American Royal facts for kids
The American Royal is a big event held every year in Kansas City. It includes a livestock show (where farm animals are shown), a horse show, a rodeo, and a huge barbecue competition. These events happen from September to November. The Future Farmers of America, now called the National FFA Organization, was started during this annual event. Even the Kansas City Royals baseball team got its name from the American Royal!
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History of the American Royal
The American Royal started in 1899 as a cattle show. It was held in the Kansas City Stockyards, which was a big place for buying and selling animals. The name "American Royal" came from a newspaper article in 1901. It suggested calling the event the "American Royal" because England had a similar big show called the "Royal Show."
Growing with Horses and Farmers
In 1907, a horse show was added to the American Royal. Over the years, it grew to include many different types of horse shows. These include shows for Quarter Horses, Hunter-Jumpers, Arabian Horses, and more.
A very important event happened in 1928. Students who were studying agriculture were invited to judge livestock. During the American Royal that year, 33 of these students met and formed the Future Farmers of America. This group is now known as the National FFA Organization and has hundreds of thousands of members! They held their yearly meeting in Kansas City during the Royal until 1998.
Changes to the Royal's Home
The first building where the American Royal was held burned down in 1925. But it was quickly rebuilt for the event that same year. This building was used until a new American Royal complex was built in 1992. During World War II, the Royal's building was even used to make parts for gliders (a type of aircraft).
The American Royal events were not held during 1917-1918 and 1942-1945. In 2011, the American Royal also took over the Barbecue Hall of Fame. In 2020, some events had to move online because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The New American Royal Complex
The new American Royal Complex was built in 1992. It replaced the older building from 1926. This new complex has a museum, visitor center, and several large halls for shows. It also has offices for the people who run the American Royal. In 1993, the new buildings were flooded, but they were fixed quickly. The livestock shows continued later that year.
Some of the big shows, like the rodeo, are now held at other arenas in Kansas City. The barbecue competition used to be at the complex. It moved to the Arrowhead Stadium parking lots in 2015 and then to Kansas Speedway in 2016.
American Royal Museum
The American Royal Museum is a place where you can learn about the history of the American Royal. It is open by appointment and has longer hours during the Royal's season. You can see exhibits about horses, veterinary medicine, and farming in Kansas City. There are also displays of clothing, saddles, and other items from horse shows, rodeos, and livestock events.
Moving to Wyandotte County
In October 2016, the American Royal Association announced it would move to Wyandotte County, Kansas. They got the land by December 2019. Construction was expected to start in early 2020, and the new complex was planned to open in November 2021.
What Happens at the American Royal
The American Royal is an eight-week-long season of exciting events. It includes the barbecue competition, rodeos, livestock shows, and horse events. It also has many activities that help young people and support education. This event brings over $62 million to Kansas City each year.
The Royal hosts the world's largest barbecue contest. It also has one of the biggest livestock shows in the Midwest. Its rodeo is one of the top five in the country. The horse competition is a national championship.
Barbecue Contest Categories
The barbecue contest is divided into several parts. Teams compete to make the best:
- Brisket
- Pork ribs
- Pork shoulder
- Chicken
- Sausage
- Side dishes
- Dessert
How the American Royal is Organized
The American Royal is a not-for-profit organization. This means it doesn't try to make money for owners. Instead, it uses its money to help the community. It is run by volunteers. The organization raises money through donations, sponsorships, and event ticket sales.
In 2005, the American Royal gave over $1.3 million. This money went to scholarships for students, educational awards, and other programs. It also helped fund community donations and prizes for the competitions.
See also
- Rodeo bareback rigging
- American Royal Zephyr
