Howdy Ags!

I'm looking to get involved with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. I know there are a lot of Aggies involved so I wanted to get your opinion on it! Is anyone here currently on a rodeo committee and can give recommendations on which committes are good? I'm ready to work hard and get involved so looking forward to hearing from you guys!

When's the next rodeo?

March 2021

I was a rookie on BG last year and loved it. My advice, find someone you know who is on a committee and can sponsor you. Also, many of them have HHs throughout the year (well, not now), so wait until things open back up and start attending those and getting to know people.

I assume "BG" is Buckle Grinders?

Boobies N' Guns. Get it right!

aTm2004 said:

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I was a rookie on BG last year and loved it. My advice, find someone you know who is on a committee and can sponsor you. Also, many of them have HHs throughout the year (well, not now), so wait until things open back up and start attending those and getting to know people.

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Thanks for the advice! How do I find someone who's currently on a committee? I'm on the waitlist for BG and they reached out to me to apply! But I feel like I'll get nowhere if I don't know anyone to sponsor me. I want to attend HHs and such but I'm sure corona has cancelled any chances of me meeting someone.

idkidkidkwhatimdoing said:

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March 2021 2 weeks after???

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FIFY

Talk to co-workers, family members, friends, etc. You'll be surprised how many are on a committee or know someone who is. And there are some committees that will take anybody almost to the start of the rodeo while others will require you to know someone who has a lot of pull to even sniff an interview.

Also, understand what the purpose of the committee is and why you want to be on one. Some committees are pretty tame when it comes to the work you need to do while others require you to put in honest work.

get in on the mask and hand sanitizer committee

aTm2004 said:

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Talk to co-workers, family members, friends, etc. You'll be surprised how many are on a committee or know someone who is. And there are some committees that will take anybody almost to the start of the rodeo while others will require you to know someone who has a lot of pull to even sniff an interview.

Also, understand what the purpose of the committee is and why you want to be on one. Some committees are pretty tame when it comes to the work you need to do while others require you to put in honest work.

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All solid advice. You need to figure out what your desires are, what your skill sets are, and the commitment you can make to it. I'm on Steer Auction. It's just a sales committee. We have to be there for the auction the last day of the rodeo and a few meeting s and such here and there, but it's basically if you can sell steers and meet the minimums, you're good to go. On a committee like that, if you aren't comfortable with hitting up friends, neighbors, clients, associates, etc for steer purchases, it may not be the type you are looking for.

Others, like my wife's uncle who is one Grand Entry, is strictly a time commitment. But he has to be there every other night of rodeo.

Some of them if you have a particular skill set, like heavy equipment licenses, you could be more help with time commitment and equipment operation.

Stuff like Gate Keepers and those that are huge and labor only requirements will basically take anyone at anytime. They just need bodies. If you don't already know anyone involved in any committee, getting on a gatekeepers or one of the ones is a great way to get started and in the mix, meet some people and you can always change or add other committees.

Thank you ccolley68! That was very informative and gives me a lot to think about.

Are the people that think there's going to be a rodeo next year the sane people that think there will be high school football this fall?

It's the people that know corona will be over with on November 4th because it will no longer be politically advantageous.

1st step will be to sign up for a rodeo account at HLSR.comand pay your annual or lifetime dues

Then you can preference the committees you are interested in through the portal.

I see a couple here have already mentioned Gatekeepers. I've got a coworker who is on it and likes the committee members he works with. Be prepared though, they are literally the fun police for anybody with a badge.

Cannon Crew Ag said:

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I see a couple here have already mentioned Gatekeepers. I've got a coworker who is on it and likes the committee members he works with. Be prepared though, they are literally the fun police for anybody with a badge.

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The thing with committees like Gatekeepers, Rodeo Express, etc is they primarily work with the public. OP, that is something you need to think about. Do you want to be on a committee that works with the public or a committee that works with the rodeo/livestock show participants or other committee members? My sponsor started out on GK and didn't like it due to how some of the public treated them by doing nothing more than following the rules. Some people have no problem and are able to brush it off in a few seconds, others can't. I know a few others on GK and they really enjoy it. My dad has been on the Transportation committee for over 10 years and loves it. He's had some fun experiences from John Q. Public, but he's one that forgets about it in about 3 seconds and moves on, so he has the personality for it.

