Excitement mounts early in the New Year as expected record crowds flock to the internationally acclaimed Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show and its accompanying 30 performances of the World's Original Indoor Rodeo!... the crowd pleasing "Best of the West" Ranch Rodeo!... the gorgeous "Best of Mexico Celebración"... and the powerhouse PRCA Extreme Bull Riding, "Bulls' Night Out"! More than 950,000 visitors and exhibitors are expected to pass through the gates to enjoy Fort Worth's most attended event. Ranchers, farmers and the general public will gather from throughout the U.S. and more than 75 foreign countries to view in excess of 25,000 head of livestock that will be on exhibit over the 24 days. Everyone enjoys activities such as witnessing or participating in the judging competitions, attending the nation's most prestigious rodeo, displaying and shopping the massive commercial exhibits area, being enriched by the educational exhibits and being entertained by a major helping of fabulous family-oriented activities.