Get ready for big fun at the Gillespie Fair

It’s time to break out the boots and cowboy hats (OK, shorts and flip-flops will also work) and get ready for the return of the Gillespie County Fair!

After a smaller and more subdued event last year due to pandemic restrictions, the fair is back in full form for 2021. That assumes, of course, that the spike in COVID-19 under the delta variant doesn’t lead to another round of closures and cancelations.

As of now, the fair promises to be everything we remember it to be. Carnival rides, livestock and home skills shows, horse races, the parade, and nightly concerts among many other things will highlight a weekend of fun on Aug. 26-29 at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds. This year marks 133 years, which is still the oldest county fair in Texas.

The fair is a time of fun and festivities. As one of the oldest traditions in Gillespie County, it is a time to celebrate who we are as a people and the things we can accomplish. We recognize the hard work of our FFA and 4-H members who have put a lot of time and energy into preparing their livestock and other projects for show. It’s a time for artisans, cooks, and those prolific with thread and needle to shine.

This year the fair will crown a new queen and her court, ending the reign of Queen Brittley Bowers, First Duchess Ella Sanchez, Second Duchess Taylor DeLong, and Third Duchess Lauren Beyer, who are the longest-serving court in the fair’s history due to the pandemic last year. To be sure, they have represented us well the last two years.

For music lovers, this year’s concert lineup is stellar. Headlining this year is 1990s country superstar Pam Tillis, known for such hits as “Maybe it was Memphis” and “Don’t Tell Me What to Do.” She will take the stage Saturday night, Aug. 28. Preceding her on Saturday are former “The Voice” contestants and Texas natives Holly Tucker and Curtis Grimes. Kicking off the concerts on Thursday evening will be La Calma, followed on Friday by Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys.

Another big attraction will be the fourth and final pari-mutuel horse races of the season at Gillespie Downs. Post time on Saturday and Sunday is 1 p.m. Doors open at 11 a.m., so come out early and enjoy the fun.

When you come out to the fair or line up for the parade, we ask that you bring one thing with you — respect. There will be those in masks and those without. Be mindful that each person has his or her own reason for what they are doing and it is not your place to criticize them for their choice.

Lastly, but certainly not least, we express our gratitude to the Gillespie County Fair and Festivals Association board of directors and the auxiliary, whose members work year-round to ensure a top-notch fair continues with as few issues as possible. They deserve our thanks for all the activities at this cherished event for Gillespie Countians and those who come from miles around to enjoy the oldest continuous county fair in Texas. – J.S.

ONLINE

Go to https://gillespiefair.com, click on “Gillespie County Fair,” and find information on the fair, livestock registration, purchase tickets to concerts and horse races, a schedule of events, and registration forms for the fair parade, vendor packets and volunteering.

(This editorial ran in the Aug. 18, 2021, edition f the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post)