Fair, rodeo take over this week
The 2023 Williamson County Fair and Rodeo is underway.
All events take place at the Williamson County Expo Center at 5350 Bill Pickett Trail in Taylor. The fair and rodeo lasts from Wednesday, Oct. 25 to Saturday, Oct. 28.
While the fair and rodeo presents consistent opportunities like carnival rides, a beer and wine garden, vendors and a lumberjack show, there are different events each night.
“There’s all sorts of attractions for people to come and see to keep people busy within fairgrounds,” said Gerald Anderson, rodeo chair.
Oct. 25 The event’s first night kicks off with free admission to all as part of the Samsung Family Free Night.
“We also have our youth rodeo this year for the first time,” Anderson said. “It is just bringing out youth that hadn’t seen the rodeo before.”
Wednesday night serves as the primary night for youth participation in the fair and rodeo events. There will be a stick horse parade in the main arena at 6 p.m., which involves children 3 to 5 years old moving on decorated toy horses.
Carnival rides are open throughout the duration of the Williamson County Fair and Rodeo. The fairgrounds area, which is outside the Williamson County Expo Center, also consists of a lumberjack show and swifty swine pig races. File Photos
The junior rodeo begins at 6 p.m. The youth-oriented day corresponds with the Taylor Independent School District, who is having an early release day.
Oct. 26
The second night of the rodeo is Central Texas Community Foundation Veterans Night with free admission for veterans, first responders and active military.
Gates open at 4 p.m. Thursday, like they do each day except Saturday. The American Legion Honor Guard is presenting the colors at the main stage at 7 p.m.
Other one-time events that day include the Celebrity Calf Scramble at 7 p.m. and a performance by the Flying Disc Dogs of Texas at 7:30 p.m. in the main arena.
Oct. 27
United Professional Rodeo Association action begins on Friday.
The rodeo will hold its popular Mutton Busting event, where kids ride sheep at 6:30 p.m. Familiar rodeo events like saddle bronc riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling and bull riding begins in the main arena at 7 p.m.
Friday is also Tejano Night, with a child costume contest dedicated to the late Selena taking place at 7 p.m.
“We have a Selena look-alike that comes in and does a Selena (impersonation),” Anderson said. “She’s spot on.”
Singer Amanda Solis will give a tribute to the artist with her performance at 9 p.m.
Oct. 28
Gates open at 10 a.m. for the last day of the fair and rodeo.
A performing arts studio is open at 11 a.m. Saturday and popular artist Noivas performs at the community stage at 1:30 p.m.
The second night of UPRA rodeo action begins, once again, at 7 p.m.
Country star Aaron Watson, who has hits such as “That Look” and “Outta Style,” will close the fair and rodeo with a performance at 9 p.m.
