North Texas Fair and Rodeo
DENTON COUNTY SPOTLIGHT
READY FOR
FULL
CROWDS by Mark Miller | photos courtesy of Kelsey Hodges
A
fter being held last year in October and conducted under COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the North Texas Fair and Rodeo returns to its August roots while welcoming as many people as possible in 2021.
26 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | AUGUST 2021
The 93rd rendition will take place Aug. 20-28 at the North Texas Fair Grounds north of U.S. 380 in Denton. In 2020, crowd sizes and areas were regulated, 100 hand sanitizers were placed throughout the grounds, and plexiglass was installed at the concession stands. Everything was sanitized daily, and masks were mandated at all the gates. “There was a lot of added expense with a lot of decreased crowds, but it was 100 percent better than not having it,” said Executive Director Glenn Carlton. While hand sanitizers return this year, and there will be plenty of places
“There was a lot of added expense with a lot of decreased crowds, but it was 100 percent better than not having it.” to social distance for those still apprehensive about the virus, Carlton expects 200,000 or more people to enjoy themselves over the nine-day run. Back after a seven-year absence will be Tumbleweed Crossing, a wild west stunt show that will be conducted every day. Another popular attraction that has delighted attendees for years is Swifty Swine, the swimming pig who also will take part in the pig races. Talley Amusements will again operate the midway as it has for 10 years. Probably the biggest attraction will be the music with a stellar list of top country artists including Aaron Watson, Terri Clark, Michael Salgado, Jake Hooker, Giovonnie and the Hired Guns, Randall King, Midland, Flatland Cavalry, and Sawyer Brown. Most nights will www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
