It seemed like a rite of passage to take Felix to The American Royal, held every fall in Kansas City. Taking his father and aunt was also a much-loved tradition a few decades ago. Walking around the stalls to see the BIG pigs and show horses and cattle meant stepping out of our suburban lives for just a few hours and wondering what it would be like to be a rancher with such magnificent creatures. The smell of the hay and the…well, livestock patties is all a part of the experience. For Felix, his eyes continued to take in all of the sites and smells that were a big step away from his everyday life. His curiosity was soaring!

The American Royal began as a cattle show in 1899 in the Kansas City Stockyards. In 1926, the American Royal invited vocational agriculture students to judge livestock. During the 1928 American Royal, 33 of the students meeting at the Baltimore Hotel in downtown Kansas City formed the Future Farmers of America. The group proceeded to hold a convention every year during the Royal in Kansas City until 1998. During World War II, the Royal complex was converted into a glider factory.

Some of the animal workers were extremely kind to include Felix by letting him pet the cows. It was exciting to see the young handlers showing their prized cattle to be judged. Their excitement was also palpable.

It was a fun morning, experiencing something new for Felix and reliving a fun part of childhoods that came before. I have a soft spot for American western culture. Big skies. Nature living. Cool hats and boots. The smell of leather and hay. The story writes itself!

Another fun adventure, getting to see something new through the eyes of a curious and happy two-year-old!