Harris County Fair and Rodeo Returns: Celebrating Youth, Agriculture, and Community
The Harris County Fair and Rodeo is gearing up for its return, scheduled for October 24-26, 2024, at the Katy ISD Gerald D. Young Ag Science Center. This event marks a significant revival of a cherished tradition that ended in 2017 due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey, which submerged the original fairgrounds and led to the disbanding of the longstanding Houston Farm and Ranch organization.
The fair aims to strengthen community ties while focusing on youth engagement and agricultural education. It will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, competitive events, and educational opportunities that highlight the importance of agriculture in the region.
In addition to traditional fair activities, the event will host a livestock show designed to support youth participants from diverse backgrounds, including those who may not have the resources to raise animals. The livestock show will operate as a non-terminal premium event, allowing exhibitors to receive awards without the pressures of an auction. New this year, the Fair has introduced a Freezer Sale, enabling junior exhibitors to sell their livestock at a set price.
The Harris County Fair and Rodeo Association, established as a nonprofit in 2020, is committed to providing scholarships for hardworking youth and facilitating agricultural involvement.
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The Harris County Fair, initially established in 1979, was a beloved community event that celebrated agriculture, livestock, and the arts for nearly four decades. In response to the fairground's closure, a grassroots movement began to revive the fair, culminating in the formation of the Harris County Fair and Rodeo Association in 2020.
The inaugural new fair was held in 2021, successfully redistributing over $84,000 to exhibitors and reigniting community interest in agricultural education and youth involvement. Looking forward, the fair will take place at the Katy ISD Gerald D. Young Ag Science Center, with plans for a permanent fairground near Cypress in the future.
This year's fair will include youth livestock shows, a creative arts and horticulture show, and various family activities. To view the schedule of events, click here. With free admission for the public, the fair will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., with livestock exhibitor hours from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The return of the Harris County Fair and Rodeo not only honors a long-standing community tradition but also aims to engage and uplift the youth of Harris County, ensuring that agriculture continues to thrive in the area amidst increasing urbanization.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