Another thing to consider is the time commitment for each committee and whether or not you're able to do it with work and spouse/kids if you have them. My committee is running 24 hours a day, everyday of the rodeo. I had to use some vacation time as I had shift during work hours and overnight during the week, so I had to use a few PTO days. Other committees are only going during certain events or times of the rodeo, so the commitment during work hours and need to use PTO is less.

All things to consider and why talking with people who are on committees you're interested in is important. Like everything, not every committee is for everybody, and the last thing you want is to get on a committee that isn't a good fit for you and it leaving a sour taste in your mouth. If you get on the right committee, you're going to have a blast and enjoy/appreciate the Rodeo much much more.

Cannon Crew Ag said:

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I see a couple here have already mentioned Gatekeepers. I've got a coworker who is on it and likes the committee members he works with. Be prepared though, they are literally the fun police for anybody with a badge.

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Would love the reasoning behind that. If not letting 10 people walk in on one badge makes GK the fun police, then so be it.

Maybe fun police was the wrong phrase to use. And no, something like bringing in ten people under a single badge is abuse of privilege and not what I was getting at. What I'm getting at is every time I've had a run in with GK, they enjoy the power trip and tend to be a ****. I understand being told you're not supposed to be somewhere, since those are the rules, but its the way its carried out.

aTm2004 said:

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I was a rookie on BG last year and loved it. My advice, find someone you know who is on a committee and can sponsor you. Also, many of them have HHs throughout the year (well, not now), so wait until things open back up and start attending those and getting to know people.

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Hey so was I! So glad to be done with those damn yellow hats. I only got one shift in before the rodeo got cancelled so feel like I got robbed a little there but spent plenty of time in the tent!

Ahh...the rookie hat. I'll be glad to be able to wear an Aggie hat next year. I was able to get 4 shifts in before they closed it down, so I did have a great experience, including an overnight at 288 during move-in. I'm definitely getting a fishing shirt for next year because a couple of shifts were when it was hot and the vest was burning me up.

Cannon Crew Ag said:

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Maybe fun police was the wrong phrase to use. And no, something like bringing in ten people under a single badge is abuse of privilege and not what I was getting at. What I'm getting at is every time I've had a run in with GK, they enjoy the power trip and tend to be a ****. I understand being told you're not supposed to be somewhere, since those are the rules, but its the way its carried out.

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Gotcha. There a few like that, it's been done that to me even when I was a VC on GK.

The fishing shirt was the way to go for sure. I never even got to wear the vest!

You can look through the full list of committees on HLSR's site and see what fits your skills and interests: https://www.rodeohouston.com/Get-Involved/Volunteer/Committees. I'm on Tours and Wine Competition, and we are recruiting now for Tours hoping that we will still have a 2020 Show. WCC is one of those that is always full and you have to have someone recommend you.

BQ_90 said:

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get in on the mask and hand sanitizer committee

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When a joke is also probably the truth.

There's some very good advice up above here OP.

1) Read through what each committees does and make a list of the ones that sound like something you want to be involved with (ie do you want to work sales before rodeo starts? Do you want to work with animals? Do you want to be around helping kids? Etc)

2) along with 1, reach out to family and friends. Again you'd be surprised how many people you end up knowing in various committees (there's like 40,000 volunteers now). Talk to them and ask questions and get advice just like you're doing here. Find out time commitments, some do all work before rodeo. Some do only work during rodeo. Some work nights, some work days and you have to take off work. Figure out what's doable for you and your situation

3) the best way to get on a committee as mentioned is through contacts. Much harder to do in COVID world now, but going to any and all events (HH, volunteer stuff, golf tournament, etc) you meet other members and leadership that makes the decision of admitting new members. They will 99% select someone they've actually met vs the X amount applying online. With that said applying online I believe is still mandatory and gets you into an interview sometimes. Meeting first in person increase this odds you get selected to interview.

