If you do one Houston Rodeo thing:

Kelly Clarkson, Creed and rattlesnake corndogs.

Vibes: ✨

Boot scootin'. Mutton bustin'. Yee and haw.

Why you should do this: 

The RodeoHouston season has officially started — tickets went on sale today. Who are you going to see?

I was on a walk yesterday, just as the sun was going down, and "Dance With Me" by Kelly Clarkson came through my headphones. Like so many of her best songs, it's anthemic and high energy, dance-pop that teeters on the edge of rock. It snapped me into a full Kelly playlist: "Since U Been Gone," "Favorite Kind of High," "Miss Independent." I was suddenly even more excited for her return to Rodeo after more than 20 years. I've loved Kelly since her run on "American Idol." And she can literally sing anything. I've never heard her hit a wrong note, ever.

That also means it's never too early to start planning your Rodeo run. If you haven't gotten tickets already, do it now. Some of those shows will sell out quickly, if they haven't already. Here's what else you need to think about.

What to wear: Don't overspend on boots you're going to pull on just a few times. Try thrift or secondhand stores.

Half-price carnival packs: These are essential. The packs include tickets that can be used for rides and games, along with valuable food coupons. You'll save a ton, so don't forget.

Budget for extras: Merch, drinks, that extra deep-fried whatever. Rodeo is expensive.

Eat something new:Rodeo food is ridiculous and an opportunity to try something you'd never normally eat. Last year, mine was scorpion pizza. It wasn't bad but I don't know that I'll ever eat it again. Biting into them is just ... strange. This year, I want to finally try a rattlesnake corn dog.

Visit the vendors:Stroll through the rows of vendors at NRG Stadium. Even if you don't buy anything, it's great people watching.

What are your Rodeo tips? And who are you going to see this year?