A friend to many and always with a smile, James B. Duke, has been elected President of the Fort Bend County Fair Association. Duke has been a life member of the Fair since October 1998. He is a constant figure throughout the Fair’s year-round activities and events. “I am honored and excited to be part of this board and all the good it does. To be named President, it is really a dream come true for me, and I am looking forward to a great year,” says Duke. James himself has been a member of the FFA and has been volunteering with the fair for decades. 2017 President, Ernest Lawson, handed over the Presidential reins last month officially to Duke. As for being president, Duke had this to say, “I look forward to doing what we do best, and that is to support the kids. Our livestock kids, the art students, the rodeo competitors, the talent show contestants, even those who are too young to compete yet, this is what the fair is all about, creating a place of family fun for all to enjoy.” For 2017, James oversaw the inaugural issue of the Fort Bend County Fair’s magazine, “The magazine was definitely a team effort, seeing it from start to finish was a huge task and one that was a rewarding experience,” said Duke. 

James has been enjoying the Fair for decades. He shares, “Oh boy, well I have to say it all started with me being a fair-goer. I would enjoy fair time as a place to see friends, family, and all the good it represents.  I became a volunteer for the Sponsor committee, Senior Citizens Day committee, Special Citizens committee, and then I was elected to the board. My commitment to the fair just grew and being involved it was a natural fit for me. I enjoy letting others know about the fair…it’s something that being in the community every day for business or pleasure, I can easily bring awareness to what we do or share a story about the fair, it is part of my life.”



Mr. Duke is a resident of Rosenberg and is a proud alumnus of Lamar High School of Lamar CISD. His roots in the community run deep, and he has many relatives throughout the Fort Bend County region. He is a lifetime and committee member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and volunteers with several charities and organizations throughout our community. “Volunteering is something I enjoy and to be able to help an individual or an organization is something I am proud to do."

Congratulations to James B. Duke, we look forward to a great year with a grand board! The Fort Bend County Fair is set for September 28 to October 7, 2018. Be sure to save the dates and join the fair fun! See you at the Fair! 

Q: What is your favorite part of the fair?
A: This is seriously a hard question; the rodeo is absolutely my favorite to watch. You get to see the action up close, the cowboys and cowgirls are the best of the best, and they never disappoint with the action. It sure is an awesome feeling when I am able to see a grand champion being named, the crowd erupts, the handshake, and the exhibitor’s reaction is priceless. 

Q: What is your favorite fair food?
A: The tamales. Not every fair can boast that they have tamales on their menu, but here at Fort Bend County we sure can and they are good. I don’t mind a good corn dog, funnel cake, turkey leg or whatever my taste buds are cruising for…I enjoy it all. 

Q: Will there be any new events that you will bring to the fair? 
A: Well last year we had the new George Pavilion. This year, we celebrate our 82nd year, I just hope and pray for the best fair possible. The Fair’s magazine will be back for publication, we are already looking into sponsor commitments, and I would like to reach out now to auction buyers and bidders, without them we could not do what we do for the kids. 

Q: John Conlee has been named as one of the 2018 entertainers …tell us about how and why you made this happen? 
A: John Conlee is an incredible act to see in concert. He has a list of country hits that is really impeccable. Well, as some may know, I am a funeral director, I am the General Manager of the Davis-Greenlawn funeral chapels and cemeteries. John Conlee, at one time was a licensed mortician. I just thought with his fan base, it was meant to be to have him in our entertainment lineup this year. We were thrilled to be able to announce his concert commitment on the last day of the 2017 Fair. 

Q: Anything else you like to add?
A: Get ready for a good time at our hometown fair. If you have never been, make plans now to go, if you are returning, I hope to see you there, and I just ask you to get involved. Find what fits for you and your schedule and join us…be part of our fair family! 

Show me the money! The Fort Bend County Fair is giving back through their scholarship program and now is the time to apply. The opportunity to earn a Fair scholarship is open to a wide range of qualifying students. The Fair will provide $4,000 scholarships to 45 Fort Bend County students. Since 1979, the Fort Bend County Fair has given 823 scholarships to our county’s youth. The deadline to submit a scholarship application is Friday, January 26, 2018. 

Texas A&M freshman, Courtney Ramirez, is enjoying her first year away at college. Courtney was a recipient just last year of a Fair Scholarship. The new Aggie is thrilled with the financial boost and said, “things at Texas A&M have been great and very busy especially with finals around the corner. I have made many new friends. I joined a Christian sorority on campus and was recently voted in as sorority president for the year of 2018. I think the most challenging thing about college at first was finding my classes on the huge campus and also creating a structured environment for myself. I can’t wait to see what next semester has to offer for me!”

The proceeds from the 2017 Fort Bend County Fair and the Fort Bend County Fair Life Membership Fund provide the necessary monies to allocate the scholarships. The scholarships are divided into different divisions depending on the applicants’ Fair involvement and their field of study. 

Eligible candidates are required to submit their completed scholarship application by the January deadline. Applicants, parents, and school counselors are urged to review the guidelines and rules carefully. Students wanting to apply for a Fair scholarship must meet certain requirements: They must be a U.S. Citizen and a resident of Fort Bend County or zoned to a school in Fort Bend County; be a high school senior and graduate by the spring semester of 2018.  “Get your applications in; this is an extraordinary opportunity for all High School Seniors. Last year we had recipients who were lifelong fair participants while others had very limited time; if any at the Fair,” said Cindy Schmidt, Fort Bend County Fair Manager.

Selection of the recipient will be based on several qualifications including: scholastic standing, leadership, citizenship, need, and Fair participation. During the application process, candidates will declare what type of scholarship that they will be applying. Restrictive, Non-Restrictive, Open, Vocational, or Art Scholarships are some of the classifications options that candidates will have to choose. 

For more information on the 2018 scholarship rules and application, visit the Fair’s website: fortbendcountyfair.com or call the fair office at 281-342-6171. 

Past Fort Bend County Fair Association President, Duane Arthur Boenig, 87, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 2, 2017, at his home in Richmond. He was born December 4, 1929, in San Antonio to Arthur and Laura Boenig. Duane grew up close to Converse where his parents, grandparents Adolph and Lena, and sister Evangeline all lived and worked on the family farm. Duane was also very active in Fort Bend community service. In 1966, he joined the Rosenberg Lions Club, serving as President from 1982 to 1983. In 2016, Duane was honored as he celebrated 50 continuous years of service. He joined the Fort Bend County Fair Association, attained Life Membership and in 1971 served as the Fair Association President. He would continue to serve the Fair Association over the next 40 years in various roles as an Association Board Member and on the Association Scholarship Committee. 

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In Case You Missed It!

Buyers THANKS!  The Fort Bend County Fair Association hosted an after-fair reception for auction buyers. This was our way of saying thank you to ALL! We are honored by your support and look forward to a great 2018! Thanks to those who attended and to those who could not make it...we will hopefully see you throughout the year!