ADJUSTED WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR UNDERWAY
The oldest county fair in the state of Texas is underway, although it will take on a much different look than previous years.
The 152nd Washington County Fair began Friday as a youth exhibitor event only this year, with no entertainment, carnival, parade, or Fair Queen’s crowning.
However, the number of livestock exhibitors and entries is still up compared to last year, with approximately 463 exhibitors slated to show 1,356 projects.
Judging will take place daily through September 19th using a spread-out schedule in order to limit the number of exhibitors and spectators at the fairgrounds at any given time.
A majority of animals will be taken home from the fairgrounds after their shows and brought back after their sale.
Events this weekend include:
- Rabbit show – today at 8 a.m. at the Rabbit Barn,
- Colt show – today at 11 a.m. at Barn #3,
- Scramble heifer show – today at 1 p.m. at Barn #3,
- Ag mech show – today at 2 p.m. in the Entertainment Area,
- Bucket calf show – tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Barn #3,
Judging will continue throughout the week.
Fair President Dean Luetge said while it is disappointing to not have the full slate of fair activities accompanying the livestock shows and sales, many families have expressed their gratitude for the ability to simply show their animals.
The livestock auction, scheduled for next Friday at 2 p.m. and will be held at Silver Wings Ballroom to allow for extra distancing and a new virtual element.
Through the new online options provided by Cattle in Motion, the auction will allow for in-person and online bidders. The Washington County Fair website will link to the Cattle in Motion website for the shows and sales.
Luetge asks families who do come to watch their loved ones’ projects to be courteous and mindful of others, and move on when their child has finished showing to let other groups come in.
For a full schedule of events or for more information, visit www.washingtoncofair.com.
KWHI and KTEX-106 will be at the fairgrounds throughout the fair, providing live updates daily and results from shows as they come in.