WASHINGTON CO. FAIR REPORTS DIP IN ATTENDANCE, BUT HIGHER SALE NUMBERS

  

Early figures from the Washington County Fair Association indicate a decline in attendance at this year’s fair, but an increase in money raised at the combined sales.

According to data from Fair Manager Dean Fuchs and Assistant Manager Madalynn Kainer, the weekly total for the four days of ticketed entry at the fair – Wednesday through Saturday – was an even 57,000.  That is down from the 61,402 guests reported last year, which was believed to be a record. 

Breaking down individual days, Wednesday drew 12,593 guests, Thursday had 13,769, Friday welcomed in 14,662, and Saturday saw 15,976.  The numbers include season passes and day passes purchased at the gate, but do not account for the free entry weekend and Tuesday.

As for the sales and auctions at the fair, the combined total is estimated at $4,561,800 prior to add-ons, which is up from last year’s combined $3,948,900 before add-ons. 

The unofficial 2026 sale numbers include a record $1,525,700 at the junior livestock auction, $2,737,200 in the commercial heifer sale, $132,200 in the commercial steer sale, $125,000 in the colt sale and $41,700 at the country creations auction.  

KWHI and KTEX-106 thank all those who stopped by the fair booth to spin the Wagon Wheel of Prizes.  A grand total of $1,486 was raised and will be donated to the Brenham Pregnancy Center.