HOUSTON – The unofficial start to the 2018 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on Saturday was officially a success.
Thousands of Houstonians flocked to downtown to watch the 80th annual Rodeo parade.
As usual, there were multiple marching bands, colorful floats, first responders from across the area and all of the trail riders finally made it into town to put on a show.
“It’s very exciting, you know, (to) come out here with the family,” spectator Quanera Bert said.
Everyone was "Ready2Rodeo" at this year's parade including the KPRC2 wagon. Familiar Channel 2 faces included reporter Phil Archer, traffic anchor Jennifer Reyna, anchor Jonathan Martinez, meteorologist Justin Stapleton, sports anchor Adam Wexler and reporters Jake Reiner and Sophia Beausoleil. Derrick Shore and Stephanie Gerry from Houston Life were also on the wagon waving to the large crowd.
"Oh my God," Reyna said. "It is such a wonderful morning. Great to see everybody.”
One family who cheered along the parade route was from Norway. There was also one from the Netherlands. Both families have lived in Houston for a year.
VIDEO: Crowds gather for annual Rodeo parade
Milla Van Dipten, whose family is from Norway, said her first Rodeo parade was last year.
"This year is better," Van Dipten said. "It improved a lot."
She said her favorite part was listening to all the marching-band music.
Rein Landsdaal, who is from the Netherlands, was experiencing his first parade with his family.
“We really like the people," Landsdaal said. "We really like the atmosphere, you know, the excitement. I think this brings it all together, you know?"
The Rodeo officially starts Tuesday.