It’s that time again: 2015 is kicking off with the return of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The rodeo and carnival begins Feb. 26 through 28 and Mar. 3 through 22. The carnival is set up on the parking lot with various rides for all ages. Coupons for each ride can be purchased at the carnival booth.

To kick off the big events of the Houston Rodeo, there will be the Houston Rodeo Parade on Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. in downtown Houston. Leading up to the parade will be the Wheelchair Race starting at 9:10 a.m. Next is the 10K race at 9:20 a.m. Afterwards will be the 5K Fun Run/Walk at 9:45 a.m. and finally the big event: the downtown Rodeo Parade.

“I’m looking forward to these events before the rodeo begins because it is amazing seeing all of the people coming together and having fun,” sophomore Dashia Compton said. “Everyone looks like one big family.”

According to HoustonRodeoOnline, the parade route will begin at Bagby and Walker Street, then travel from Walker to Travis Street, turning right on Travis and continuing to Bell Street. Taking another right at Bell and another one at Louisiana street, the parade will take a left on Lamar and end there.

“I’m excited for the parade. I’ve never been to the parade part before, and this would be a new, wonderful experience,” sophomore Tamia Hodge said.

A series of events will start every livestock show the same way, starting with the Grand Entry, followed by the National Anthem and other fun events like Tie-Down Roping, Bareback Riding, and Team Roping. The performances will begin at 6:45 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays. Saturday and Sunday performances will begin at 3:45 p.m. throughout March.

The names of the performers are in order by date starting Mar. 3: Eric Church, Hunter Hayes, Miranda Lambert, John Legend, Alan Jackson, Fall OUt Boy, Justin Moore, Tim McGraw, Brantley Gilbert, Zac Brown Band, Pitbull, Billy Currington, La Arrondolla Banda El Limon, Dierks Bentley, Ariana Grande, Florida Georgia Line, Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Brad Paisley, and lastly, Luke Bryan.

“I can’t wait to see Miranda Lambert. She’s my favorite country artist,” sophomore Sara Benniga said. “Other than the crazy food and snack prices, I love the rodeo. It just gets hot having to navigate through the crowd of bodies, but in the end it’s all worth it getting to spend time with family and friends.”

There is no charge for children under the age of two years old that don’t require a seat. Tickets for ages 13 and over cost $10. Tickets from ages three to 12 only cost $5. The tickets can be purchased at the gate, online at www.HoustonRodeoOnline.com, or Ticket Master. For extra information on parking, times, shows, or other specific questions, visit http://www.houstonrodeoonline.com/info.php.