Texas Sporting Events 2006
Please note that prices, dates, telephone numbers and hours are subject to change. Please call ahead before making plans.

| January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |

JANUARY

January 1 - Middle of March 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Athens: Annual Trout Harvest. Come experience the thrill of trout fishing at the beautiful Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, Texas. Location: 5550 FM 2495. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 1-903-676-2277. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, January 1 - middle of March.

January 13 - February 5, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Fort Worth: 110th Annual Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show & Rodeo. Established in 1896, this popular event attracts nearly one million people from around the world to the Will Rogers Memorial Center for the nation's oldest livestock show and daily performances of the world's original indoor rodeo. Grounds open daily 8am-10pm. Grounds Admission: $8 Adults, $4 Children (6-16). Grounds admission tickets are available upon arrival. Tickets are on sale at the Will Rogers Box Office located at 3401 West Lancaster Ave. Please call 817-877-2400 for ticket information. Location: Will Rogers Memorial Center. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. For more information, call 817-877-2400 or visit http://www.fwssr.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

FEBRUARY

(January 1) thru Middle of March 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Athens: Annual Trout Harvest. Come experience the thrill of trout fishing at the beautiful Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, Texas. Location: 5550 FM 2495. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 1-903-676-2277. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, January 1 - middle of March.

(January 13) thru February 5, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Fort Worth: 110th Annual Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show & Rodeo. Established in 1896, this popular event attracts nearly one million people from around the world to the Will Rogers Memorial Center for the nation's oldest livestock show and daily performances of the world's original indoor rodeo. Grounds open daily 8am-10pm. Grounds Admission: $8 Adults, $4 Children (6-16). Grounds admission tickets are available upon arrival. Tickets are on sale at the Will Rogers Box Office located at 3401 West Lancaster Ave. Please call 817-877-2400 for ticket information. Location: Will Rogers Memorial Center. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. For more information, call 817-877-2400 or visit http://www.fwssr.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

February 3-19, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - San Antonio: Stock Show & Rodeo. Features a family fair, carnival, livestock shows, rodeo and named entertainers. Location: SBC Center & Freeman-Coliseum Grounds. For more information visit www.sarodeo.com or call 210-225-5851. Region: South Texas Plains. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

February 9-19, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Amarillo: National Cutting Horse Association World Championship Finals. Over 500 of the top riders and cutting horses vie for the title "World Champion" in a week-long event at the Amarillo National Center. It is the largest equestrian event in Amarillo. Time: 8am-8pm. Cost: free. Location: Amarillo National Center--Tri-State Fairgrounds at 10th and Grand Street. Region: Texas Panhandle Plains. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 817-244-6188. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in January.

February 11 - July 2, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Corpus Christi: 2006 USBC Open Championships. United States Bowling Conference Annual Bowling Tournament. Time: All Day. Cost: Free. Location: American Bank Building. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: 200,000-500,000. For more information, visit www.bowl.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

February 25, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Houston: 19th Annual ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run. The ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run leads the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade. Both the 10K and 5K races begin in downtown Houston and finish at Minute Maid Park. All race entry fees benefit the Rodeo's Educational Fund. The post-race party takes place inside the Park. Reduced airfare and hotel discounts provided. Time: 10:50am. Cost: $20-25 varied. Location: Texas and Smith Streets. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-293-5591 or visit www.conocorodeorun.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

February 28 - March 19, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Houston: Annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Big city, big rodeo. World's largest stock show; live country music performances by the genre's biggest stars and top-notch PRCA rodeo action in comfort of the new Reliant stadium. Features seven PRCA and WPRA events: bareback bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, calf roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling and team roping. Parade, carnival, and barbecue cook-off, too. Tickets start at $14, and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and at the Astrodome box office. Free shuttle available. Location: Reliant Park. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. For more information, call (832) 667-1000, or go to http://www.hlsr.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

MARCH

(January 1) thru Middle of March 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Athens: Annual Trout Harvest. Come experience the thrill of trout fishing at the beautiful Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, Texas. Location: 5550 FM 2495. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 903-676-2277. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, January 1 - middle of March.

