Gillespie County Fair Association

Gillespie County Fair Association is a non-profit organization that hosts the annual Gillespie County Fair in Fredericksburg, Texas, which attracts visitors from San Antonio, Austin, and other surrounding cities like Kerrville and Boerne. The association works closely with local businesses, such as H-E-B and Whataburger, to promote the fair and support the community. The fair has a long history, dating back to the early 20th century, and has been influenced by events like the Texas State Fair and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The association also collaborates with organizations like the Texas A&M University and the Texas Department of Agriculture to provide educational programs and resources.

● History

The Gillespie County Fair Association was established in the early 1900s, with the first fair taking place in 1913. The fair was initially organized by local farmers, ranchers, and businessmen, including Lyndon B. Johnson's family, who were prominent figures in the community. Over the years, the fair has grown in size and popularity, with the association working to preserve the county's German Texan heritage and promote agriculture and livestock production. The fair has been influenced by events like the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition and the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, and has hosted notable guests, including Will Rogers and Roy Rogers. The association has also partnered with organizations like the Future Farmers of America and the 4-H to provide opportunities for young people to develop their skills and knowledge.

● Organization

The Gillespie County Fair Association is governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from local businesses, such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo, as well as community leaders, including mayors of Fredericksburg and other nearby towns like Stonewall and Doss. The association also has a number of committees, including the Entertainment Committee, which books performers like George Strait and Willie Nelson, and the Livestock Committee, which works with organizations like the American Angus Association and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. The association collaborates with other organizations, such as the Texas Farm Bureau and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, to promote the fair and support the local agricultural community.

● Events

The Gillespie County Fair Association hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including the annual Gillespie County Fair, which features livestock shows, rodeos, and concerts by performers like Kacey Musgraves and Miranda Lambert. The association also hosts other events, such as the Gillespie County Youth Livestock Show and the Gillespie County BBQ Cook-Off, which attract visitors from Dallas and Houston. The fair has been recognized by organizations like the International Association of Fairs and Expositions and the Texas Association of Fairs and Events, and has been featured in publications like the Texas Monthly and the Lone Star Magazine.

● Facilities

The Gillespie County Fair Association has a number of facilities, including the Gillespie County Fairgrounds, which features exhibition halls, arenas, and stalls for livestock. The fairgrounds are located in Fredericksburg, near the Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park and the Fort Martin Scott. The association also has a number of other facilities, including the Gillespie County Expo Center, which hosts events like the Gillespie County Home and Garden Show and the Gillespie County Gun and Knife Show. The facilities are used by organizations like the Fredericksburg Herb Farm and the Texas Hill Country Wineries, and have been recognized by awards like the Texas Star Award.

● Community Impact

The Gillespie County Fair Association has a significant impact on the local community, with the annual fair generating millions of dollars in revenue for local businesses, including hotels like the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa and restaurants like the Fredericksburg Brewing Company. The association also provides opportunities for young people to develop their skills and knowledge, through programs like the Gillespie County 4-H and the Gillespie County FFA. The association collaborates with organizations like the United Way of Gillespie County and the Gillespie County Food Bank to support local families and individuals in need. The fair has been recognized by awards like the Governor's Community Achievement Award and the Texas Department of Agriculture's Commissioner's Award, and has been featured in publications like the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post and the Hill Country News.

Category:Gillespie County, Texas