The original site of the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds was used as a prisoner of war camp during World War II. Photo from Fort Bend County Texas: A Pictorial History.
By Joan Frances-
Fort Bend residents work hard to be comfortable. Productive businesses and beautiful neighborhoods are a clear indication of successful people. This community works well together throughout the year and equally enjoys time to relax and unwind. Movie theaters, sports arenas, parks and museums are prevalent attracting a wide variety of interests and are conveniently located around the area. Special events are held with families looking forward to participating in the festivities. One of the most anticipated, and one of the largest successful activities in Fort Bend, is the annual county fair.
Agnes Booth paid Henry Ondrey, III, $550 for his Reserve Champion Turkey.
The first Fort Bend County Fair was held for three days, October 6th, 7th and 8th in 1933. The site of the original fair was sixteen acres of land between Rosenberg and Richmond on Avenue H now occupied by Fiesta Food Store. Seven buildings were built and a racetrack constructed. During the years of World War II, the fair buildings were used to house 250 Germans as a prisoner of war camp. The “Fritz Ritz” prisoners were sent out to work on local farms and ranches.
Live entertainment is always part of the fun at the Fort Bend County Fair. This group of fiddlers from 1971 entertained fairgoers and today, top performers appear live in concert at the Fair.
Photo by Jim Keeland.
In 1974, the fairgrounds moved to the existing location on State Highway 36 near U.S. Highway 59 in Rosenberg. Now celebrating 77 years, this event is scheduled for ten days of non-stop fun. Carnival rides and games invite guests of all ages. The Livestock Show and Rodeo are considered the main attraction with big names from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association participating since 2001. Competitions in creative art, swine pig racing, BBQ Cook-Off, a Fair Queen contest, lawn tractor race, talent competition and hay hauling are only a few exciting events patrons may participate in and observe. Food vendors are also abundant with varieties of tasty dishes to entice any palate, and many of the vendors support community non-profit organizations.
The annual event begins with a kick-off parade, dance and continues with a crawfish boil, Senior Citizen Day, style show and Go Tejano events. Concerts are held featuring local and famous country singers.
From its conception, the primary focus of the county fair has always been youth education. Area school involvement in fair activities has continued to grow through the years. In 1979, Fort Bend County initiated a scholarship program to provide deserving students scholarship opportunities to Texas colleges and universities. Competitions such as the calf scramble, Junior Livestock Show, Junior Livestock Auction, Freezer Sale and Ag Mechanics projects engage our youth to set goals and work to achieve them. To date, over 600 scholarships of $2,000 each have been awarded. Leadership development, team spirit, individual skills, winning attitudes and good sportsmanship are only a few of the character building benefits these students achieve.
Ann Booth purchased the Grand Champion Market Turkey from Daniel Conrad. Circa 1961.
This year, the fair is September 27th through October 6th. There are approximately sixty county fairs that are scheduled throughout Texas annually, mainly through the summer and fall. They are all non-profit with scholarship opportunities for youth. Some are larger than others, but the goal is the same: to engage and educate young people to be a successful part of society. The committees and sponsors that orchestrate this huge endeavor should be highly commended.
Through the years, the Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo has become so much more than fun and entertainment. The event, particularly for our youth, can be life-changing for the next generation and is enjoyed by the entire community offering old-fashioned family fun.