(February 11) thru July 2, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Corpus Christi: 2006 USBC Open Championships. United States Bowling Conference Annual Bowling Tournament. Time: All Day. Cost: Free. Location: American Bank Building. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: 200,000-500,000. For more information, visit www.bowl.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

(February 28) - March 19, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Houston: Annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Big city, big rodeo. World's largest stock show; live country music performances by the genre's biggest stars and top-notch PRCA rodeo action in comfort of the new Reliant stadium. Features seven PRCA and WPRA events: bareback bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, calf roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling and team roping. Parade, carnival, and barbecue cook-off, too. Tickets start at $14, and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and at the Astrodome box office. Free shuttle available. Location: Reliant Park. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. For more information, call (832) 667-1000, or go to http://www.hlsr.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

March 3-5, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Bandera: Spring Break Trail Ride. Sponsored by Texas Trail Riders Association & Hill Country State Natural Area Partners. Registration Friday evening. Rides Saturday and Sunday morning. Cost: non-member $35. Location: Hill Country State Natural Area. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 830-393-7037 or visit www.hcsnap.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, first weekend in March.

APRIL

(February 11) thru July 2, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Corpus Christi: 2006 USBC Open Championships. United States Bowling Conference Annual Bowling Tournament. Time: All Day. Cost: Free. Location: American Bank Building. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: 200,000-500,000. For more information, visit www.bowl.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

April 14-16, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Kerrville: Easter Hill Country Bike Tour. Supported rides and bike tour throughout the Texas Hill Country. Time: All day. Cost: Contact for registration information/costs. Location: Registration TBA. Rides throughout the Hill Country. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 830-792-8387. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, Easter weekend.

April 15, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Kerrville: Easter Run Classic. An awards ceremony following the race, 1st-3rd places in age categories. Drawing for door prizes for registered walkers and runners. Time: Walk begins at 8am, Run at 9am. Cost: Contact for registration information/costs. Location: Registration location TBA. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 830-792-8387. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, Easter weekend.

April 19-22, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Fort Stockton/Sanderson: Big Bend Open Road Race. An action packed day (Saturday) of racing fun. This type of open road racing attracts racers and enthusiasts from all over the U.S. The event includes all types of cars from street legal to highly modified cars to Nascars. Anyone can enter. Speed categories from 85 mph to Unlimited (over 200 mph). Time: 8am-10pm. Cost: Free to attend, Fee to enter. Volunteers needed! Call for more information. Location: Hwy. 285 between Fort Stockton and Sanderson. Region: Texas Big Bend Country. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 432-336-8525, ext. 16. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 4th weekend in April.

April 27-29, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Kerrville: Kerrville Senior Games. Competitive Olympic-style events for ages 50 plus including basketball, bowling, swimming, bridge, tennis, softballs, track and more. Time: Events held all day. Cost: Contact for registration information/costs. Location: Sporting venues throughout the city. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 830-896-4263. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last Thursday, Friday and Saturday of April.

MAY

(February 11) thru July 2, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Corpus Christi: 2006 USBC Open Championships. United States Bowling Conference Annual Bowling Tournament. Time: All Day. Cost: Free. Location: American Bank Building. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: 200,000-500,000. For more information, visit www.bowl.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

May 5-6, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Bandera: Ranch Rodeos. Family fun at weekly ranch rodeos, held Fridays at Twin Elm Ranch, and Saturdays at Lightning Ranch. Time: Both begin at 8pm. Cost: $5. Location: Twin Elm Ranch Fridays, Lightning Ranch on Saturdays. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call Lightning Ranch 830-535 4096, Twin Elm Ranch 830-796 3628. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

May 6-7, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Del Rio: 29th Annual George Paul Memorial Bull Riding Competition. Non-stop action and live entertainment make this event a must-see. The first stand-alone bull riding in the country, it honors George Paul, World Champion Bull Rider 1968. Paul rode 79 bulls consecutively without being thrown, a record, which stands unbroken. Known as the "Academy Awards of Bull Riding", with top ranked bulls, bull riders, and rodeo bullfighters, it's pure excitement from start to finish. Del Rio & Ciudad Acuna attractions add more fun. Time: Sat 7pm, Sun 3pm. Cost: General Admission $17/Reserve Seating Sat $25/Sun $30. Location: Val Verde County Fairgrounds off North Main Street. Region: Texas Big Bend Country. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 830-775-9595. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last weekend in April or 1st weekend in May.

