Houston has named Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer known for his work during the July Hill Country floods, as grand marshal of the 2026 Downtown Rodeo Parade. The parade is scheduled for February 28, 2026.
Rodeo names Ruskan grand marshal
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced that Petty Officer Scott Ruskan will be the grand marshal. Rodeo president and CEO Chris Boleman said, "Petty Officer Ruskan represents courage, commitment and service at the highest level," and Ruskan said, "It’s a huge honor to be invited to be the grand marshal." The decision was detailed by Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
How he helped at Camp Mystic
Ruskan, 26, is an aviation survival technician based at Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi. He earned national recognition after the July floods near the Guadalupe River, where, according to reporting by My San Antonio, he set up triage at Camp Mystic and helped evacuate roughly 165 children and staff during the flash flood. Local and federal officials later credited his actions as part of a wider multi‑agency rescue effort.
Parade details and what to expect
The Downtown Rodeo Parade is scheduled to start at 10 a.m., following a route that runs from Bagby and Walker to Lamar and Bagby. Streets along the course will close early on parade morning, and organizers plan to post viewing tips for attendees. The Rodeo Run, which includes wheelchair, 5K and 10K events, will take place before the parade procession gets underway. For the full schedule and route, see the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo page.
Recognition and reaction
Ruskan's rescue work in July drew national attention, with federal officials calling his efforts extraordinary and lawmakers introducing measures to recognize him publicly. Coverage by national outlets and a House Homeland Security statement helped amplify the praise; see reporting by Forbes and the House Homeland Security Committee for details.
By naming a first responder to lead the downtown procession, the Rodeo is tying this public celebration to a summer of rescue and recovery in Texas. Organizers say the parade will be a chance for the public to honor emergency crews while celebrating the kick‑off of the 2026 Rodeo season.
