Fair History

Our 2007 event marked 50 years that our community has come together in support of our youth. During that time our Fair, Rodeo and Barbeque Cook-Off have grown tremendously. We consider it the best small county fair in the state, and our statistics back us up.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Division began holding what became known as "Field Days," literally, a day out in someone's field. Throughout the years, the location was moved to various local ranches and farms and different activities were added. During the early 1960's, the annual Field Day events began to vaguely resemble the Montgomery County Fair, as it is known today. By 1965, when the Candy Cane Park Pavilion was three years old, the show and auction sale had completely outgrown the new quarters. The auction sale had to be held at the Cow Palace auction barn east of Conroe. By 1967, even the area near the Cow Palace auction barn had become too small for the still expanding Junior Livestock Show. By 1968, the Montgomery County Fairgrounds would become the new site for the Junior Livestock Show. The Livestock Show had become a "baby giant" of the Chamber of Commerce by 1977. The Montgomery County Fair incorporated in 1979 and has been going strong ever since, adding all the activities and fun that make a great County Fair! In 1985 the Fair Offices were moved to the Fairgrounds and remain there today. The Fair Association has added an Exhibit Building and two Livestock Barns over the years. The "Lone Star Expo Center" was built and ready for use for the 2001 Fair and was a much-needed facility. The Rodeo was the first major event held in the arena.

Entries
We estimate that about 1,000 exhibitors will show an animal in the 2008 Fair. About that same number of exhibitors will show in the Jr. Non-Livestock Division. There is an Adult Home Economics Show and we usually have about 300 participants.

Committeemen
There are approximately 600 committeemen who serve on 58 committees. Most of the committees will meet at least twice, but usually 3 or 4 times.

Auctions
In 2007, the Jr. Non-Livestock Auction's total was $185,450.00 which was the selling of 45 items. For 2008, 60 items will be sold. The Livestock Auction's total was $812,975.00 for 140 items. Over the past twenty six years, just the Livestock Auction alone has brought in $10,156,250.00.

Carnival
The Carnival will be provided by Crabtree Amusements for the 2008 Fair. "Fun Passes" will be sold for $65.00 and this entitles the child to ride the rides for the entire run of the Fair as many times as they wish. These may be purchased in the Fair Office. They will run some special armband days and on Special Education Day they will provide free rides and drinks for these "special" kids.

Rodeo
We will open with a two (2) day Rodeo - Friday and Saturday nights. We will have a Ranch Rodeo on Sunday afternoon. In 1991, a Calf Scramble was incorporated into the Rodeo, awarding eight (8) 4-H Exhibitors and eight (8) FFA exhibitors an $800 certificate to purchase a Breeding Heifer to raise for the next year's Fair. This number has grown to 21 exhibitors. Sponsors are obtained and since 1991, we have had 525 exhibitors benefit from this program. Scholarships are given to 1st-3rd place overall. First place overall is $3,000.00; Second Place overall if $2,000.00 and Third Place overall if $1,000.00. The certificate is $1,000.

Special Days and Events
There will be various entertainment on the grounds during the opening week-end, including a Petting Zoo for the smaller kids, a stilt walker, puppet show, country and western entertainers, etc. Monday and Tuesday is Kid's Day where special things have been planned for them. Tuesday is Senior Citizen's Day, where we treat our county Senior Citizens to a day of food, entertainment, bingo, door prizes, etc. The Special Education Auction will take place Monday Night with the Jr. Non-Livestock Auction immediately following. The Livestock Auction will take place on Wednesday night. Buyers are treated to food and drink prior to each auction. There will be a "Country Store" the duration of the Fair, where adults who enter the adult division of the Fair may sell their handmade items. 4-H and FFA's that have entered the Fair may participate in the Country Store, but may only sell as a "group".

Barbecue Cookoff
120 teams will be competing for the Montgomery County Fair Barbecue Cookoff Championship. Teams will begin moving in Friday, April 4th and they will continue "cooking" Saturday, April 5th at which time the Champion will be named. Shuttle Buses will run on Friday and Saturday of the Cookoff to help alleviate some parking problems.

Scholarships
The Scholarship Program got into full swing in 1993 when the Scholarship Trailride Committee was established. The funds raised went to scholarships for graduating seniors. Along with the proceeds from the Scholarship Trailride a percentage of the Livestock and Homemaking Auctions of the Fair are taken to make up our scholarship program. Since the program began in 1993 over $1,027,000.00 has been given in college scholarships.

Attendance
Approximately 80,000 are expected for the 2008 Fair.