The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has named longtime RODEOHOUSTON announcer and Hall of Famer Bob Tallman as grand marshal of the 2027 Downtown Rodeo Parade.
Tallman has been the voice of RODEOHOUSTON for 45 years, welcoming people with his iconic “Hello, Houston!” and bringing the action, athletes and stories of the Rodeo to life.
“Bob Tallman has meant so much to RODEOHOUSTON and to the people who have experienced our event over the years,” said Chris Boleman, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “His passion for rodeo and commitment to Western heritage reflect the traditions we are proud to celebrate. Having him lead the Downtown Rodeo Parade is a meaningful way to begin our 95th season.”
Tallman was inducted into the RODEOHOUSTON Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 2024 in recognition of his lasting impact on the Rodeo as its distinctive voice and longtime ambassador. His career includes nearly 15,000 rodeo performances across the United States, Mexico, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2004 and has earned 12 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Announcer of the Year honors.
The Downtown Rodeo Parade is an 89-year Houston tradition and marks the official start of Rodeo season with a 1.5-mile procession through downtown featuring floats, trail riders, mounted groups, marching bands and Rodeo volunteers.
Tallman will lead the parade Saturday, Feb. 27, 2027, ahead of the 2027 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which begins Tuesday, March 2.
