Florescent lights shine brightly against the darkness of a cool, October night, as the people of Central Texas take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo that is presented by H-E-B each year at the Extraco Events Center.
The organizers of the fair and rodeo have been putting on the largest event in the area for more than six decades, and will celebrate this year’s milestone with the theme “65 Years of the G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time).”
The fair, which will open Oct. 5 and run through Oct. 14, will not only include exhibits, carnival rides, and local entertainment, but it will also include the All American ProRodeo Finals, presented by Pendleton Whisky.
The top 30 contestants in each event will compete for more than $500,000 in prize money at the championship event held October 7-8 and 10-14. Fairgoers can enjoy the rodeo in the balcony seats with their general admission tickets every day except both Saturdays.
A separate ticket is required to watch the rodeo on Saturdays, October 7 & 1
But it’s not just the rodeo that draws more than 180,000 spectators each year. It’s also the exciting concerts that highlight the talents of local and nationally-recognized artists. This year’s line-up includes Wade Bowen, the Josh Abbott Band, Coffey Anderson, Koe Wetzel and Flatland Cavalry, Michael Ray and Kyle Park.
The youngest fair-goers will also enjoy the Extraco Banks Kids’ Zone which was created just for them. This kid-friendly area includes a Mutton Bustin’ Rally, pony hop races, The Great American Cowboy Bootcamp, face painting, an agricultural magic show and much more.
And when your children are finished taking in all the fair has to offer, they can stop by the Nursery & Birthing Center to see newborn baby animals.
General admission to the fair is $10 for ages 13 and up, $5 for ages 3 – 12, and is free for ages two and under. And if you’re an avid carnival-goer, you can purchase a 10-day Funpass for $65 at participating CEFCO Convenience Stores or the Extraco Events Center Box Office.
For more information, call 254-776-1660 or visit ExtracoEventsCenter.com.
Click to learn more about the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo!
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Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.
