HOUSTON — Buc-ee’s founder and CEO, Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, will help kick off the 2024 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo by serving as grand marshal of the Downtown Rodeo Parade.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo made the announcement Thursday morning.
Since 1938, the annual parade celebrates Western Heritage and marks the beginning of rodeo season.
“Buc-ee’s is one of Texas’ most notable brands and we are honored to have Arch Aplin III help kick off our historic event,” Chris Boleman, rodeo president and CEO, said. “As many of our attendees travel long distances for our annual event, Buc-ee’s is part of the Rodeo experience for many already.”
Aplin opened the first Buc-ee’s in 1982 and the destination travel center chain has grown beyond the Lone Star State.
Aplin previously served as chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, is a board member of The Association of Former Students at Texas A&M, a member of the Lieutenant Governor’s Transportation Advisory Board and was a 9-year board member of the Brazosport Independent School District.
Paradegoers will also recognize a familiar face as Buc-ee’s beaver mascot joins rodeo mascot, Howdy, to walk the parade route.
Downtown Rodeo Parade Schedule
Prior to the start of the parade will be the Rodeo Run, presented by ConocoPhillips.
- 9:10 a.m. 10K Wheelchair
- 9:20 a.m. 5K & 10K Corral A, 10K Timed
- 9:35 a.m. 5K Timed
- 9:35 a.m. Untimed 5K (line up behind timed 5K participants)
- 10 a.m. Downtown Rodeo Parade begins