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A kickoff parade, turkey legs, carnival rides and rodeo action are all reasons to anticipate the 78th Annual Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo. The iconic event runs September 26th to October 5th at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds allowing families and friends to enjoy a hometown fair packed with big time fun. “Our fair represents many traditions from our youth that make us want to come back and enjoy it with our families today,” said 2014 Fort Bend County Fair President Vickie Todd Autrey. “While we have many people who have attended our fair, we would like to invite everyone who may not have had the opportunity to come out. We truly have something for everyone to enjoy.”
From wine tastings at the Grapes on the Brazos wine room to lawn mower races in the arena, the fair’s schedule is packed with a wide range of entertainment. The barbecue cook-off will have grill masters creating savory creations, and aspiring artists will debut their work at the art auction. Best of all, the fun is close to home for Fort Bend County residents.
Melissa Navarre carried the American flag before a packed house at the 2013 Fort Bend County Fair. Photo by Bill Robertson – Magana Media.
The Fort Bend County Fair is committed to helping youth achieve their educational goals. Forty-two $3,000 scholarships and five Queen Scholarships were awarded this year. For the first time in the Fort Bend County Fair’s 77 year history, the 2013 four auctions totaled over $1,000,000. Hence, this year’s theme is Trails of Yesterday Leading to Tomorrow’s Dreams. “This is what the Fort Bend County Fair is all about. It’s about our youth; it’s about our future,” boasted President Autrey. “We try to better people; they are our future leaders.”
The fair’s musical headliners will have people refusing to miss a day. “We are thrilled with this year’s line up! We found a great balance bringing in legendary favorites and hot Texas music acts. It is a country music lover’s dream,” said Susan Sillavan, Fort Bend County Fair Manager. “Some of these artists we’ve been trying to sign since 2013, and finally this year it has all come together.”
Kicking off the fair is the veteran of Texas music chart topper Kevin Fowler. Fowler is known for his high energy and crowd-pleasing sounds only he can perform. “I’m looking forward to it. Fort Bend County, get ready. We are heading your way,” said Fowler. Texas native and Aggie alum Granger Smith will take the stage with his talented twist on traditional country music on Saturday, September 27th.
Go Tejano Day is set for Sunday, September 29th. The Grammy Award winning sensation La Mafia will headline the festivities. The Houston-based band is internationally known for their Latin sounds and true traditional licks. Also performing is the pride of south Texas, Los Palominos, whose Tejano sounds will thrill the crowd.
The 2013 Fort Bend County Fair Bull Riding Champion Cody Teel. Photo by Bill Robertson – Magana Media.
During the Fair’s second weekend, Steve Wariner will bring his guitar, song and vocal talents. Wariner has been producing country hits since the late 70s and has drawn a lifelong fan base. On Saturday, October 4th, Oklahoma natives Jason Boland & The Stragglers hit the stage. Closing out the Fair on Sunday, October 5th is legendary singer Moe Bandy bringing his memorable, classic country hits to life for what is sure to be a spectacular performance.
Returning to the Fort Bend County Fair on Wednesday, October 1st is a match roping between two gigantic, multi-world champion cowboys, Cody Ohl and Fred Whitfield. Eight-time world champion Joe Beaver will call the action. All three men have had their share of magical moments in the arena and countless accolades bestowed upon them for their calf roping talents. Ohl and Whitfield squared off in a Challenge of Champions match roping at the 2004 Fort Bend County Fair. Ohl won the bragging rights that night and leads in other matches between the two, but Whitfield edges him out in career Gold Buckles.
“I don’t care if we are pitching washers, when you have those three names involved, you don’t want to lose,” said Ohl about competing in the match roping in the county where he grew up. Whitfield, winner of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) calf-roping title in 2012, is no stranger to Fort Bend County. “It could be the 10th round at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) or a game at the carnival, we are all going to be going for it,” Whitfield said. The competition is sure to be a fan favorite and will draw a large crowd to the Fort Bend County Fair.
Visit www.fortbendcountyfair.com for a full schedule of events or ticket information.