Astronaut Rick Husband was one of Amarillo's finest. Rick commanded the Space Shuttle Columbia that broke up on re-entry in February 2002. His love of space and things yet to be explored is captured in a larger-than-life statue on the main concourse of Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport.

The American Quarter Horse Association of one of Amarillo's highlights. One the grounds of the museum and the association is a growing collection of bronze sculptures dedicated to the American Quarter Horse. Stop by for a peak into this important animal, be sure to go into the American Quarter Horse Heritage Center and Museum. See www.aqha.org for information.

Located throughout Amarillo are more than 60 different statues, prepared by local artists, as a tribute to the American Quarter Horse. Ranch Family Values, pictured here in front of the Bivins Mansion in downtown Amarillo, is just one. For more details on the public art project, contact Center City of Amarillo at 806-372-6744 or visit www.centercity.org. 

The Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, a $27 million palace to the performing arts, will be completed in October 2005. Home to Amarillo's active arts community, including the Amarillo Symphony, Lone Star Ballet and Amarillo Opera, it will feature a 1,200 seat, state-of-the-art theatre. There won't be a bad seat in the house. Call 806-374-8288 for more information.

Last year it was the first annual Old Tascosa Classic, featuring professional cycling athletes in a variety of competitions. In 2005, add the new United Texas Tour, an international, multi-stage cycling event in September with a purse over $150,000. Amarillo will host the United Texas Tour from September 12-14, 2005. Go to www.unitedtexastour.com for more details.