No, the iconic twice-daily cattle drive isn't returning just yet, but the Fort Worth Herd is launching a new experience that will still allow guests to experience the Old West.
The Herd Experience begins Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Fort Worth Herd observation deck just east of the Stockyards Exchange Building, and will continue to take place at the top of each hour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays including Memorial Day.
The approximately 15-minute experience will include an overview of the history of cattle drives and feature nine steers and Herd drovers. Each session is open to up to 20 guests, who will need to reserve a free ticket in advance. The line to enter the experience will include stickers placed six feet apart — which, according to the Herd, is the length between the tips of a longhorn — and the check-in and ticketing process will be touch free. There will also be hand sanitizer on site for staff and visitors.
“We are thrilled to offer a temporary way for locals and visitors to experience the beloved Fort Worth Herd,” Pam Minick, president of the Friends of the Fort Worth Herd board, said in a statement. “This engaging storytelling element will provide a fun and educational overview of our Western heritage and history of the cattle drives.”
The Herd has a big month ahead in June, celebrating its 21st anniversary on June 12 and Rocky Roney Day on June 19, honoring Roney, one of the original Herd drovers and an African-American cowboy, whose birthday falls on Juneteenth.
As far as when the twice-daily cattle drives will return, the Herd has not yet announced a date.
Guests can reserve tickets to the Herd Experience by texting HERD2020 to 41444. More information can be found on the Herd's website.
