The carousel lights are gone, and the smell of roasted corn has dissipated from the air. All that remains are the memories of the 83rd Annual Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo. The Fair's 10-day run was full of rodeo action, deep-fried foods, live music, and a carnival filled with thrill-seeking rides. The family-fun event is a tradition in Fort Bend County and draws residents from all over the area. 2019 Fort Bend County Fair President, Marjie Pollard, was full of emotion on the last day. "We had a great time, and I want to thank everyone for coming out and enjoying the Fort Bend County Fair and supporting our youth. This Fair has been such a big part of my family, and I cherish the memories of my mother, my aunts and uncles, my sisters, my kids, and now making new memories with my grandkids," said Pollard. She added, "Our fair is only successful because of our fair-goers, the livestock families, the rodeo families, the volunteers, the sponsors, and the buyers, really everyone who comes out to our fair has a part in making all of this possible." President Pollard and her family carried on a family tradition by purchasing the Grand Champion Turkey exhibited by Reaghan Bucek of Fulshear FFA. This is something that Pollard saw her own mother do for years at the Fair.
The Fort Bend County Fair 2019 Parade Marshal was the Teacher, a salute to our educators. All teachers and schools within Fort Bend County were recognized with the honor. Nearly 200 parade entries were part of the kickoff parade. The Parade Marshal's float included representatives from school districts within the county including Fort Bend ISD, Stafford MSD, Lamar CISD, and Needville ISD. Three Teachers of the Year, an Agricultural Science Teacher, and an Assistant Superintendent were some of the teachers who rode on the lead float and represented. "The Fort Bend County Fair has always been a supporter of our youth and helping these kids pursue their educational goals; so, it was a great way to recognize these educators. These teachers are doing the work to inspire these kids in and out of the classroom; it is a well-deserved honor," said President Pollard. The Fair's mission is "Benefiting Youth, Promoting Agriculture, Supporting Education," and has been providing scholarships for decades. Over $200,000 in scholarships were awarded this year to deserving Fort Bend County students at the Fort Bend County Fair Association's scholarship reception.
The Fair's Jr Livestock Auction, Commercial Heifer Auction, Freezer Sale, and Art Auction generated a total of nearly $650,000.00 for our youth exhibitors. The auction totals were down from last year's, but over $50,000.00 in adds-ons were committed by the generosity of businesses, individuals, or buyers' groups. For many of the exhibitors, money earned from the auctions will go towards their college funds, and for some, it will be re-invested into future livestock projects.
The entertainment lineup had 15 different artists with a few of the headliners returning to our county fair. Wade Bowen, Michael Salgado, Neal McCoy, Jody Booth, and Jake Hooker each returned to the stage and did not disappoint. Southern County Line with a Tribute to George Strait and Alan Jackson had concert-goers mesmerized with their performances. Bag of Donuts debuted in a mid-week concert and thrilled the crowd with their musical talents and showmanship.
The Fair again hosted events for everyone. From free kid activities to kids living with intellectual or physical disabilities there was something for all to enjoy. The Grapes on the Brazos wine room was well attended. The committee even held a wine pairing with fair foods!
It was a repeat for the Corndog eating champion! The corndog eating contest returned with 10 contestants vying for the championship and bragging rights. Needville's Crawford "Hoss" Mayfield aka "Santa Hoss" returned to defend his title as the Fort Bend County Fair Corn Dog Eating Champion. He consumed 10 corns in a winning time of 9:38. Crawford beat out his son-in-law by a half of a corn dog. Mayfield shared $100 of his $250 winning prize with his son in law.
Opening day had a fierce rainstorm, but through the Fair's run; carnival rides, fair foods, and the live music were enjoyed. The voice of the Fort Bend County Fair, Boyd Polhamus, returned to call the action at the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo and 2019 Miss Rodeo Texas, Jordan Maldonado, made a special appearance to our Fair.
All that remains of the 2019 Fair are the amazing memories. The 2020 Fort Bend County Fair will run from September 25 to October 4, 2020. Plans are already underway to make the 2020 Fair bigger and better. Save the dates and be part of the family fun! See you at the Fair!