Hays County Emergency Preparedness Fair Returns to Kyle This September with Hands-On Training, Family Activities and Chili Cook-Off
As Central Texas communities continue to face challenges ranging from extreme heat and severe weather to wildfires and other emergencies, Hays County officials are inviting residents to take a proactive step toward protecting their families.
The 9th Annual Emergency Preparedness Fair will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at La Verde Park in Kyle, bringing together emergency responders, public safety agencies, community organizations and local vendors for a day focused on readiness, resilience and community connection.
Hosted by the Hays County Office of Emergency Services (OES) in partnership with the City of Kyle, the free event aims to help residents build the knowledge and confidence needed to respond during emergencies while strengthening relationships between the community and the people who serve it.
“This fair is one of our most important outreach events of the year,” said Mike Jones, Hays County Office of Emergency Services Director. “Our goal is to give residents the tools, skills, and confidence to handle emergencies of all kinds. Prepared communities are resilient communities.”
Why Emergency Preparedness Matters in Hays County
For families throughout Kyle, Buda, San Marcos, Dripping Springs, Wimberley and surrounding areas, emergency preparedness has become increasingly important as the region experiences continued growth alongside seasonal weather risks.
The Emergency Preparedness Fair is designed to help residents prepare for both natural and man-made disasters through practical demonstrations and hands-on learning opportunities that can make a difference when every second counts.
Visitors will have the opportunity to learn critical skills such as:
- Stop the Bleed emergency response
- Hands-Only CPR
- Fire extinguisher training using the P.A.S.S. method
- Recognizing signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion
- Building a personalized emergency go-kit
These demonstrations are designed to provide actionable information that residents can take home and use to better prepare their households for unexpected situations.
Meet the First Responders Who Serve the Community
Beyond preparedness training, organizers say one of the event's greatest benefits is the opportunity for residents to connect directly with local first responders.
“It’s not just about learning preparedness skills — it’s about meeting the first responders who work every day to keep our county safe,” Jones said. “This fair gives families a chance to interact with the teams, equipment, and resources that support our community during critical moments.”
Emergency vehicles and specialized equipment will be on display throughout the day, allowing attendees to explore fire engines, rescue units and other response vehicles while speaking with firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement officers and emergency management professionals.
Participating organizations are expected to include the Kyle Police Department, San Marcos-Hays County EMS, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and other emergency preparedness partners from across the region.
Top Dawg Chili Cook-Off Supports Local Firefighters
One of the event's most popular attractions returns this year as the Top Dawg Chili Cook-Off celebrates its fourth year.
Members of the public can participate by purchasing a wristband for a $20 donation, which allows them to sample chili from competing teams and vote for their favorite recipes.
Proceeds from the cook-off benefit the Hays County Fire Chiefs Association, helping fund firefighter training programs and replace equipment lost during wildfire responses and other emergency incidents.
“Come enjoy great chili while helping fund critical tools and training for our fire departments,” Jones said. “This year’s fair is bigger, more interactive, and designed for the whole community.”
What Residents Need to Know
The 9th Annual Emergency Preparedness Fair is free to attend and offers activities for all ages, including preparedness resources, safety demonstrations, food vendors, raffles, live entertainment and family-friendly exhibits.
For residents looking to strengthen their emergency plans, learn life-saving skills or simply meet the public safety professionals who protect Hays County every day, the event offers a unique opportunity to do all three in one place.
Event Details
- What: 9th Annual Emergency Preparedness Fair
- When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: La Verde Park, 3901 Burnham, Kyle, TX 78640
- Cost: Free admission; $20 donation for Top Dawg Chili Cook-Off tasting wristband
More information is available at HaysInformed.com/preparednessfair.
As Hays County continues to grow, events like the Emergency Preparedness Fair serve as a reminder that community resilience begins long before an emergency occurs—with neighbors, families and first responders working together to be ready for whatever comes next.
For more local news, community events and public safety updates for Hays County, stay tuned to My Neighborhood News.
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.