May 11-14, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Port Neches: Port Neches RiverFest: Tunnel Boat Races. Four days of fun on the River! Come and celebrate the beauty of Southeast Texas from the banks of the Neches River at the waterfront park in Port Neches. Carnival, along with live entertainment and must see show and lots more -- plus -- "Thunder on the Neches" Tunnel Boat Races. THRILLS! CHILLS! And SPILLS! Racing at its finest, produced by SPORT. Fireworks Display, Arts and Crafts Flea Market, Food Vendors, Talent Show for all ages, Best Burger Cook-off, Horseshoe Tournament, Basketball 3 on 3 Tournament, Antique/Classic Car Show. Time: Thurs thru Sunday. Cost: free. Location: End of Merriman and Grigsby Ave. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 409-722-9154 or visit www.sportracingtour.com or www.champboatracing.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 2nd weekend in May.

May 12-13, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Bandera: Ranch Rodeos. Family fun at weekly ranch rodeos, held Fridays at Twin Elm Ranch, and Saturdays at Lightning Ranch. Time: Both begin at 8pm. Cost: $5. Location: Twin Elm Ranch Fridays, Lightning Ranch on Saturdays. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call Lightning Ranch 830-535 4096, Twin Elm Ranch 830-796 3628. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

May 19 & 20, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Bandera: Ranch Rodeos. Family fun at weekly ranch rodeos, held Fridays at Twin Elm Ranch, and Saturdays at Lightning Ranch. Time: Both begin at 8:00 pm. Cost: $5. Location: Twin Elm Ranch Fridays, Lightning Ranch on Saturdays. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call Lightning Ranch 830-535 4096, Twin Elm Ranch 830-796 3628. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

May 19-21, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Bandera: 5th Annual Spring Benefit Hill Country Trail-Ride. Enjoy a trail ride in the Hill Country. Breakfast provided for registered riders Sat & Sun only, Cowboy stew Friday night. BBQ "pot luck" dinner Saturday night. HC-SNAP will provide meat. Please bring a dish to share. Bring plenty of drinking water and ice. Proceeds to benefit the Hill Country State Natural Area. Cost: Adults 18 & over: $30, HCSNAP members: $25 (Includes individual park fees), Children 13-17: $15, HCSNAP members: $10, Children 12 & under FREE. Location: Hill Country State Natural Area. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 830-393-7037 or visit www.hcsnap.net. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, end of May.

May 26 & 27, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Bandera: Ranch Rodeos. Family fun at weekly ranch rodeos, held Fridays at Twin Elm Ranch, and Saturdays at Lightning Ranch. Time: Both begin at 8:00 pm. Cost: $5. Location: Twin Elm Ranch Fridays, Lightning Ranch on Saturdays. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call Lightning Ranch 830-535 4096, Twin Elm Ranch 830-796 3628. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

May 26-28, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Bandera: Cowboy Capital Rodeo Association Pro Rodeo. Performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, at Mansfield Park, Bandera, Texas. Cost: yes. Location: Mansfield Park. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 830-796-7207 or visit www.banderarodeo.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, end of May.

JUNE

(February 11) thru July 2, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Corpus Christi: 2006 USBC Open Championships. United States Bowling Conference Annual Bowling Tournament. Time: All Day. Cost: Free. Location: American Bank Building. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: 200,000-500,000. For more information, visit www.bowl.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

June 1-4, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Amarillo: Cowboy Roundup USA. Coors Ranch Rodeo & World Championship Chuckwagon Roundup and World's Greatest Horseman Finals. Cowboys from ranches all over the region compete in the ranch rodeo, and chuck wagon cooks guard their recipes carefully to win first prize in the highest-paid chuck wagon cook-off in the country. Location: Amarillo Tri-State Fairgrounds 10th and Grand Street. Region: Texas Panhandle Plains. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 806-376-7767. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, first of June.

June 2-4, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Brady: Heart of Texas Thunder Drag Boat Races. Sanctioned by the Southern Drag Boat Association and brought to you by the Brady Chamber of Commerce. The Fastest Liquid Quarter Mile in the Hill country. Time: Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Cost: Sat $8, Sun $12. Location: Brady Lake FM 2028. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 325-597-3491 or visit www.bradytx.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held Annually.

June 3, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Lufkin: Neches River Rendezvous. This 10-mile canoe trip down the Neches River is fun for everyone. You can choose to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenic surroundings and wildlife, or you can compete in the timed event. Participants will be treated to lunch and receive the official Neches River Rendezvous t-shirt. We invite you to come experience the beauty, challenge, and pleasure of the Neches River. Time: Begins at 8am. Cost: varies between $10-$25. Location: 1615 S. Chestnut. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call (936)634-6305. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 1st Saturday of June.

