Hundreds of Tomball area residents, many dressed in cowboy boots, buckles and hats, lined the streets near the Historic Tomball Depot Plaza Feb. 25 to greet the Sam Houston Trail Riders during their 60th anniversary trek to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

More than 200 cowboys and cowgirls, dozens of horses and about 10 wagons rode through town on their way to the rodeo.

The Sam Houston Trail Riders departed Monday from Montgomery on the more than 70-mile journey to the rodeo.

"I love it," said Dave Ventress, who has been a marshal with the Sam Houston Trail Riders for 13 years. "It's a tradition that I don't want to see stopped. As long as they'll let me, I'll be here."

Sam Houston riders are one of 12 groups who make the trek to the Houston Rodeo each year.

The Sam Houston Trail Riders will camp at the Spring Creek Park tonight and continue on their journey Thursday.

"The weather has been beautiful, except for a little rain," Ventress said.

About 200 residents and community members at the Depot greeted the riders. The celebration included live music and square dancing.