The Western Heritage Parade & Cattle Drive has officially kicked off San Antonio’s Stock Show & Rodeo.
SAN ANTONIO — The clatter of hooves and the creak of wagon wheels filled downtown San Antonio as the Western Heritage Parade and Cattle Drive made its way down Houston Street, officially ushering in the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.
The annual parade featured a Texas longhorn cattle drive, mounted groups and authentic wagons, offering spectators a living snapshot of the region’s western roots. Heritage organizations from across Texas took part, highlighting the history and culture that have long shaped San Antonio.
For the Humphrey family, the parade is a tradition they look forward to each year. Chad Humphrey, a member of the Stock Show’s Military Affairs Committee, helped bring the U.S. Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard from California to participate in this year’s event.
His son, Gage Humphrey, is no stranger to the rodeo himself. He has competed in the popular mutton bustin’ event in past years, but on Friday his favorite part of the day was simpler, spending time with his dad along the parade route.
The Western Heritage Parade & Cattle Drive is produced annually by its organizing committee to kick off the Stock Show & Rodeo. In addition to the parade, festivities surrounding the opening celebration include the Stampede 5K run through downtown streets and the Vaquero Cook-Off at Historic Market Square.
The celebration continues Saturday with “Family Day” at Market Square, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering additional activities for visitors as the Stock Show & Rodeo gets fully underway.