by Kelly Tyus
The “100 Years of Traditions and Heritage 1922-2022” hard-bound, 650 plus pages history book will be printed after the June 13-18 2022 fair and rodeo to include the 100-year celebration photos and articles. To PRE-ORDER your book, mail $75.00 plus $7.95 postage to Freestone County Fair Association, % Sec. Nadine Phillips, PO Box 592, Fairfield, TX 75840.
2001: “The Roaring Twenties in Freestone County” was the parade theme. Officers and Directors were President Bill Beene, VP Steve Black, Sec/Treas. Charles Jones, Kenny Bulger, Scott Holmes, Nicky Nesbitt, Sid Fryer, Zack Newman and Wayne Whitaker. Miss FC Queen was Jennifer Adkins and Miss Teen was Miranda Evans. Rodeo stock producer was Lynn Bottoms, Champion Rodeo Co.
From the ad sales in the fair book, scholarships were awarded to Fairfield HS – Brandon Davis; Teague HS – Mallorie Clark and Wortham HS – Larry Graham. Livestock Sales totaled $172,645.00.
2002: “I Pledge Allegiance to the USA Flag” was the parade theme. Newly elected officer was VP Sid Fryer; directors Roy Newman and Robert Shipley. Miss FC Queen was Georgiana McSwane and Miss Teen was Amy Filis, both of Fairfield. Livestock Sales totaled $215,960.00.
2003: The parade grand marshal was Capt. Hugh Whitaker, formerly of the FC Sheriff’s department. Officers and Directors were re-elected. Miss FC Queen was Shonda Fair and Miss Teen was Ashley Owens both of Fairfield.
2004: The parade theme was “Days Of The Old West”. New officers and directors were President Will McSwane; VP Charles Jones; Sec/Treas. Patricia Robinson; Reggie Davis, Clyde Ridge, Russell Emmons, Roy Newman, Robert Shipley and Wayne Whitaker. Miss FC Queen was Megan Conner of Teague and Miss Teen was Chelsie Bugg of Fairfield.
04.15.2004 Minutes:
The FCFA Directors discussed a top for the slab. The Fairfield City Counsel committed to build two restrooms: one at the rodeo arena and one at the fairgrounds. The City planned to tear down the green barn at an estimated cost of $35,000 and remove it.
The City Council requested the Fair Association in turn cover the slab with a metal pavilion within the next year. This was brought before the FCFA board and approved. Donations were sought to help with the cost.
2005: “Fabulous Fifties” was the parade theme. Miss FC Queen was Holly Amick and Miss Teen was Brianna Capps of Fairfield. New FCFA Directors were Hugh “Hubie” Fryer, Paul Collins and Frank Bonner.
Gus Steiner painted the rodeo arena and arena repairs were made with money from the year’s concession; topsoil was placed in the carnival area; and new “Hog Racks” were built with the support from the community.
The 2005 FCFA Annual meeting was held at the Fairfield High School Cafeteria with 79 attending. Charles Jones was recognized for his many years of service to FCFA and the youth of Freestone County.
2006: Miss FC Queen was Lisa Peterson of Fairfield and Miss Teen was Kori Guerrero of Teague.
New Directors elected at the 2006 Annual Meeting were Herb Casey, Sid Fryer and Scott Holmes.
FCFA Directors approved Jerry Don McLeod to cover the announcer stand in the livestock sale ring. Piney Woods Healthcare donated two sets of bleachers to the show ring. (Ref: 2006 Minutes)
TXU Power donated the canopy over the bleachers on the north side of the Ike Carden pavilion on behalf of the Youth of Freestone County and the Freestone County Fair Association. (Ref: (The Freestone County Times, dated 06.06.2006.)
2007: “Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow” was the parade theme. The parade was dedicated in memory of Charles Jones. Miss FC Queen was Tamara Brooks and Miss Teen was Emilee Allison.
FCFA Officers and Directors were President Will McSwane; VP Sid Fryer; Sec/Treas. Patricia Robinson; Scott Holmes; Clyde Ridge; Herb Casey; Hubie Fryer; Paul Collins and Frank Bonner.
The Livestock Show Sales totaled $345,800. Anadarko bought the Grand Champion Steer shown by Brady Johnson and Valence Operating bought the Reserve Champion Steer shown by Jeffrey Fryer.