June 28 - July 1, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Pecos: 124th West of the Pecos Rodeo. Four exciting evenings filled with calf roping, bronco riding, barrel racing, and much more. Time: 7:30pm. Cost: varies on seating. Location: Buck Jackson Rodeo Arena. Region: Texas Big Bend Country. For more information, call 1-800-588-2855. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, first 4 days of July.

June 28 - July 2, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Freeport: Annual Fishing Fiesta. Fisherman are drawn to this fishing tournament each year in the hopes of catching the biggest snapper, amberjack, or any other offshore or inshore fish. The Fishing Fiesta is sponsored by the Freeport Jaycees and offers carnival rides, food, live entertainment, dances and arts & crafts. The fishing tournament is one of the largest on the Gulf and the prizes include cash and a fishing boat. Time: TBA. Cost: Varies depending on age and entertainment. Tournament fee TBA. Location: Freeport Municipal Park, Brazosport Blvd. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. For more information, call 979-233-3306. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held every year during the July 4th week.

JULY

(February 11) thru July 2, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Corpus Christi: 2006 USBC Open Championships. United States Bowling Conference Annual Bowling Tournament. Time: All Day. Cost: Free. Location: American Bank Building. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: 200,000-500,000. For more information, visit www.bowl.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

July 1-3, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Uvalde: 58th Annual 4th of July Golf Tournament. Join us in Uvalde, Texas and enjoy the friendly competition and camaraderie among avid golfers. Come find out why players from all over Texas come to compete in this annual event. Time: Tee time 8am. Cost: $180. Location: 221 E. Doughty St. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 830-278-6155. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 1st weekend in July.

July 6-9, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Port Aransas: 71st Annual Deep Sea Roundup. Sponsored by the Port Aransas Boatmen, the Deep Sea Roundup is the oldest fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast. The proceeds from the Deep Sea Roundup are the primary source of funds for the PAB's scholarship fund. Associated writh the tournament is a dinner and dance. We hope you will sign up for the Deep Sea Roundup, and find out what great tournament fishing is all about. Time: July 7 Registration begins 2pm, ends July 10 with Awards at 1pm. Cost: Early registration, before June 15, $75; After June 15, $95. Location: Roberts Point Park, Port Aransas, TX 78373. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 361-749-6339 or 1-800-45-COAST. For a schedule of events and registration go to www.paboatmen.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

July 11-14, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Athens: Camp Fish. A day camp for youngsters aged 9 to 15 to learn all about fish and fishing. Time: 1pm-5pm. Cost: $50 fee. Location: Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, 5550 FM 2495, Athens, Texas 75752. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 903-676-2277. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in July.

July 15, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Paris: Tour de Paris Bicycle Rally. The Tour de Paris will be celebrating its 21st year in 2005, offering pancake breakfast, varying lengths (100K, 70K, 40K and 15K), hamburgers and fresh fruit smoothies at finish line. Great t-shirts, prizes and drawing for free bike for early bird entries. Time: Start at 8am. Cost: $25 registration. Location: Start/Finish Line, 2400 Jefferson Road. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 800-PARIS TX. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd Saturday in July.

AUGUST

August 11-20, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Alpine: Reata Polo Tournament: Rope the Moon Challenge Cup. Polo Tournament 8-12 Goal Handicap Rating with four Chuckers. The finals, which are fast paced and very exciting, are open to the public on the last day of the tournament. Time: Finals are on August 20th at 3pm & 5pm. Cost: $2/per person. Location: CF Ranch, 13 miles N on Hwy 118, Alpine, Texas 79831. Region: Texas Big Bend Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 432-364-2251 or visit www.reatapolo.com. For information about competing, call 432-364-2251. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

August 16, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Sonora: Outlaw Pro Rodeo. The Sonora Outlaw Pro Rodeo is held every year during the third week of August in conjunction with Sutton County Days. Sonora hosts one of the best outdoor pro rodeos in Texas. Top contestants and one of the rockiness shows in West Texas. Slack performances Wednesday & Thursday with regular performances on Friday & Saturday. Parade on Saturday, with dancing under stars on Friday & Saturday nights. Location: Sutton County Park & Arena Complex. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 325-387-2949. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd week in August.

