The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, also called RodeoHouston, with attendance approaching over two and a half million visitors per year, is the world’s largest livestock exhibition as well as the world’s largest rodeo event, requiring the support of 16,000 volunteers.

The event got its start in 1931.

Then it was known as The Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exhibition and it was held at the Democratic Convention Hall.

In 1938 the show moved to the Sam Houston Coliseum.

The first star entertainer to hit the rode was Gene Autry in 1942.

It wouldn’t be long before the first trail ride, Salt Grass Trail Ride, would make an appearance.

The first scholarship, $2,000, was awarded in 1957.

Then four years later, 1961, the event’s name was changed to Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

It was moved to the Astrodome in 1966.

In 1992 the four year scholarships were upgraded from $8,000 to $10,000 retroactive to all students on scholarship.

It wasn’t until 1993 that a record crowd, 67,000, gathered at the HLS&R to see and hear Latin superstar Selena.

Selena held attracted as many fans the following year and in 1995.

Texan George Strait broke Selena’s record in 2002 when 68,266 gathered to see the country music star.

In 2003, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo had a new location, Reliant Stadium and Reliant Center. That same year an estimated 70,405 were on hand for Go Tejano Day.

The record breaking continued for years and just this year Hannah Montana and The Cheetah Girls set a record when 73,295 fans rushed to buy tickets to the concert. The show sold out in just three minutes.