The 2007 Annual Meeting was held at the Fairfield High School Cafeteria with Pontine Daniel, Sam’s Restaurant as cater. The FCFA Amended By-Laws were approved October 16, 2007.
2008: “Deep in the Heart of Texas”was the parade theme. The parade marshals were the Families of Gus Steiner and John Pritchard both active volunteers of the Freestone County Fair. Miss FC Queen was Brittany Brown of Teague and Miss Teen was Ashley Whatley.
FCFA Officers and Directors were President Sid Fryer; VP Scott Holmes; Secretary Herb Casey; Treasurer Patricia Robinson; Frank Bonner; Tony McAdams; Clyde Ridge; Hubie Fryer and Will McSwane. FCFA Advisors were Daniel Phillips and Megan Langley.
The FCFA Directors formed a committee to improve the show rules and set guidelines for the Livestock Superintendents and developing an appeals process for problems with 3 livestock committee members; 2 FCFA Directors; Freestone County extension agent and one ag teacher. President Sid Fryer appointed the following: Livestock Committee Members: Frank Bonner, Wendon Morrison and Kent Sheffield; FCFA Directors: Scott Holmes and Tony McAdams; FC Extension Agent Nick Huffman and Ag Teacher Megan Langley.
Livestock Auctioneers were Clint Minchew and James Grant. The Livestock Show Sales totaled $395,125 breaking the 2007 sales. Director Tony McAdams motioned, and it was approved for high school ag departments to build new chicken and rabbit cages and show tables with materials paid by FCFA.
2009: The parade theme was “Country Paradise”. Miss FC Queen was Cheyenne Newman of Fairfield and Miss Teen was Melissa Lopez.
Lynn Bottoms, Champion Rodeo Company continued providing the rodeo stock. Luminant was the Rodeo Premier Sponsor again this year. Incommons Bank agreed to provide covering over the show ring bleachers. (Ref: 03.17.2009 Minutes)
2010: The parade theme was “Heroes of Today and Tomorrow”. The Miss FC Queen was Micah Sandlin and Miss Teen was Madison Fuller of Fairfield.
FCFA Secretary Patricia Robinson motioned to change in the By-Laws for FCFA dues from being paid by February 1st to being paid by October 1st, as this is the beginning of a FCFA fiscal year. FCFA Amended By-Laws were approved at the October 18, 2010, Annual Meeting.
2011: “Sew It, Show It & Grow It” was the parade theme. Parade Marshals were the Teague Burlington-Rock Island Railroad Museum and Railroad Employees.
Twenty-one beautiful young ladies graced the stage during the Miss Freestone County Queen Coronation. Miss FC Queen was Brittany Wilkie and Miss Teen was Meagan Lott.
The Home Economics Division was renamed as the Home and Garden Show with 301 entries shown.
FCFA President and Rodeo Chairman Sid Fryer reported Rudy Burns would be the funny man and T. C. Long would be the announcer.
Luminant was the Rodeo Premier Sponsor again this year. XTO Energy Inc and Trend Gathering & Treating, LP were awarded the “Volume Buyer Buckle”. FCFA President Sid Fryer recognized The Utley Family with O. B. Utley Jr. accepting the award on behalf of the family.
2012: Miss FC Queen was Kristin Shaw of Fairfield and Miss Teen was Allie Edwards.
2013: Miss FC Queen was Brittnee Ransberger and Miss Teen was Chloe Sifford both of Teague.
FCFA 2013 Officers and Directors were: President Sid Fryer; VP Clint Minchew; Sec. Craig Jackson; Treasurer Scott Holmes; Frank Bonner, Hubie Fryer, Tony McAdams, James Tugwell and Will McSwane. Advisors were FC Agent Erin Hensley and FISD Ag Teacher Amanda Smith.
Grand Champion Steer was shown by Logan Todd and the Reserve Champion Steer was shown by Hallie Davidson.
2014: Miss FC Queen was Shelby Wallace of Fairfield and Miss Teen was Kaitlin Villa.
2015: “All American Fair in the Heart of Texas” was the parade theme. Miss FC Queen was Mikaela Stamper and Miss Teen was Haley Stone both of Fairfield.
