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Barrelman and fan-favorite Leon Coffee announced as grand marshal of Houston Rodeo parade

published: February 17th 2023
source: Southern Livestock Standard

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) is excited to announce that barrelman Leon Coffee will help kick off the 2023 HLSR by serving as grand marshal of the Downtown Rodeo Parade. This annual event, to be held on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m., celebrates western heritage and marks the beginning of the livestock show/rodeo season, a tradition since 1932.

      “Leon Coffee is an icon and fan-favorite of the rodeo. With 2023 being his 30^th anniversary as our barrelman and friend, it makes him the perfect candidate to lead our parade as grand marshal,” said Chris Boleman, rodeo president and CEO. “From entertaining rodeo fans year after year, to now riding in our parade as grand marshal, we’re very excited to acknowledge Leon and his ongoing commitment to our Show.”

      Since his debut in 1993, Coffee has become a legend of RODEOHOUSTON® and the rodeo industry itself. From his early days of bullfighting to his present role as the barrelman at Houston, Coffee brings light and laughter to the audience each night. Coffee is also a ProRodeo Hall of Fame Inductee and was named the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Clown of the Year in 1983.