4) Lastly (others may disagree) but don't hold out for "just the one" committee you want most. Time/work schedule permitting just get on one even if it's not your favorite. "Once you're in you're in" so to speak. You meet tons of people out there and form relationships and networks... it is 100% easier to transfer from one committee to another vs. joining as a "non-volunteer". Many people are on multiple committees so you can talk to your co-volunteers about what else they do and why and how they like it. Don't make it obvious "you're looking to move" but be interested in finding what's out there.

Oh and one final thing along with that note. The committee you join doesn't have to be the one you're on the rest of your life. You likely will grow and interests change as your life develops/changes, get tired of one... and that's ok and normal.

Good luck! It's great fun, rewarding, and a really great event to be a part of.

Grown Pear said:

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There's some very good advice up above here OP.

1) Read through what each committees does and make a list of the ones that sound like something you want to be involved with (ie do you want to work sales before rodeo starts? Do you want to work with animals? Do you want to be around helping kids? Etc)

2) along with 1, reach out to family and friends. Again you'd be surprised how many people you end up knowing in various committees (there's like 40,000 volunteers now). Talk to them and ask questions and get advice just like you're doing here. Find out time commitments, some do all work before rodeo. Some do only work during rodeo. Some work nights, some work days and you have to take off work. Figure out what's doable for you and your situation

3) the best way to get on a committee as mentioned is through contacts. Much harder to do in COVID world now, but going to any and all events (HH, volunteer stuff, golf tournament, etc) you meet other members and leadership that makes the decision of admitting new members. They will 99% select someone they've actually met vs the X amount applying online. With that said applying online I believe is still mandatory and gets you into an interview sometimes. Meeting first in person increase this odds you get selected to interview.

4) Lastly (others may disagree) but don't hold out for "just the one" committee you want most. Time/work schedule permitting just get on one even if it's not your favorite. "Once you're in you're in" so to speak. You meet tons of people out there and form relationships and networks... it is 100% easier to transfer from one committee to another vs. joining as a "non-volunteer". Many people are on multiple committees so you can talk to your co-volunteers about what else they do and why and how they like it. Don't make it obvious "you're looking to move" but be interested in finding what's out there.

Oh and one final thing along with that note. The committee you join doesn't have to be the one you're on the rest of your life. You likely will grow and interests change as your life develops/changes, get tired of one... and that's ok and normal.

Good luck! It's great fun, rewarding, and a really great event to be a part of.

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Excellent advice!! Thank you! Do you mind sharing which committees you have experience serving on? Would love to hear your personal insight

Happy to. Really wanted to get on Mutton Bustin but that can be difficult because so many people want on that one.

Started on Chute Club and was on that a number of years. It's a bar on the north end of the stadium, part of the corral club. I was basically a bar back that resupplied the beer, wine, liquor, ice, etc for the bartenders and counted the tickets used to purchase drinks. It's in the stadium with TVs that show the rodeo and performance. That was a lot of fun while I was young, you're allowed to drink while you work too... but it aged on me working late nights. It stayed open for another hour after the show ends and then you have to clean up so it was like midnight when I'd leave. Worked maybe 5 shifts during the 3 week rodeo season.

Premium Seating was another I was on for a brief period. Much easier and laid back. Essentially you help people to a big suite/club at the top of the stadium or the end zone "suites" and make sure only people with the right tickets get in there. So you just check their ticket to suite and tell every one which way the nearest bathroom is. Lol. Youre right there and can watch each show and then leave right as the show ends. Very easy but standing on your feet tho whole time, kinda boring but it's a great group of people. I think they work 4-5 times each season.

Finally got on Mutton Bustin and love it. It's fun getting dirty, working with the animals, as well as with kids so it's everything I wanted. Outside tent is more fun because it's longer shifts, you get to do more work, and rest in between runs. Inside the stadium is a cool experience but you do a lot less because there's others that handle the sheep and professional clowns. It is on a strict schedule obviously so it's more fast paced and done in like 10 minutes. There's A/C inside which is nice! Inside works 4 times outside is 5 times. Or it could be the other way around I can't quite remember. I usually work an extra shift or two helping out people that can't make theirs.

