Things to Do

Eat, Drink, and Ride the Merry-Go-Round at the Comal County Fair

By  | 
Tony Maples Photography

 

The Comal County Fair will be held September 26 through October 1, 2017, in New Braunfels, Texas. In addition to livestock and a rodeo, the fair also features a carnival, live music, and more fun than you’d ever expect to see in one place. The fair lasts for two weeks and proceeds go to help the youth of Comal County.

Began in the Late 1800’s

Comal County Fair carnival

Photo: www.comalcountyfair.org 

The Comal County Fair first began in the late 1800’s. Following in the footsteps of early county fairs, like Gillespie County and Caldwell County, in 1892 the first Comal County Fair was held in New Braunfels. Visitors were transported via train to New Braunfels from San Antonio and Austin.

Over the years, the fair has evolved and morphed but always seems to reflect the times. For instance, in 1911 through 1922, there is no written record of a Comal County Fair taking place, likely due to World War I. Then, in 1941, while the fair went on as planned, it was greatly scaled back, as citizens did not have much disposable income to spend on such frivolities as the fair and carnival during World War II.

In 2001, after the September 11 attacks on the United States, the Comal County Fair was steeped in patriotism, as fair goers wore their red, white, and blue, and signs decorating the grounds exclaiming, “God Bless America” were a common sight.

The Fair Parade is Fun for All

Comal County Fair Parade

Photo: Flickr/Will-travel

The real fun begins this year at the Fair Parade on Friday, September 29, beginning at 10 a.m. There you’ll see area marching bands and even a pet parade. The parade offers the opportunity for clubs, schools, military groups, bands, political organizations, and commercial enterprises to showcase their organization.

The Comal County Fair emphasizes agriculture, animal husbandry, home economic skills, arts, entertainment, as well as promoting local industry, and this year is bound to be one of the best yet. With a fair queen contest, parades, kid activities, a chili fest and a barbecue cook off, there will be something for everyone at the Comal County Fair. For more information visit The Comal County Fair website.