Houston – The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one step closer to their mission to be more inclusive. For the first time, the Rodeo Merchandise Committee is partnering with local non-profit Three Graces to hold a t-shirt design competition where the winning design will be featured on official Houston Rodeo merchandise.
The goal is to include, empower, and uplift the Intellectual and Developmentally Disabled (IDD) community. HLSR first introduced Sensory Friendly Day in 2020 where in select areas of the carnival, there’s a heightened awareness to promote an accommodating and positive experience for all rodeo guests with sensory sensitivities or challenges. On March 6, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be minimal lights and sounds in the carnival.
Did you know?
Sensory Friendly bags are available to rent at guest services near these sections: 133, 113, 320, 347, 543, 517. Inside you’ll find noise-cancelling headphones, a weighted lap pad, and more.
The inspiration behind the new design contest actually comes from within the rodeo with a volunteer named Ruben Perez. Ruben is non-verbal and has IDD. His sister Andrea, is also a volunteer and last year Ruben quickly became one of the favorites on the volunteer front.
Arden Stone, Rodeo Merchandise Committee member and CEO and co-founder of Three Graces came up with the idea to help the HLSR’s mission to be more inclusive. Stone sat down with Vanessa Kent, a member of the Rodeo Board of Directors on Houston Life to talk about the competition. If you or someone you know has an IDD, you’re encouraged to sign up here.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Be a person with an intellectual or developmental disability.
- Create your own design.
- Design can be submitted in any format.
- The design may be hand-drawn or created with design software.
- Submit your design by December 20th, 2024
Note: For contestants under 18, a parent or guardian must provide their information.
Here’s what the winning design/designer will win:
- Be recognized as the official designer of the RodeoHouston Sensory Friendly Day T-Shirt.
- Ride in the Grand Entry Parade.
- Receive tickets to the rodeo and performance on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
- Win a $100 HLSR Merchandise Gift Certificate.
- Win a $100 HLSR Carnival Pack.
The winner will be notified in January 2025.
The 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo kicks off March 4, 2025 and wraps up on March 23. Sensory Friendly Day will be held on Thursday, March 6.
Other HLSR special days can be found here.