For the most part each committee will then be broken into different teams. Then there's a rotating schedule based on teams working different days/times. And if you cant work a certain shift the committees I've been on are good about letting you trade with another person on another team.

My committees like most of them probably really just "works" during the rodeo season. There isn't any work outside of the season. Others do all their work during other parts of the year (ex: advertisement space sales for the magazine; or one of the wine committees sells crates/cases of wine) then when rodeo season starts they're work is all done and they can just get in with their badge.

Sorry for the long posts, there's just a lot of information on how it works.

Don't lose hope if you don't hear back from some you apply for. I did that a few years (wanted mutton bustin or military/armed services appreciation) but never could get a contact or interview so this were years delayed ever volunteering. Can't stress enough to "just get involved" and then work your way to where you want to be!

abomba said:

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You can look through the full list of committees on HLSR's site and see what fits your skills and interests: https://www.rodeohouston.com/Get-Involved/Volunteer/Committees. I'm on Tours and Wine Competition, and we are recruiting now for Tours hoping that we will still have a 2020 Show. WCC is one of those that is always full and you have to have someone recommend you.

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My wife is on those committees too! I bet y'all know each other.

I'll add a personal anecdote. I thought I wanted to join a committee that was related to what I'm good at and do for a living. But after being involved, I realized that if I'm going to take time off from work and use vacation days to volunteer, I'm going to do something that makes me happy, not just do the same thing for a different organization. For example, if you work in sales, you might not want to be on a sales committee. Everyone is different on this, but just something to think about.

Dr. Horrible said:

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abomba said:

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You can look through the full list of committees on HLSR's site and see what fits your skills and interests: https://www.rodeohouston.com/Get-Involved/Volunteer/Committees. I'm on Tours and Wine Competition, and we are recruiting now for Tours hoping that we will still have a 2020 Show. WCC is one of those that is always full and you have to have someone recommend you.

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My wife is on those committees too! I bet y'all know each other.

I'll add a personal anecdote. I thought I wanted to join a committee that was related to what I'm good at and do for a living. But after being involved, I realized that if I'm going to take time off from work and use vacation days to volunteer, I'm going to do something that makes me happy, not just do the same thing for a different organization. For example, if you work in sales, you might not want to be on a sales committee. Everyone is different on this, but just something to think about.

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Definitely something to consider, thank you! So what committee(s) did you end up enjoying the most?

each committee is going to be different to you. I have been around a vast majority of the committees and like others said, You need to go meet people and figure out which one you want to be on. And after the meetings I have been having, I give it a 50-50 shot that HLSR actually happens next year. And the only way I see it happening is if there is a vaccine.

One thing to keep in mind is that the HLSR is nothing but a big deek measuring contest. Hell we spend more time at meetings giving recognition and stroking egos of old guys wearing some special vest than actual committee business.

I enjoy my committee and enjoy putting in the work and spending time with the friends I've made, but for every good person who I enjoy there's a power hungry deek head who forgets that they VOLUNTEER. It's a perfect example of too many chiefs and not enough Indians.

Also the fact that they spend $146MM to give $20MM to scholarships.

Great economic engine for the county, fun for all ages, and tons of scholarship money, but that's a poor ratio in terms of charitable giving for 501(c)(3)

So I work as a wrangler on the Grand Entry committee. I have two teams that pull so I am at the Rodeo every night. I love the work I do, and the people I deal with are amazing salt of the earth type folks that are there every night because they love what they do. That being said GE is a massively political committee and is full of people that have no intention of really doing any work. They all show up for the mid-season party and the free beer, huge "disagreements" every year about parking passes etc.

I imagine almost all the committees are going to have that problem, so like everything else you are going to get out of it what you put into it. Also depending on what you're looking "for" you will find it.

As an aside, I did a year with the Gate Keepers, I am not a people person and I was forcing myself outside of my comfort zone. On your feet the whole day, and the people who volunteer with the Rodeo can be the nastiest individuals on the planet because you're enforcing the rules. For some reason everyone forgets that badge/pin doesn't extend to the entire entourage. My FIL is on the committee and loves it, but he's retired LEO so it's a natural fit.