New RodeoHouston Tradition: HLSR Sensory Friendly Carnival Experience

Celebrating its 89th year, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR), is rich in tradition. This year marks the exciting launch of a new tradition that celebrates and caters to visitors that may have a challenging time experiencing the Rodeo. 

On Thursday, March 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will host its first-ever Sensory Friendly Carnival Experience in select areas of the Rodeo carnival for guests with sensory-processing differences such as autism, ADD, social anxiety or other special needs.

During the three-hour window, there will be minimal lights and sounds permitted in certain areas of The Junction and the main carnival area to provide a comfortable, positive experience for guests with sensory sensitivities or challenges. More than 40 rides will be included in the Sensory Friendly Experience and Rodeo volunteers from the Special Children’s Committee will be on hand during this time.

Stacy Anderson, Chairman of the Special Children’s Committee, shared, “Our committee will be greeters and friendly faces as well as an extra set of eyes and ears to help parents, caregivers or anyone who might need assistance.” 

HLSR has a long history of offering special-needs programs that the Special Children’s Committee volunteers support, such as the Top Hands Horse Show, which took place Feb. 21-22 and the Lil’ Rustlers Rodeo, which takes place March 10, 11 and 16.  

Stacy said she’s thrilled that HLSR is presenting its first-ever Sensory Friendly Carnival Experience. Providing a safe space to families with loved ones who have special needs will be much appreciated to “many families that often cannot attend or relax at events in public due to their loved ones’ challenges,” she said. “This event will be a blessing to many and will hopefully also help raise awareness of families that can become isolated or miss out sometimes due to logistical challenges.”

When she’s not working RodeoHouston, Stacy, a special-needs teacher for over two decades, is the Transition Director at Social Motion Skills, a nonprofit that offers life-path solutions to children and adults with autism and similar special needs. Stacy coaches older students with transition skills, training on real business activities and preparation for taxpaying as employed, productive citizens. 

Patti Pace, the Head of School for The Monarch School and Institute is enthusiastic about HLSR offering this unique experience. “For individuals with sensory processing differences, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience the greater community!” 

Ten-gallon hats off to HLSR for hosting their first Sensory Friendly Carnival Experience.

Editor’s Note: For more on the Special Children’s Committee, read Rodeo for All by Michelle Groogan and if you can’t make it to the Sensory Friendly Carnival Experience, read Tips for Taking Special Needs Kids to the Rodeo also by Michelle Groogan.  In addition, see this month's Buzz Baby for stories of sharing rodeo season with kids and tips for bringing little ones to HLSR.