FUN FAIR AT THE
The Harris County Fair & Rodeo organizes fun and unusual events for visitors to compete in outside of agricultural competitions. It returns this October in Katy.
Mullet contest Youth can show o their long locks in this contest for peewee, juniors and seniors.
Animal costume contest Livestock exhibitors can dress themselves and their poultry, goat, rabbit or cattle in a costume.
Livestock show Youth can compete for a grand champion title, prizes and scholarships by entering the show.
Harris County Fair & Rodeo Gerald D. Young Agricultural Sciences Center, 5801 Katy Hockley Cut O Road, Katy October 26-29, 2023 Free admission www.hcfairandrodeo.org
Swine-calling contest
Stick horse race
Mutton busting
Other events include:
SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY FAIR & RODEO COMMUNITY IMPACT
will also bring in more donors.” The land is broken into three tracts, according to Stockton, with an RV spot, space for barbecue cooko s and trailer parking. The new location will also allow for the return of the youth rodeo in 2024 along with a permanent rodeo arena to use year-round, he said. Stockton said the fair association has not been able to support a youth rodeo since 2017 at its former home. “We looked at what we didn’t like before, and we are trying to correct that now with the new location,” Hillegeist said by bringing the youth rodeo back, it will bring more oppor- tunities for students in local FFA and agricultural programs to get experi- ence and earn scholarships. “The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is important, but it’s state- wide, and the competition is much tougher,” he said. “Here, it’s not state- wide. Students can have more of an opportunity to learn, show o their talents and earn scholarships. It also encourages the growth of the agricul- tural industry around here.” Stockton said. Rodeo reaction
fairgrounds. Tin Hall is considered by the Texas State Historical Association to be the oldest honky-tonk in Harris County. “It’ll be a one-story building with the old buildings’ oors, walls and bars back in it,” he said. “Part of bringing the fair back is that we like to preserve the past but looking toward the future.” According to the TSHA, the original Tin Hall was built in 1878 in Cypress and destroyed by re a few years later; a new building was constructed in 1890 and expanded in the 1920s. By the early 21st century, Tin Hall began hosting weddings, receptions and other private functions. Stockton said after the venue brie y changed hands, the hall returned to his family in 2016. “It will become a meeting place and melting pot for the community to use,” he said. “It helps support the community. Not just Tin Hall, but I wanted to bring back the fair to my hometown as well. Now we have two pieces of history. We’re bringing back our roots.”
Ward Wilbanks, Tomball ISD agri- cultural sciences coordinator, said in an emailed statement that the fair’s move to Tomball will make it more accessible to students. “Each year TISD has 60-70 students
scholarships. Michelle Reed, Harris County Fair & Rodeo president, said this year’s total will reach $5,000. “In our rst and second year bring- ing the fair back, we raised $84,000 for various organizations in Harris
that participate in the Houston Live- stock Show and Rodeo in a variety of events,” he said. “With another show opportunity this close to home, TISD students will be able to exhibit their livestock and compete in other contests to gain valuable experi- ences that they can build on as they prepare for their district project and major livestock shows.” Stockton said
County,” she said in an interview. “I think that’s incredible.” In addition to the rodeo component, the fair plans to host events throughout the year such as bar- becue cooko s and fundraisers, Stockton said. Tin Hall The iconic Tin Hall will also be reconstructed in the next year or two as another
MORE THAN A CARNIVAL
About 90% of proceeds from the Harris County Fair & Rodeo is given back to the community or funneled into scholarships.
Approximate annual proceeds: $85,000
in scholarships awarded in 2022. in scholarships will be awarded in 2023. was raised in 2021 & 2022 for various organizations in Harris County.
$4,000 $5,000 $84,000
SOURCES: FRED STOCKTON, MICHELLE REED, HARRIS COUNTY FAIR & RODEO COMMUNITY IMPACT
event venue on the property for meet- ings, weddings and special events, Stockton said. He said he plans to use pieces of the old dance hall for a modern, steel building on the new
90% of event proceeds are funneled back into the community or schol- arships, as the Harris County Fair & Rodeo is a nonpro t. In 2022, $4,000 was awarded in
For more information, visit communityimpact.com .
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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION • MAY 2023
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