American Royal facts for kids
The American Royal is a big event held every year in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. It includes a livestock show (where animals are judged), a horse show, a rodeo, and a huge barbecue competition. These events happen from September to November.
Did you know the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) started during the American Royal? Also, the professional baseball team, the Kansas City Royals, got its name from this very event!
Contents
History of the American Royal
The American Royal began in 1899. It started as a cattle show in the Kansas City Stockyards. The name "American Royal" came from a newspaper idea in 1901. The newspaper said it was like the "Royal Show" in England.
In 1907, the first horse show was added. Now, the horse show has many different types of horses. These include Quarter Horses, Hunter-Jumpers, Arabian Horses, and American Saddlebred horses. There's also a special show for young riders.
How FFA Started Here
In 1926, the American Royal invited students who studied agriculture. They came to judge livestock. Two years later, in 1928, 33 of these students met in Kansas City. They decided to form the Future Farmers of America. This group is now called the National FFA Organization. Today, it has over 579,000 members!
The FFA held its yearly meeting in Kansas City during the Royal until 1998. The first building for the American Royal burned down in 1925. It was quickly rebuilt for the event that same year. This building was used until a new complex was built in 1992. During World War II, the Royal complex was even used to make gliders!
In 2011, the American Royal took over the Barbecue Hall of Fame. In 2020, some events moved online. This was because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
New American Royal Complex
A new American Royal Complex was built in 1992. It replaced the older building from 1926. This new complex has a museum and a visitor center. It also has three big exhibition halls. There is also Hale Arena, a theater, and places to eat.
In 1993, the new buildings were flooded. But they were fixed quickly. The American Royal livestock shows still happened that year. Today, the livestock and rodeo shows are held at Hy-Vee Arena and the Sprint Center. The barbecue contest used to be at the complex. Now it is held at Kansas Speedway.
American Royal Museum
The American Royal Museum is a great place to visit. You can see exhibits about horses and veterinary medicine. There is also information about the history of the American Royal. You can learn about farming in Kansas City. The museum also displays old clothing, saddles, and other cool items from horse shows and rodeos.
Future Home in Wyandotte County
In 2016, the American Royal Association announced a big move. They plan to move to Wyandotte County, Kansas. They got the land by 2019. Building was expected to start in early 2020. The new complex was planned to open in November 2021.
Exciting Events at the Royal
The American Royal is an eight-week-long event. It includes barbecue contests, rodeos, and horse shows. There are also many activities about farming. These events help young people and support education.
This event is one of Kansas City's biggest yearly attractions. It brings in over $62 million for the area. The Royal hosts the world's largest barbecue contest. It also has one of the biggest livestock shows in the Midwest. Plus, its rodeo is one of the top five in the whole country!
The barbecue contest has many different categories. These include brisket, pork ribs, pork shoulder, and chicken. There are also categories for sausage, side dishes, and even dessert!
How the American Royal Works
The American Royal is a not-for-profit organization. This means it does not try to make money for owners. Instead, it is run by community volunteers. It raises money through donations and sponsorships. This money helps fund scholarships and educational programs. It also provides awards and prizes for the competitions.
In 2005, the organization gave over $1.3 million. This money went to scholarships, awards, and educational programs. It also helped local communities.
See also
- Rodeo bareback rigging
- American Royal Zephyr
