CURRENT ISSUE | AUGUST 2008
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North Texas State Fair & 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.