August 18-20, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Columbus: 3rd Annual Team Dairy Queen Bicycle Tour of Columbus. The Tour of Columbus is a Texas Cup Elite event. The race will take place in historic Columbus, Texas. Bring your family and friends to enjoy the fantastic racing atmosphere & wonderful community filled with great restaurants, shopping & scenery. You must present a valid USCF license at registration. One day & full USCF license forms will be available. Time: Times vary. Cost: Pre-registration fees $65-$70. Location: 425 Spring Street. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 979-732-8385. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd weekend in August.

August 25 - September 3, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Alpine: Reata Polo Tournament: West Texas Invitational Cup. Polo Tournament 8-12 Goal Handicap Rating with six Chuckers. The finals, which are fast paced and very exciting, are open to the public on the last day of the tournament. Time: Finals on September 3rd at 3pm & 5pm. Cost: $2/per person. Location: CF Ranch, 13 miles N on Hwy 118 Alpine, Texas 79831. Region: Texas Big Bend Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 432-364-2251 or visit www.reatapolo.com. For information about competing, call 432-364-2251. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

September

September 2-4, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Columbus: Colorado River 100 Canoe Marathon. Finish the final leg of a 100 mile marathon canoe race and adventure challenge here in Columbus. Upon completion of the Colorado River 100, paddlers will have the satisfaction of knowing that they have completed one of the most difficult endurance events in Texas. Time: call. Cost: call. Location: 804 Robson Columbus, TX 78934. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 979-732-8385 or visit www.columbustexas.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

September 8-17, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Alpine: Reata Polo Tournament: Ben E. Keith Davis Mountain Cup. Polo Tournament 8-12 Goal Handicap Rating with six Chuckers. The finals, which are fast paced and very exciting, are open to the public on the last day of the tournament. Time: Finals September 17th at 3pm & 5pm. Cost: $2 per person. Location: CF Ranch, 13 miles N on Hwy 118, Alpine, Texas 79831. Region: Texas Big Bend Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 432-364-2251 or visit reatapolo.com. For information about competing, call 432-364-2251. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

September 23, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Columbus: ICF State Championship Canoe Races. ICF State Championship Canoe Races will be held in Columbus, TX at Howell Canoe Livery. Time: call. Cost: call. Location: Howell Canoe Livery, 804 Robson Columbus, TX 78934. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 979-732-8385 or visit www.columbustexas.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

October

October 21, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Columbus: Sandy Barta 5k Run/Walk. Annual event begins at Beason's Park in Columbus. Raises funds for mammography services. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 979-732-8385, email Betty Hajovsky at bettycch02@yahoo.com or visit www.columbusch.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

October 21, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Goliad: 15th Annual Missions Tour de Goliad Bike Ride. The 10, 30, 50 and 85-mile riders pedal through gently rolling hills of scenic farm and ranch country, riding past century old live oaks and through the beauty of rural country communities. Visit our quaint town square shops filled with arts, crafts, antiques, souvenirs, fashion apparel, Gourmet Texas food and much more. Time: 8am. Cost: $20 before Oct. 12; family of 4 or more $15 before Oct. 12. Location: 131 S. Courthouse Square. Region: South Texas Plains. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 800-848-8674. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd Saturday in October.

October 26 - November 4, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Amarillo: US Team Penning Association World Finals. For more information see the Team Penning Association website at www.teampenning.org. Time: all day. Cost: free. Location: Amarillo National Center Tri-State Fairgrounds 10th and Grand Street. Region: Texas Panhandle Plains. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 940-766-6838. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last week of October.

November

November 4-5, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Historic Gruene in New Braunfels: 23rd Annual Tour de Gruene Bicycle Classic. Participants enjoy a leisurely ride through the Texas Hill Country or competitive time trials with prizes for the best course records. Among famous past participants are six-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong and five-time winner Eddie Merckx. A celebrity slow race and an antique & classic bicycle show round out the events. The weekend is sponsored by the San Antonio Bicycle Racing Club and benefits local New Braunfels' charity. Time: call for specific info. Cost: Call for cost. Location: 1601 Hunter Rd New Braunfels, TX 78130. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 50,000. Visit www.gruenetexas.com for information on events in Gruene Texas. Register by calling (210) 828-6856 for an entry form. For more information, call (210) 828-6856. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

November 9-12, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Amarillo: World Championship Ranch Rodeo. See real cowboys from the U.S. and Canada, who actually earn their day-to-day living on a ranch, compete for the title of World Champion in events like wild cow milking, bronc riding, team penning and more. Time: 7pm. Location: Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum 3rd and Buchanan. Region: Texas Panhandle Plains. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 806-374-9722. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in November.