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FORT BEND COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION - FAIR NEWS - NOVEMBER 2019

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Fort Bend County

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!

Queen Zoë

Meet Our Fair Queen

It was a royal moment at the 2019 Fort Bend County Fair as Zoe Holden was crowned Fair Queen. The Queen Coronation was part of the opening day festivities and the end of an exciting journey for all the 9 Fair Queen Candidates. Holden is a Senior at Austin High School and is an active member of the FFA and Swim team. She currently is the President of Austin High School’s FFA chapter and a Varsity member of the Swim team.

Zoe has expressed an interest in animals since she was two years old and was eager to join the FFA since she was only 7. Despite her duties as queen, Zoe exhibited a swine and lamb during the 2019 Fort Bend County Fair. She is currently raising her second puppy-in-training, Rotary, through Southeastern Guide Dogs. Rotary and Zoe can be spotted out and about on daily outings and regularly attend high school classes together.

Zoe has had much success on her FFA officer team, as Secretary and Treasurer, and now as the President. As an FFA member, she also competes in livestock judging, quiz, radio, and creed speaking.

Not only does she have a gift with animals, but Zoe is also an accomplished swimmer and coach. She recently finished her thirteenth season of the summer swim team, first-year coaching, and will be beginning her fourth year on the high school varsity team.

Zoe is delighted to be a part of the Fort Bend County Fair. During the Fair, Zoe attended auctions, rode in the Grand Entry, participated in many Fair events, and presented at grand and reserve moments. Queen Zoe Holden is not slowing down. Last month, she was a guest speaker at the Fort Bend County Exchange club and shared her experience of being part of the tradition of being named Fort Bend County Fair Queen.  
 
2018 Fair Queen Hannah Hunt presented Zoe with her crown.  Needville High School student, Bethany Anne Bromonsky, won 1st-runner up honors. Zoe is looking forward to attending events and representing as an ambassador on behalf of the Fair. A big thank you to all the sponsors who made this evening possible.


 


 





 
Mark Your Calendar
for the...
 
2020
Fort Bend County Fair
September 25 - October 4
Copyright © 2019 Fort Bend County Fair Association, All rights reserved.


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