The fun and excitement of a carnival midway joins a stock show, barbecue and bean cook-offs and bull-riding at the 35th Annual Kerr County Fair in Kerrville on October 24-26. Add a petting zoo, mutton busting, stick horse races, nightly dances and vendors galore, and you'll find something to interest everyone in the family. And have you seen Swifty Swine, the cute little pigs that race and swim? Turns out, pigs love Oreo cookies! Who knew?
For rural residents, these fairs, held throughout the Hill Country, are greatly anticipated. And old-fashioned fairs are back in style as urban families search for a return to wholesome, unplugged, entertainment.
The carnival opens a day early on Thursday evening Oct. 23, offering games, thrilling carnival rides and other entertainment and continues daily through Sunday night.
Friday evening, Oct. 24, the crowds pour into the fairgrounds to enjoy not only the midway excitement, but loads of other activities. The Petting Zoo for kids will be open and vendors will offer a multitude of goods including jewelry, woodcrafts, paintings, candles, clothing, leather goods and much more. And of course, everyone likes to eat at the fair, so a wide variety of food and drinks will be available. Entertainment on the Indoor Arena Stage, Jackpot Chili entries, a Cook's Dinner and a dance in the Exhibit Hall finish off that night's activities.
At the popular Petting Zoo, sponsored by H-E-B Grocery Stores, kids of all ages can mingle with cute animals: rabbits, goats, chickens, calves, horses, pigs and more - including Howie the camel, who, to everyone's delight, will make his annual appearance.
Bound to be wildly popular, the Swifty Swine Pig Races are a new event this year. By all accounts, the speedy little pigs steal the show, leaving their audience "squealing" with laughter, as they dash down the racetrack toward the finish line and an Oreo cookie on a silver platter! And they swim, too. No word on whether bathing suits are required. The cutesy pigs will be "hamming it up" several times a day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Check for posted schedules because you don't want to miss this hilarious event, Racing and Swimming Swine, by Swifty Swine Productions!
And of course there's a parade! There are lots of good viewing places as the parade winds through downtown Kerrville. It begins at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, starting at Water and G Streets, continues along Earl Garrett Street, turns right and proceeds to North Street. "The Bruce Oehler Family will be the Grand Marshal this year," said Sandra Yarbrough, a Director of the Kerr County Fair Association (KCFA), which hosts the fair. "We are recognizing Bruce Oehler in our event catalog this year. He contributed so much to the Hill Country youth and agricultural base and we will miss his support," she said. Oehler, a widely respected longtime Kerr County Commissioner, passed away suddenly in April. He was well known for his leadership, compassion and support of many charitable organizations.
Parade watchers can expect the grandeur of a color guard on horseback, marching bands and floats representing organizations from Kerr and surrounding counties. There may be a tractor or two, as well as other surprises to delight the crowd.
Cook-offs also begin on Saturday morning. Everyone in Texas loves a cook-off! The teams are usually colorful and interesting characters whose showmanship is as important as their secret recipe. They vie for bragging rights as well as cash, trophies and ribbons. Pinto beans, barbecued chicken, pork ribs and beef brisket are cooked up in true Texas style. Watch for salsa and margarita tastings or other fun events as well. Throughout the day, exhibit areas are open, displaying creative arts entries, baked goods, candies and other food show items and winners.
Grandma's Pick a Pocket is also a new feature this year. According to Yarbrough, "it's a walk-around event. Kids get to select a pocket and receive a prize. We'll also have a Kids' Craft Tent where kids can make items to take with them - at no charge."
Saturday night, there's Bull Riding in the rodeo arena, produced by Lester Meier Rodeo Company. A dance will be held afterward with music provided by the Second Chance Band. General admission at the gate covers the bull riding and the dance. And Billy's Western Wear in Kerrville sponsors the kids' mutton busting and stick horse races, which are always fun.
The 4-H and FFA Jackpot Show and the Miss Kerr County Scholarship Pageant are held on Sunday, Oct. 26. A Queen, Princess and Duchess - the Kerr County Fair Queen's Court - are chosen by a panel of judges. "These young ladies represent Kerr County at civic and community functions and participate in Hill Country area parades throughout the year," Yarbrough said, adding that scholarships of $1,000, $750 and $500 are given.
The Kerr County Fair provides lots of wholesome fun at an affordable price. The gate admission covers all events for attendees, except the carnival, which offers one wristband price. All activities are held at the Kerr County Youth Exhibit Center and those noted here are representational of basic annual events. However, due to scheduling considerations, please check with the KCFA for more specific information, which will be available closer to the Oct. 24-26 dates - especially when driving long distances.
There's no better way to spend a Fall afternoon and evening than at the 35th Annual Kerr County Fair. From booths to special events, exhibits and livestock, cook-offs and tastings, there's something interesting around every corner. Scream when you're high atop the ferris wheel, win a giant stuffed animal - or not - and don't forget the cotton candy! Enjoy thrills and spills at the bull riding, then dance the night away in true country style. You'll enjoy every minute!
Phone KCFA at 830-257-6833 for information about vendors, cook-offs, other food entries, daily schedules, admission prices and general information. Check their website www.kerrcountyfair.com for continuing updates and receive facebook announcements.
How to get there: The Kerr County Exhibit Building, Fairgrounds and Rodeo Arena are on State Hwy 27 East (also known as Memorial Blvd) near the intersection of Veterans Parkway. Kerrville is located on IH-10, approximately 65 miles west of San Antonio. Take the Kerrville business exit from IH-10 and follow the signs to Hwy 27 East.
