‘Long Live the Cowboy’ — Freestone County Fair & Rodeo
It’s County Fair week!
The Freestone County Fair and Rodeo officially kicked off on Monday, June 16th with the annual Parade. This year’s theme was ‘Long Live the Cowboy.’
Serving as this year’s Grand Marshall was Mitch Ballad, a 1987 FHS graduate and BMI Senior Director. He was joined by Monday night’s performer, the Lone Star music icon, Gary P. Nunn.
The coveted ‘Spirit of Freestone’ trophy was awarded to the pink cowgirls, Fairfield Junior High Cheerleaders.
Additional winners are as follows:
–Most Unique – Johnson Air with their bubble machine and cowboy-boot wearing Ol’ Techy.
–Most Beautiful – the 2025 Miss Freestone County Toddler, Memphis Randall, riding in a white buggy.
–Most Original – Elevate Health & Wellness traveling in a vintage flatbed Chevy truck.
Riding tall in the saddle were the Best Dressed Cowboy, Stetson Smart and Best Dressed Cowgirl, Rankley Lovelady.
Stetson (at top) is the 4-year-old son of Corbin and Kelli Smart from Donie. He is big brother to Stran. Stetson enjoys roping, riding his horses, Paint and Ginger. He also enjoys swimming.
Rankley is the daughter of Brad and Kylie Lovelady and granddaughter of Kyle and Christi Swinson, riding her horse Pistol.
As Fair Week continues, Livestock Shows will start early on WEDNESDAY, June 18th. Breeding Swine will be judged beginning at 8:00 a.m., and Breeding Beef will begin at 1:00 p.m.
Be sure to stop by the Green Barn Civic Center to view projects entered into the Home & Garden Show. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (also on Thursday).
Best of Show pictures for the newspaper have been scheduled for 12:00 noon.
The Freestone County Youth Rodeo will be entertaining crowds beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Rodeo Arena.
Mitchell Amusement Carnival rides will give a thrill to all ages, from 6:00 p.m. to 12 midnight, each night of the County Fair.
The Go Texan Cornhole tournament will get started at 7:00 p.m. at the Backstop.
And nightly entertainment will be provided by Cowboy Heritage Church Band beginning at 8:00 p.m.
Livestock Shows continue on THURSDAY, June 19th with Market Poultry Judging starting at 7:30 a.m.., Market Sheep at 9:00 a.m., Market Goats at 1:00 p.m., and Market Steers at 5:00 p.m.
In its second year, the Youth Ranch Rodeo will be held at the Rodeo Arena beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Live entertainment will be provided by Lanky Moore with Diamondback beginning at 8:00 p.m.
Market Swine will be judged on FRIDAY morning, June 20th beginning at 8:00 a.m.
If you entered this year’s Home & Garden Show, be sure to pick up your projects between 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The UPRA / CPRA Rodeo will be held at the Rodeo Arena beginning at 8:00 p.m. In-County events include Breakaway (in memory of Thomas Doyle Cannon) and Wild Cow Milking. For the youngsters will be Calf Scramble and Mutton Bustin (7:00 p.m.)
Freestone County’s own Peter Sinclair will perform his genuine country music beginning at 8:00 p.m.
The final day of Fair Week will be SATURDAY, June 21st with the heavily attended Livestock Show Sale. Buyers Breakfast will be in the Green Barn at 8:00 a.m., Auctioneers will bring down the gavel starting at 9:30 a.m. to sell the Grand Champions.
Later that afternoon will be the popular Pet Show at 3:00 p.m., Carnival from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, and the UPRA / CPRA Rodeo beginning at 8:00 p.m. In-County events will include Barrels, Wild Cow Milking, Calf Scramble and Mutton Bustin (7:00 p.m.).
Live music will be performed beginning at 8:00 p.m. by local favorites, Logan Allison and Jacob Gonzales.
Good luck, to all the Exhibitors!
(Parade Photos by Natalia V. Marsters)
