WILLIAMSON COUNTY

around town

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • charlotte@georgetownview.com photos courtesy Clint Chitsey & Williamson County Expo Center

Saddle Up!

The Inaugural Williamson County Fair and Rodeo

Home to a rich agricultural heritage, Williamson County has enjoyed an annual livestock show and rodeos in Taylor and Jarrell, “But what we’ve never had is a true county fair,” County Treasurer and Williamson County Fair Association President Scott Heselmeyer says.

Scott, former County Judge Dan Gattis, and the Expo Center’s Clint Chitsey put their heads together to plan a county fair combining a rodeo, carnival, live music, food, and other family fun. Unfortunately, their plan for the 2020 Williamson County Fair and Rodeo got derailed by the pandemic. “It’s been a really challenging year-and-a-half for everyone,” Scott says. “We’ve been looking forward to having [the fair and rodeo] for quite some time. It’s exciting to be able to finally have it.”

Kicking off this month in Taylor, the fair and rodeo will feature a carnival and pig races for the kids, a special mustang event for veterans, concerts featuring Roger Kreger and Tracy Bird, and local live music throughout each day. “The goal is to celebrate Williamson County’s agricultural heritage through education and entertainment, and to have an opportunity for the community to come together in a fun and family friendly environment,” Scott says. “We’re really hoping it can be a good countywide event and an event for families to come to, even just for part of the day and enjoy activities for some of the day, or to come for the day and the evening for the rodeo and concerts. There’s something for everyone.”

To learn more, call 512-238-2101 or info@wilcofair. com. Scan the code for information and tickets.

OCTOBER 21-23 WILLIAMSON COUNTY EXPO CENTER 5350 BILL PICKETT TRAIL ∙ TAYLOR

around town County Fair Attractions

MUSIC

Friday headliner: Roger Creager Saturday headliner: Tracy Byrd

Make your way over to The Corkyard, where you will find the Local Talent Stage featuring an assortment of musicians and performers from around the Austin area. This stage is the perfect, cozy scene to have a glass of wine or a cold beer and listen to up-and-coming entertainment.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

The Arts and Crafts Vendor Fair inside the main Expo Hall will include handcrafted jewelry, arts and crafts, holiday decorations, and home goods from more than 60 amazing craft artisans and vendors.

PATRIOT PRO MUSTANG SHOWDOWN

The Williamson County Fair Association is partnering with the Mustang Heritage Foundation to showcase local veterans, wild mustangs, and professional horse trainers in the Patriot Pro Mustang Showdown at 7 p.m. Thursday. Veterans and professionals will present their mustangs through a freestyle theatrical performance displaying maneuvers with music, costumes and props.

FARMERS MARKET

Come experience farm-totable shopping on the fairgrounds! The Farmers Market will feature local vendors and farmers looking to delight attendees with fresh produce and artisan foods. Discover all the great things grown and made in the area! The Farmers Market is located in the Covered Expo by the Main Covered Arena.

BEER AND WINE GARDEN

Unwind at The Corkyard and check out a wide array of beer and wines at the Williamson County Expo's patio. Try a range of domestic, foreign, & craft beers or pair a charcuterie and cheese platter to a new wine. Stop by to relax under the patio lights and soak up the atmosphere while listening to local talented musicians.

CARNIVAL

Join us at the carnival grounds to enjoy the thrills the rides have to offer! Kids and families of all ages will enjoy the games and attractions of the carnival.

PETTING ZOO

Ever wandered what a goat felt like? Head to the petting zoo filled with friendly furry friends for the whole family to enjoy!

LIVESTOCK SHOW

The Youth Sheep & Goat show will be open to all youth exhibitors.

RODEO

Hang onto your cowboy hats—you are invited to witness the inaugural Williamson County Rodeo! Grab a seat and watch cowboys and cowgirls race to beat the clock. Riders from far and wide will be competing for cash prizes and prestige! Kids will also be able to join in on the fun in the kids’ mutton bustin' and kids calf scramble events.

advertorial Even the Pumpkin Patches are BIGGER in Texas

Texas Pumpkin Fest, LLC is pure passion for owners Scott Smith and his mom, Shari Arnold. Shari is also the owner of Anderson Terrace Event Venue in north Austin, and she has been showing Scott the ropes of managing events and pumpkins since 1990, when he was just 14 years old.

This year, following a great 2020 season, they have doubled their parking and scheduled more frequent deliveries to ensure everyone will have pumpkins to talk about. There is also an ATM, tented and shaded restrooms, and more staff to serve.

Not only do they provide Texas-grown, food-grade pumpkins starting at $2, there are face painters and train rides for $5 plus many family‑friendly activities and games included in the price of admission. Perfect for a family outing or field trip, no reservations are required and the patch is open every day until November 7. Scott says, "We celebrate Halloween in spectacular fashion but after October 31, we start taking down the decorations and enjoy a soothing Autumn vibe."

NEW THIS YEAR

Spend the day between the 65-ft Super Slide, a Giant Pumpkin Spinner (the largest Pumpkin In Texas), inflatable obstacle course, or The Circle of Haunt. Plus, to celebrate National Magic month, there will be magician performances on stage every Friday through Sunday.

WHEN YOU GO

GENERAL ADMISSION Mondays FREE • Tue-Thur $5 • Fri-Sun $10 1st Responders, Military, & Veterans FREE Tuesdays Seniors always half-price

SO MUCH TO DO

Opening with 250,000 pounds of pumpkins and gourds, the 'Fest covers five acres dotted with mazes, corn stalks, hay bales, and selfie stations. All the pumpkins are available for purchase, but if you arrive hungry, there will be several food trucks onsite. Patrons can also shop many fall-inspired retail and craft vendors.

Or, if you arrive looking for a workout, as the pumpkins get a little soft, patrons are invited to smash them with a huge wooden mallet or wooden sword on a big tree stump. Scott and Shari agree, "Pumpkin Smash'N is great fun for kids and adults and it's free, as long as you record in slo-mo, post to social media, and tag Texas Pumpkin Fest. When pumpkins age, we can't sell them, so we can have a little fun before we toss them."

Organizers request visitors bring no pets. They also ask everyone to respect the pumpkins; no sitting on, kicking, or throwing the little guys (unless you're at the Pumpkin Smash'N station!), and treat all people with kindness.

You can also visit Texas Pumpkin Fest on Facebook— tag friends and Like the page to win 10 tickets and $200 credit towards pumpkins, gourds, train rides, food, and drinks.

LENDING A PAW

A percentage of the proceeds from the event will benefit Texas Humane Heroes (THH), a no kill, private animal rescue. CEO Jeff Struchtemeyer says, "Humane Heroes is proud to partner with Texas Pumpkin Fest again in 2021. As a non-profit animal welfare organization, donor support is crucial to our operations and the pursuit of our mission to rescue, heal, and adopt thousands of animals in need. We are happy to provide our friends at Texas Pumpkin Fest with the front part of our 22-acre property in Leander to create a fun fall event for families in the area. Their generous donation will be invested in animal rescue missions, daily animal care, and pet adoption preparation."