"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, in an effort to provide a safe environment and promote a family-friendly atmosphere at the city's iconic entertainment event, will prohibit concealed and open carry of handguns by private citizens at the 2016 Show," the organization said in a release Tuesday afternoon.

Open carry of firearms has been a hot topic in Texas since a new law went into effect Jan. 1 which allowed licensed handgun carriers to openly wear their weapons both in public, and private establishments that allow it.

A number of businesses – most notably the Houston Zoo – have stepped forward to say they will not allow the open carry of weapons on their grounds, however RodeoHouston's decision may be the biggest made so far involving a public event (especially an event that so vividly recalls the gun-loving mystique and lore of the cowboy and American West).

Joel Cowley, president and chief executive officer of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, spoke to reporters on Tuesday afternoon about the private, non-profit entity’s decision.

http://www.chron.com/houston/article/Houston-Livestock-Show-and-Rodeo-bans-open-carry-6834277.php