The Galveston County Fair & Rodeo, Inc. is a registered 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to serve the youth of Galveston County by promoting youth, education, and agriculture.
The Galveston County Fair & Rodeo is enjoyed by many people in the community - old and young, big and small - and many children benefit from the fair by learning responsibilities and earning money from the sales of their animals. But have you ever wondered - how does this event happen? Who puts on the fair? How does someone become involved in the energy and spirit of running the fair? Let's go behind the scenes for information about the Galveston County Fair & Rodeo.
HOW LONG HAS THE GALVESTON COUNTY FAIR & RODEO EXISTED?
The fair began in 1938 and was held at facilities in Runge Park located in Arcadia, Texas. In the early 1980s, the County Fair had reached its limits of growth at Runge Park and plans began for a move to Jack Brooks Park located in Hitchcock, Texas. The move to Jack Brooks Park was completed in time for the 1984 Fair, and this is where the fairgrounds are located today.
WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE GALVESTON COUNTY FAIR & RODEO?
The Board of Directors consists of fifty members who are elected by the general membership for one or two year terms at the annual general membership meeting. The Galveston County Fair & Rodeo has four officers - the president,
vice president, treasurer and recording secretary who are elected from the Board of Directors for a two year term. The officers sit on an Executive Committee along with Superintendents who are appointed by the president. All of these members are volunteers, and do not receive monetary compensation for their time and effort.
HOW IS THE GALVESTON COUNTY FAIR & RODEO FUNDED?
GCF&R monetarily functions from monies made during the annual fair and other fund-raisers held throughout the year. Many corporations, businesses and individuals throughout the county also contribute by donating their services, time and/or money to keep the organization running for the benefit of the youth. The fair could not function without the generous support throughout the community. Revenue which is generated goes toward scholarships, yearly operating expenses, and future expansions. The Galveston County Fair & Rodeo does not receive government funding from cities, county, state or federal agencies.
HOW MUCH REVENUE DOES THE GALVESTON COUNTY FAIR & RODEO GENERATE FOR THE YOUTH IN THE COUNTY?
During the 2009 fair, GCF&R generated directly to the youth of Galveston County over $500,000 through the animal auction & commitment sales, arts & crafts project sales, animal scrambles and college scholarships.
WHAT TYPE OF EVENTS ARE AT THE FAIR?
GCF&R supports a variety of different activities so as many people as possible can participate. Livestock Shows, Rodeo events, Parade, Musical Entertainment,Seafood Cook-off, Bar-B-Que Cook-off, Carnival, Special Family Entertainment, Hunting & Fishing Show, Fishing Tournament, Talent Contest, etc. The GCF&R hosts "special" days for the community. Special Kid's Day is designated for mentally and physically challenged students, Schools Day for elementary age students, and Senior Citizen's Day. These events are held during the day when the fair is normally closed, and local students and adults volunteer to help make these "special" days a success. A trip to the Fair can also be very educational. Animal exhibits, livestock shows and the Educational Barnyard are designed to enlighten every fairgoer. There is also a variety of food and non-food products to see and buy from the many vendors who come to the fair from all over the country.
HOW DO THESE EVENTS HAPPEN?
The Galveston County Fair & Rodeo, Inc. produces these events from a large volunteer base to provide an opportunity for exhibitors to display their talents, learn from their experiences, and for the community to become involved in old fashioned family fun. Chairpersons set up committees who work for several months planning and preparing for their event. All of these events are coordinated with the Chairpersons, the Executive Committee and the Fair Coordinator. The Fair's only paid employees are the Fair Coordinator and her part-time assistant.
WHO PARTICIPATES IN THE FAIR YOUTH EVENTS AND WHERE ARE THEY FROM?
There are events for 4-H and FFA students as well as students who are not involved in these programs. Members of 25 4-H Clubs and 10 FFA Chapters throughout the county participate in events each year. The exhibitors live in all areas of the county including Friendswood, League City, Bacliff, San Leon, Dickinson, Texas City, La Marque, Santa Fe, Hitchcock, Galveston, Port Bolivar and High Island. In 2009, over 500 youth participated in the livestock shows which are held during our Fair. These events involve a tremendous amount of preparation and teach responsibility, commitment and good sportsmanship. We also had an additional 3,000 plus children from Galveston and surrounding counties who participated in various contests and events including Special Kids' Day, Schools Day, Student Art Show, Youth Project Show, and many others.
WHAT ELSE HAPPENS AT THE FAIRGROUNDS?
The fairgrounds are used throughout the year for 4-H and FFA fund-raisers, animal clinics and seminars, food and nutrition classes, arts and crafts classes, livestock shows (other than those held during the fair) and monthly meetings. Several 4-H Clubs as well as the Sr. Citizens 42 Club meet in the Youth Building each month. The GCF&R holds various events and fund-raisers throughout the year including the youth Summer Series in June & July, the Jeff Wyers Memorial Fishing Tournament in August, Cowboy Fest in September, Scholarship Golf Tournament in October, the Winter Rodeo Series in January and Las Vegas Night in February.
HOW DOES SOMEONE BECOME A VOLUNTEER AT THE FAIR?
Anyone is welcome to come out and help with the operations of the fair. It is helpful if you have an idea of the area you are interested in prior to volunteering. For more information, just call the Fair Office at (409) 986-6010. The process of producing a county fair does not take a day, a week or a month. It is a year round process which is accomplished with two paid employees and many, many volunteers who give up their time and money, so that a tradition may be continued in this community.