LUNCHEON HONORING THE WATT FAMILY PRESENTED BY LONE STAR AG CREDIT LIVESTOCK APPRECIATION DAY For 75 years, members of what could be called the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show’s first family developed and executed a game plan for successful livestock showmanagement and professional rodeo production that made the Stock Show a household name in FortWorth and beyond. It began in 1946 when Amon Carter Sr. tappedW.R. Watt, to take the reins as Stock Show president. Despite his initial reluctance, “Billy Bob’s”business acumen soon began taking the Stock Show to new heights. It was a crucial time. While the move in 1944 from the Stockyards to theWill Rogers Memorial Center brought excitement, it also presented challenges; the foremost being housing for a growing livestock show. In just two years, Billy Bob was helping oversee the construction of the iconic Swine, Sheep and Cattle Barns that are still in use today. Billy Bob also had a knack for entertainment and the rodeo personalities featured by the gifted promoter were Hollywood and Nashville royalty. At his side was son, “Bob,”who began assisting his father when he wasn’t attending school or working on the family’s ranch near Throckmorton, Texas. Bob eventually assumed the dual post of board secretary and general manager in 1973. Upon his father’s death in 1977, Bob was named president and general manager. The 1970s, 80s and 90s brought more excitement and growth under Bob’s leadership. Entries expanded tremendously as did the various competitions and scholarships. With the help of Bob’s son, Trey, who served as assistant general manager for several years, programs like the popular Calf Scramble were added, increasing opportunities for Texas 4-H and FFAmembers to compete for scholarship awards and growing auction receipts. Bob’s leadership also ushered in the largest expansion of theWill Rogers complex to date. The complex underwent a tremendous transformation with the construction of the Burnett Building, Richardson-Bass Building, Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall, Moncrief Building and theWill Rogers Memorial Center Ticket Office and Visitor Center. Bob was a driving force in creating the public-private funding model that’s today the envy of equestrian and livestock facility managers around the nation. Bob also made his mark on the Stock Show’s rodeo. In 1978, 500 rodeo contestants competed for a $138,000 purse. By 2010, 1,287 rodeo contestants from 20 states and Canada vied for $594,000. Like his father, innovation for rodeo was also a hallmark of Bob’s career. He brought new and fresh concepts to fans wanting something more than traditional rodeo. Keeping the rodeo performances new and fresh was the goal with the addition of the Best of theWest Ranch Rodeo, Best of Mexico Celebraciòn, Cowboys of Color Rodeo and Bulls’ Night Out Xtreme Bull Riding. As President Emeritus of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, Bob continues to cast a long shadow across the Stock Show grounds. And, as long as there is a FortWorth Stock Show & Rodeo, theWatt Family legacy will never fade. Guest Speaker — Fred McClure Fred McClure burst on the national agriculture scene in 1974 when he was elected national FFA secretary, becoming the organization’s first African-American national officer, and later the first black student body president at Texas A&M. Today, Mr. McClure is Executive Director of The Leadership Initiative at Texas A&M University. Mr. McClure was previously the Chief Executive Officer for the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation. He has also served as Assistant for Legislative Affairs to President George H. W. Bush and as Special Assistant for Legislative Affairs to President Ronald Reagan. Mr. McClure graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in agricultural economics, earned summa cum laude honors, was chosen Phi Kappa Phi, received the BrownRudder Outstanding Student Award. He received a Juris Doctor degree from Baylor University in 1981. JANUARY 20, 12 P.M. AMON G. CARTER JR. EXHIBITS HALL — ROUND UP INN TICKETS: $1,000 TABLE OF 8 To purchase, click here or call 817.877.2471 THE EYES OF THE WATT FAMILY HAVE GAZED ACROSS THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO FOR THREEQUARTERS OF A CENTURY, FORMING A LEGACY NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. CORRAL YOUR RANCH GATHERING TICKETS! We’re having a round up and you’re invited! The 2022 Ranch Gathering, featuring genuine Texas cuisine created by Reata Restaurant, will be held Saturday, January 15 from 5 to 7 p.m in the Round Up Inn at the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall. Hosted by the FWSSR and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the gathering will be a wonderful time of fellowship and recognition. Presented by Western Horseman magazine, the gathering will feature entertainment by Will Hobbs and the Cropdusters. Tickets are $40* and can be purchased here! *Ticket price does not include rodeo or parking KIDS GONE WILD! is back for another year at the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo! This wildly popular event organized by the Texas Wildlife Association is an all-inclusive, educational interactive experience that teaches kids of all ages the important connections between livestock, land and wildlife. On January 23rd from 11 am to 6 pm, the Cattle Arena — between Cattle 2 and 3 - will be brimming with educational exhibits, wildlife and outdoor-themed activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. Admission to KIDS GONE WILD! will be included with a Stock Show general admission ticket purchase. Featured Activity Catch and release a catfish in the KIDFISH “Catch Tank!” Sunday, January 23, 11am ~ 6pm So Much To See and Do! a Visit with birds of prey! a Make pollinator seed balls to take home! a Hold a hissing cockroach! a Come and take wildlife selfies! a Learn about the life of insects! a Test your animal tracks knowledge! aMake yourself a wildlife mask! aInvestigate wildlife skins & skulls! 17 16
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