Tomball, no longer a one-horse town

In a few days' time, the world's largest livestock show and rodeo will begin in downtown Houston (apparently more than 2.46 million people attended over the 20-day event last year).  The week before the Rodeo, trail riders (riders, horses and covered wagons) make their way to downtown Houston from various different locations, including other states, to promote the Rodeo, and are an attraction themselves as they slowly ride through small towns and the suburbs of Houston.  One of these trails passed through Tomball today so I popped out to enjoy the parade and festivities.  There was free food and drinks for everyone and free line dancing lessons. I'd already found what I felt would be a good spot to take photos from, so I'm afraid I didn’t leave it to take part in those. : )  Even though the trail ride tradition isn’t that old and there's at least one cellphone visible in the picture, I decided to give my blip an antiquey look to go with the wagons. 
I've added a picture in Extras of the brilliant toilet symbols they have on their portable loos.

For those who might be curious, here's a wee bit of trail ride history taken from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo website:
- In 1952, four men traveled on horseback from Brenham, Texas, to raise awareness of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™. Today, more than 3,000 trail riders partake in the Show's signature tradition each year. Riders hit the trail in an attempt to recreate the Old West.
- One year later in 1953, 80 people signed up to start the Salt Grass Trail Ride. By 1954, 800 people were participating.
- Today, more than 3,000 riders saddle up from all directions, including Louisiana and Mexico.
- 13 Trail Rides participate in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Rodeo Parade.
- Nearly 1,800 miles is covered by all 13 Trial Rides.
- Many of the horses on the ride are rescued animals. The Texas Independence Trail Ride has such animals, as well as three century old wagons.
- Many of the trail rides include family members and generations of all ages.
- Some trail rides distribute scholarships to area students and visit schools to share the history of the Show and trail rides.