The Williamson County Fair Association added an extra day to the festivities this year, offering free gate admission Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. as part of this year’s YMCA Family Night, according to a county press release detailing the event's lineup and activities.
Current and former members of the military, meanwhile, receive free entry for Veterans Night on Oct. 27. For all four days, families will find a petting zoo, food and beverage vendors, swine races, and live performances by local musicians and other entertainers.
“That’s what we’re trying to focus on here—having something for the whole family to enjoy,” WCFA President Scott Heselmeyer said. “It’s just a great atmosphere for people to come out and have a good time.”
New to the fair lineup is The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, featuring logging competitors and fellers who participate in a variety of trials, such as axe throwing, log rolling, chain sawing and wood chopping. The show begins each day at 8:30 p.m.
Another fresh attraction pays homage to the late singer Selena on Tejano Night, Oct. 28. Amanda Solis, who has recreated the icon’s appearance, voice and dance moves to perform for fans around the country, will take the Community Stage at 6:30 p.m and 8 p.m. That evening, a rodeo performance will be held at 7 p.m.
On Oct. 29, the Patriot Pro Mustang Showdown begins at 1:30 p.m. The event features six horsemen who have teamed up with local veterans to compete in riding and grooming challenges. The rodeo preshow gets under way at 7 p.m. in the main arena, with the performance starting at 7:30 p.m. Shortly after, Texas country star Mark Chestnutt will headline the fair at 9 p.m. in the arena.
This is the second time for the fair association, a nonprofit organization, to host the event after its inaugural year in 2021.
County commissioners voted in late 2019 to provide $100,000 in funding to the group, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced officials to cancel the event’s 2020 introduction to the community.
A portion of the fair proceeds go to student scholarships for youth pursuing a career in agriculture and other ventures. The remainder of the profits “go to building a bigger and better fair,” Heselmeyer said.
Admission to the Williamson County Fair and Rodeo is $10 for adults, when purchased online; $12 for adults at the gate; $5 for ages 3-12 online; and $6 for ages 3-12 at the gate. The rodeo, concert and carnival rides are additional costs.
The Williamson County Expo Center is located at 5350 Bill Pickett Trail in Taylor. Tickets and a full schedule of events can be found at www.wilcofair.com.
