Things to Do

The Gillespie County Fair is the Granddaddy of All Texas Fairs

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Tony Maples Photography

 

The Gillespie County Fair started in 1881, making this celebration the oldest, continuous county fair in Texas. Located on Texas 16 on the southern edge of Fredericksburg, this amazing four-day rural event is a one-stop county fair extravaganza in the Texas Hill Country. Circle the date August 25-28, 2016 for an old-fashioned family fun-filled festival with a thrilling carnival and midway, mouth-watering fair food, household and agricultural exhibits, livestock judging, arts and crafts, antique tractor shows, a great musical line-up, and live pari-mutuel horse racing.

Parade

Gillespie County Fair ParadePhoto: Facebook/Fredericksburg Texas Online

Bring your chairs to the 128th Gillespie County Fair Parade. Over 150 entries including floats, riding clubs, marching bands, community groups, and more parade down Main Street on Friday, August 26, 2016, from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

The Queen of the Fair

Gillespie County Fair QueenPhoto: Facebook/Gillespie County Fair & Festivals

Don’t miss the crowning of the Gillespie County Fair Queen and Court on Friday evening. Young ladies acting as ambassadors strive throughout the year to encourage, instruct, and promote education to the youth.

Live Entertainment

Granger Smith FairPhoto: Facebook/Granger Smith

Dance your heart out under the Hill Country stars Friday and Saturday night when Jeff Woolsey & The Dancehall Kings and Granger Smith featuring Earl Dibbles, Jr. with special guest star Gene Watson will be headlining at the fair. Admission is $20 for adults 13 and up.

A Good ‘Ol Fashioned Carnival

Gillespie County Fair Rides Photo: Facebook/Gillespie County Fair & Festivals

General admission to the midway and festivities is $7 for adults 13 and up, $5 for children 6-12, and children 5 and under are free. Let the smell and taste of funnel cakes & sausage-on-a-stick, the sound of carnival rides, and the judging of pies, cakes, cookies, and quilts take you back to the good old days.

The Races

Gillespie County Fair RacesPhoto: Facebook/Gillespie County Fair & Festivals

Pick your favorites and place your bets for quarter horse and thoroughbred racing in addition to special races, trials, and futurities on August 27-28 at 1:00 p.m. Gates open at 11 a.m. and races run until approximately 6 p.m. Adult admission is $7, children 6 to 12 is $5, and children 5 and under are free. Reserve seating is $10, and box seating is $15. The Race Barn offers simulcast racing in climate-controlled comfort where you can follow the action all while enjoying a full bar and casual dining.

The Gillespie County Fair and Festival is a non-profit organization that encourages, instructs, and promotes the education of the youth of Gillespie County, particularly in the area of agriculture. If volunteering is your thing, join the team! Anyone interested can contact Sharon Marcotte at 540-997-2359, Tuesday – Friday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please visit www.gillespiefair.net for complete information on ticket prices and scheduled activities.