HOUSTON – With more than 35,000 volunteers on 109 committees, Rodeo Houston celebrated all of them Thursday with the the second annual volunteer appreciation day.
When the rodeo started in 1932, there were just seven volunteers.
As part of the festivities, a talent show was held for the second year where committees nominated volunteers to perform and compete.
Julia Fitzgerald, who happens to be a loyal channel 2 viewer, won first place with her performance of “My Church” by Maren Morris.
“It is pure joy,” Fitzgerald said. “The rodeo does so much for Houston and for Texas and especially for the youth that anytime we get a chance to come out here and give a little bit of that back it’s a treat.”
It’s Fitzgerald’s 17th year as a rodeo volunteer and her 11th year on the Speakers Committee.
“This was like a dream come true, you know, this was like karaoke on the biggest scale.”
Jill White, who won the competition last year, took second place after performing “Fancy” by Reba McEntire. Jordan McPhail, who sang “Jolene” by Dolly Parton, took third place.
One group of performers line danced, while Cory Strouth played the National Anthem on his trumpet, and Jason Glass did a dancing performance on his hoverboard.
Chairman of the Board Pat Mann Phillips and Rodeo Houston President & CEO Dr. Chris Boleman presented the awards, after being judged on presentation and showmanship, entertainment value, and talent and audience reception, by several rodeo vice presidents, who are also volunteers.