Established in 1899, The American Royal began as a modest Hereford cattle show in a tent and grew so large that by 1921 Kansas City gave it its first 7.5-acre building. Among its early featured equestrians was Tom Bass, born a slave, who later trained horses for Teddy Roosevelt, Will Rogers, and Buffalo Bill. Today, four massive buildings house its activities, including horse shows, rodeos, and petting zoos. In recent years, this major fall event has drawn audiences of 250,000-plus, along with hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls from across the country who come to compete. It also features nightly performances by leading country music acts, opens each year with the world’s largest barbecue contest, and includes a livestock parade through downtown.
