CURRENT ISSUE | AUGUST 2008


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  North Texas State Fair & Rodeo

North Texas State Fair and Rodeo Denton’s fairgrounds will be the stage for the 80th annual North Texas State Fair and Rodeo from August 15th through the 23rd. The rodeo, carnival activities, vendors and music drew a record 120,000 guests last year. It is a true celebration of Western Culture. What used to be done on a daily basis is now mostly done for sport and entertainment.

The nine-day festival is run by the North Texas State Fair Association, a volunteer run non-profit group. The Association’s mission is to support youth, agriculture and community. All proceeds are reinvested into the organization. More than $8,000 in scholarships will be handed out this year to deserving youths in North Texas.

For children there are pony rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo and the carnival midway. A real Texas treat is the “mutton bustin’ ” competition, where kids don protective gear and mount a sheep and hang on for a wild ride! The Fair also features the NorthStar Bank Miss Rodeo North Texas. The winner will go on to qualify for Miss Rodeo Texas.

Live entertainment from popular country music artists is spread over two stages. This year's artists include Stoney LaRue, The Electric Cowboys, Randy Rogers Band, Reckless Kelly and Restless Heart.

The featured attractions are the nightly rodeos inside the Miller Lite Rodeo Arena. August 15-17 is three days of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). On the 18th is the first Invitational Ranch Rodeo where six North Texas ranches will compete in team penning, branding (using paint), bronc riding, loading and wild cow milking. August 19-20 is the Sonic 21 & Under Rodeo, where younger athletes compete in bareback riding, team roping and barrel racing. The final three days are dedicated to the Miller Lite Bull Blow-Out that always fills the 3,000 seat outdoor arena to standing room only.

The Rodeo opens at 1 pm on Saturday and Sunday and 6 pm on weekdays. The adult ticket price is $12 and children ages 6-12 pay $5 (children under 6 are free). This price includes a day of music, shows and rodeo. For more information visit the Association’s website at www.northtexasstatefair.com.