How Matagorda County Fair
& Livestock Association Began

Our History
The Matagorda County Fair & Livestock Exposition Association is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation that was organized in 1944.

The Fair Association has produced a Local County Fair and Livestock Show continually since that 1944 and as a result, the association has aided in the development and education of several thousand county youth.
In 1996 the Fair Association began its Scholarship Program. That year the Fair awarded $12,000.00 to six local graduating seniors.

Our Purpose
The purpose of this association shall be: To conduct an annual fair and livestock show for Matagorda County. To develop and emphasize the importance of all phases of agriculture and education to the youth of Matagorda County and to offer scholarships to high school graduating county seniors

Who we are
We are volunteers committed to serving the youth of Matagorda County. Our Board of Directors consist of 18 hard working men and woman that are past exhibitors, educators, farmers, ranchers, businessmen and woman all working together to better the futures of our youth through guidance and example.

We have 100 members that play a big part in the success of our fair and it's activities. Our Junior Fair Board consist of 50 members all between the 8th & 12th grade. The many members and supporters have one common ground-Our youth.

Our Moto
"Proudly Serving Today's Youth....Tomorrow's Future"

• Brian Busby – President 
• Richard Morales – Past President 
• Dustin O’Connell – First Vice President 
• Chance Stone – Second Vice President
• Christy Ward – Secretary & Treasurer
• Kris Long – Public Relations Coordinator
• George Harrison – Ex-Officio
• Matthew Klepac – Rodeo Chairman
• Marcos Aparicio
• Loren Corporon

• Melinda Hirst
• Meredith Holub
• Jonathan Mirelez
• Sarah Porter
• Mark Saha
• Philip Steinmann
• Marci Williams
• Kyle Tanner

• Leissa Schrader - Fair Manager

• Lori Hardin - Assistant Manager

Beef
It's not only what's for dinner, but also how the Matagorda County Fair got started.

Matagorda County has always had a large population of cattle. Cow calf operations date back before the immigration of Austin's original 300. After the Civil War the New Republic of Texas drew another wave of immigrants. Upon arrival the new Texans found large quantities of native cattle doing well in the humidity and insect infested region.

Matagorda County is located on the fertile coastal plains of the Gulf of Mexico. Located about 80 miles south/southwest of Houston with Bay City serving as the county seat. This region's economy has always been based on agriculture.

John E. Hutchison, a Vocational Agriculture Teacher, founded the First Bay City FFA Livestock Show to provide an opportunity for his FFA students and parents to learn more about livestock management and production. In 1944, The Matagorda County Fair was organized as an outgrowth of his efforts.

In 1946, the show was expanded to include all 4-H and FFA students from Matagorda County. That year Swine and Capons were added to the Junior Livestock Project Show.

In 1952, five futuristic individuals, T.J. Poole Jr., L.M. (Keeter) Slone, Roland Rugeley, E.L. McDonald, and F.G. Cobb organized and developed The Matagorda County Fair Association and signed the original Texas Charter.

Today the Fair Association continues to offer educational programs and projects for the youth to participate in and learn from. Our goal today, as it was in 1944, is to reach as many of our young people as possible and offer them the opportunity to participate in the Fair Activities that will build character, teamwork skills and leadership qualities needed to ensure a successful future. We strive to bring out the very best in every child through our guidance and
encouragement.

Each year, we continue to grow and provide our youth with the best learning and leadership experiences at the Fair ensuring skills and memories that will last a lifetime. All participants and visitors to the Matagorda County fair will have a meaningful Agricultural learning experience. The entertainment format will have lifelong memories for the young and the young at heart. We have something for everyone: the fair, carnival, petting zoo, stock shows, talent shows, rodeo, Bar B Q contest, ranch rodeos, team penning, livestock judging, Academic Rodeo, senior citizen arts and crafts, local ladies barrel racing, county team roping, bucket calf show, Halter Heifer and Texas Long Horn Show, and much more.

At the Rodeo you will see professional cowboys and cowgirls competing along with Mutton Bustin' and Junior Steer Saddling. We have dedicated our Thursday night performance to breast cancer awareness. So come out, wear pink, and celebrate "Pink Night" at the Fair. Our Friday Night "Patriot Night" performance is dedicated to our Veterans so come out come and support our Veterans by wearing our nation's colors. Let's say "Thank You" to those who gave and to the families of those who gave all.

None of our fair activities would be possible without the continued support of our community, sponsors, and volunteers. The time and many years of dedication have played an important role in the lives of these youths and the success of our county fair.

To each of our founders and their families, our many exhibitors, volunteers, supporters, directors, and friends, we tip our hats and say, "Thank You!"