'The perfect candidate to lead our parade': Johnson to serve as grand marshal at Downtown Rodeo Parade

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo recently announced that country singer Cody Johnson will serve as the Downtown Rodeo Parade's grand marshal to kick off the parade's 90th anniversary. 

Taking place in Houston every year, the Downtown Rodeo Parade has been held since 1938 and serves as the traditional opening of HLSR, which will celebrate its 90th anniversary this year, according to Click2Houston. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo serves to celebrate Western heritage while also marking the beginning of the rodeo season.

“Cody Johnson is a great friend of the Rodeo and has become a fan-favorite among our RODEOHOUSTON fans, making him the perfect candidate to lead our parade as grand marshal. From riding on horseback in our parade to performing on the RODEOHOUSTON stage on opening day, we’re excited for Cody to be a huge part of our 90th anniversary festivities," said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO, according to Click2Houston.

Johnson, a Texas-native country star, had previously written and performed the HLSR theme song for the event called “Welcome to the Show.” Now, he's slated to perform at the rodeo on Feb. 28, making it his fourth overall appearance, according to ABC13. Johnson was expected to perform at the 2020 event, but the rodeo abruptly ended on the day before his scheduled concert that year.

"RODEOHOUSTON is excited to announce Texas native @codyjohnson will serve as grand marshal for the 2022 Downtown Rodeo Parade on Feb. 26 as we kick-off the 90th anniversary of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!" said Rodeo Houston in a tweet. 

Prior to the parade, the Rodeo Run race will be held, consisting of the 10K wheelchair, 5K and 10K elite, 10K timed, 5K timed and untimed 5K, according to Click2Houston. 

The annual parade will be held on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 10 a.m.