The 128th Gillespie County Fair, the oldest continuous county fair in Texas, kicks off this week with four days of traditional family fare, three nights of live musical entertainment, and two days of pari-mutuel horse racing in Fredericksburg this Thursday through Sunday.

courtesy full house productions.net
courtesy full house productions.net
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Visitors will enjoy traditional county fair activities including a parade, carnival and midway, displays of agricultural and home products, livestock competitions, queen’s contest, mutton busting, domino tournament, food and drink vendors, and other activities.

The music begins on Thursday night with the new Noche Familiar, a free dance featuring Patsy Torres and La Fuerza playing from 6 pm until midnight. The event is sponsored by La Reina and Guadalupe National Bank.

On Friday night, Jeff Woolsey and the Dancehall Kings perform at the outdoor stage and dance floor.

On Saturday, the live music starts off with Nashville recording artist and special guest Gene Watson at 8:30 pm. He will be followed by Haywire, a Hill Country-based bluegrass band that just completed recording its first CD. Headlining the evening show is Granger Smith, featuring Earl Dibbles, Jr.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Gillespie County Fair & Festivals Association presents the final two days of live pari-mutuel horse racing at the track. Gates open at 11 am, with Post Time at 1 pm.

Schedule:

Thursday, Aug 25
Carnival and Vendor booths 5 p.m.
Ag and Home exhibit judging
Noche Familiar with Patsy Torres and La Fuerza, 6 p.m. to midnight
No admission charge to enter. There are charges for rides and activities.

Friday Aug 26

Fair Parade downtown at 10 a.m.
Gates open at 1 p.m.
Mutton Bustin’ at 6 p.m.; signup at 5:30 p.m.
Fair Queen Contest at 7 p.m.
Jeff Woolsey & The Dancehall Kings from 8:30 to 12:30
Admission: $7 Adults, no charge for seniors over age 65, or school age children and younger. $10 after 8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug 27

Fair opens at 10 a.m.
Carnival 1 p.m.
Horse Races 1 p.m.
Mutton Bustin’ 30 minutes after last horse race
Granger Smith (featuring Earl Dibbles, Jr.) with special guest Gene Watson, and Haywire 8:30 to 12:30
Admission: $7 adults, $5 age 6-12, $10 reserved, $15 box seats
Admission after 7 p.m. $20 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12

Sunday, Aug 28

Horse Races 1 p.m.
Admission: $7 adults, $5 age 6-12, $10 reserved, $15 box seats

The Gillespie County Fair Grounds located on Texas Highway 16 South, about two miles from Main Street, Fredericksburg. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.gillespiefair.com

For more information on the Gillespie County Fair activities, contact the Gillespie County Fair and Festivals Association at 830-997-2359 or visit the website at www.gillespiefair.com.

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