visitors enjoy the event so much that they serve as sponsors.

“We buy a pass and come every year,” said Toni Perez, president of the North Texas Range Riders, a club that sponsors the All-Western Parade. “It’s a tradition.”

Although a number of events is held throughout the day, visitors can also tour the Amon G. Carter Exhibits Hall, where the newest agricultural items for apparel, home furniture and ranch management are available.

“There’s a lot of nice bling,” said Michelle McCormac, of the Farm Credit Bank of Texas, which is sponsoring the “Bull’s Night Out” bull riding events. “They have lots of nice stuff to buy in there.”

Aside from the exhibits and shows, there is also catering all over the grounds.

“The Reata’s great if you’re looking for fine dining,” Brisendine said. “There’s also really good barbecue places, and you can always get corn dogs, too.”

The show has become an event where anyone can come and have a good time no matter how much they know about the Western lifestyle.

“I like the whole stock show,” Brisendine said. “A lot of great people work hard to make it enjoyable.