New rodeo arena “Box Seats” was purchased for $6,400. FCFA paid $3,200 and the City of Fairfield paid $3,200. (Ref: FCFA 07.20.2015 Minutes)
Livestock Show sales total $475,475.00. Grand Champion Steer was shown by 4-H member Hallie Davidson and the Reserve Champion Steer was shown by Fairfield FFA student Brooke Johnson.
2016: “The Second Greatest Show on Earth” was the parade theme. Miss FC Queen was Chloe Sifford and Miss Teen was Ashlynn Garcia.
The rodeo stock producer was J&J Rodeo Company. Premier Sponsor was Lone Star Dealership. The AG Mechanics division was added to the Home and Garden Show.
Vice President Sid Fryer presented a “Special Recognition Award” to Bill Shamburger and Andy Bonner at the annual meeting for their many years of support to FCFA.
2017: Miss FC Queen was Peyton Daniel of Fairfield and Miss Teen was Morgan Coleman.
Premier Rodeo Sponsor was Texas Farm Bureau Insurance.
Youth Livestock Sale earned over $400K. The McSwane family was awarded palques dedicated to Frederica & W. R. McSwane, founders of the Freestone County 4-H Club, and supporters of the Freestone County Fair Association.
FCFA By-Laws were amended and approve to make the FCFA fiscal year from October 1st to September30th. (Ref: FCFA 10.09.2017 Minutes)
2018: The parade theme was “All Roads Lead to Hwy 84 – Passport to FUN”. Parade Marshal was Roy Hill, former Mayor of Fairfield for 14 years and supporter of FCFA. Miss FC Queen was Emily “Emi” Bonner and Miss Teen was Kennedee Stroade both of Fairfield.
“Over Half a Million Spent at Livestock Sale” was the front-page headlines of the June 20, 2018 edition of The Freestone County Times. Members of the livestock sale committee were Carmen Mannen, Angie McAdams, Kathy McSwane, Patricia Robinson and Jane Morrison. These ladies volunteered their time for many years.
2019: Miss FC Queen was Caitlin Meister and Miss Teen was Jaysa Smith.
Livestock Show sponsor was Citizens State Bank and the Rodeo sponsor was Texas Farm Bureau Insurance. Rodeo stock provider was J&J Rodeo Co. The carnival was contracted to Johnny Reed Expo Midway.
2020: The 2020 parade, coronation, carnival, and rodeo were cancelled due to state mandates as the COVID-19 virus arrived in Fairfield. Only the livestock show and sale was held.
2021: “Back in the Saddle Again” was the parade theme. The Parade Marshal was Miss Pat Robinson of Fairfield. The 2021 coronation was cancelled due to a lack of girls interested.
The FCFA Officers and Directors were President Clint Minchew; VP Sid Fryer; Sec. Todd Craig; Treasurer Scott Holmes; Brent Holmes; Jody Bodine; Frank Bonner; Collin Puckett and David Pickens. Advisors were Daniel Phillips, Fairfield FFA and Erin Davis, FC 4H.
The 2021 Grand and Reserve Champion Steers was won by the Fryer Brothers. Cullen Fryer won Grand Champion and Caden Fryer won Reserve Champion. Both are the grandsons of Molly and Sid Fryer of Fairfield.
At the annual meeting, President Clint Minchew recognized and presented a plaque to retiring FCFA Directors Sid Fryer and Scott Holmes.
2022: The FCFA Officers and Directors are President Clint Minchew; VP David Pickens; Sec/Treasurer Nadine Phillips; Frank Bonner, Jody Bodine, Todd Craig, Brent Holmes, Collin Puckett and Michael Morrison. Advisors are Clay Sherman, Fairfield FFA and Erin Davis FC Extension 4H.
The FCFA Directors started making plans and preparations for the 2022 Freestone County 100th Year Celebration in August of 2021 with ideas of 100-year Commemorative Belt Buckles, documenting 100-years in the FCFA history book, six-days of awesome entertainment, grandest parade and home and garden exhibits, coronation, ag mechanics, nationally known rodeo announcer/entertainer, and livestock show and sale.
Many, many FCFA sponsors, supporters and volunteers have come together in hopes of making the 2022 Freestone County 100-years of Traditions and Heritage Celebration a year to remember.
“Let’s Celebrate – It’s Your Fair – Will You Be There?”
