The wait over!
The much-anticipated Freestone County “World’s” Fair & Rodeo will officially begin Monday, June 11, 2018.
The Fair will take place from June 11th through 16th and will commence with the traditional rodeo parade at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 11th.
The theme for this year’s event is “All Roads Lead to Highway 84 to the Freestone County World’s Fair: Your PASSPORT to Fun!”
Quite a mouthful, but it is sure to bring some interesting parade entries, including floats, bicycles, motorcycles, horses, marching bands, fire trucks and the Miss Freestone County, Miss Teen Freestone County, and Little Miss Freestone, Mini Miss Freestone, and Tiny Miss Freestone pageant contestants.
The PARADE is held in historic downtown Fairfield, Texas and will originate north of the courthouse, turn east onto Highway 84 and continue on to the W. L. Moody Reunion Fairgrounds.
Best Dressed Cowboy and Cowgirl will be named, and there will be prizes for the Most Beautiful, Most Creative, and Most Entertaining float entries. Also up for grabs is the coveted “Spirit of Freestone” trophy.
All citizens, groups, clubs and organizations are welcome and encouraged to participate. For more information, contact Vanessa Smith at 903-389-6938.
All participants, including Best Dressed Cowboy and Cowgirl, will be judged in their parade positions and all entries must be in line by 6:00 p.m. on Monday to be judged.
The AG MECHANICS SHOW will start on Monday, June 11 at 1:00 p.m. with many projects from local Freestone County High School Students.
As well, the HOME & GARDEN SHOW will begin checking in projects from 7am until noon on Monday. They will be hosting several extra events throughout the week for the kiddos.
Those winning Best of Show will have their pictures taken for the newspapers on Wednesday, June 13th at 6:15 p.m.
Reed Exposition Midways will once again bring their outstanding CARNIVAL to the Fair. The carnival will be open from 6:00 p.m. until close from Monday through Friday and will open at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Passes entitling purchasers to unlimited rides will be sold each day with a different color wrist band required for each different day. The armbands will be $25.00 each.
The SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT will see the crowning of a new Miss Freestone County and Miss Teen Freestone County, with the event set for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 12th at Fairfield High School Auditorium. The reigning Miss Texas, Margana Wood, will serve as emcee for the event.
Little Miss Freestone, Mini Miss Freestone, and Tiny Miss Freestone will be crowned on Saturday, June 10. They will be introduced during the Tuesday pageant event.
MISS TEXAS will join the Fairfield Library earlier that day during Story Time at 10:00 a.m. The event is part of their Summer Reading Program. For details, call 903-389-3574.
The following day, on Wednesday, June 13, Miss Texas will enjoy Tea at the historic Moody-Bradley House. Hosted by Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, TEA WITH MISS TEXAS will begin at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, June 13th. Call 903-389-5792 to R.S.V.P.
Also on Tuesday, the GO-TEXAN HORSESHOES AND WASHER TOURNAMENT will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the Rodeo Arena. Winners will represent Freestone County in competition at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
The YOUTH RODEO in Memory of Yates Manahan is sponsored by RVOS & Rollo Insurance. It will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13th.
Call-ins ONLY are being taken on Tuesday, June 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. to 903-388-2439. NO walk up entries.
Two performances of the CPRA, UPRA RODEO are set for Friday evening, June 15th and Saturday evening, June 16th; both nights beginning at 8:00 p.m.
MUTTON BUSTING, sponsored by Randy Turner Services, will also take place on Friday & Saturday Nights with 20 kids selected each night. Youth must be at least 3 years old and not over 50 lbs. For information, contact LaDonna Turner at 903-388-5869.
NOTE: Call-in for In-County events (Wild Cow Milking, Ribbon Roping, and Barrels) has been extended. Call-in to Deb Manahan at 903-879-2441 up until Thursday, June 14, 2018 if you would like to enter. Absolutely NO walk up entries.
LIVESTOCK SHOWS will be held throughout the week with over 460 animal projects entered. They include:
–Poultry: 17
–Breeding Goats: 21
–Market Goats: 64
–Breeding Swine: 64
–Market Swine: 84
–Breeding Sheep: 23
–Market Sheep: 31
–Breeding Heifers: 40
–Market Steers: 41
–Halter Horse: 14
–Breeding Rabbits: 28
–Market Rabbits: 36
Thanks to parents and other volunteers, this year’s HORSE HALTER PROJECT SHOW has gained popularity again with fourteen entries! The competition is scheduled for Thursday, June 14th beginning at 7:00 p.m.
According to Freestone County Extension Agent, Erin Davis, start time for the Horse Show may be a little later than posted, as some of the youth are also entered in the 5:00 p.m. Market Steer show that day.
The all-important LIVESTOCK SHOW SALE will begin at 9:30 on the morning of June 16th. All are welcome and encouraged to donate to one of the buyer’s groups to help purchase the projects of these hard working kids.
The PET SHOW will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 16th. There will be ribbons for every animal, including Longest Tail, Cutest Costume, Best Tricks, and even Most Unusual. There is no entry fee; and absolutely no pets under 8 weeks of age will be allowed for the safety of all the entrants.
NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT during Fair week will start with Best of the Bands on Monday, June 11, featuring the musical talents of Jesse Duke, Steve Idlett, Jordan Nix and Lanky Moore.
Tuesday, June 12 will be The Briars of College Station, described as a Southern Folkadelic Blues Rock Band.
Wednesday, June 13 will host Cedar Stone Praise & Worship with gospel favorites.
Thursday, June 14 will feature the country, Americana-roots band: Pushwater.
Then, on Friday, June 15, fair-goers will enjoy the Texas Country sound of Jordan Nix and The Day Drinkers.
Closing out week on Saturday, June 16 will be The Lanky Moore Band.
So, put on your dancing shoes, or bring a lawn chair to enjoy the entertainment. Music will be held 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. nightly. Wednesday night will be from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
In working to have as safe an environment as we can, some changes will be made for the 2018 Freestone County Fair and Rodeo. We thank you in advance for your support and cooperation with the changes being made.
They include the following:
*NO ATVs or Golf Carts will be permitted anywhere on the fairground property or premises.
*NO contestant/exhibitor/spectator vehicles or trailers will be permitted inside the rodeo arena grounds.
*NO throwing of any candy, water bottles, beads, or other objects will be permitted during the parade or at any other time.
*All Stock Trailers planning to be left overnight must be parked in the Fairfield ISD Football parking lot.
For more information about the Freestone County Fair & Rodeo, visit online at freestonecountyfairandrodeo.com
Mobile Phone users are encouraged to download the GO FAIRFIELD app to keep up with County Fair events. Available FREE from the App Store or get it on Google Play.
Fairgoers are invited to enter the 2nd annual GO FAIRFIELD Fair & Rodeo Photo Contest. Upload your favorite Fair Week photos thru the mobile app for a chance to win awesome prizes.
There is something for everyone at the fair. Don’t miss out on the fun!
