Revived county fair and rodeo celebrates fifth year
Reflections, big schedule ahead
From Ferris wheels to farming, lumberjacks to lassos, and barrel racing to barbecue, the Wilco Fair and Rodeo offers a little of everything.
Slated for October 22-25 at the Wilco Expo Center in Taylor, the weekend of food and artisan vendors, live music, a carnival, and live shows promise fun for the whole family.
This October marks the Williamson County Fair and Rodeo’s fifth year.
“Five years ago, I would have never seen myself running a county fair, let alone look forward to it,” said Executive Director Kelley Hernandez-Host.
She has been at the helm since day one, and has seen the event grow since its inception in 2019.
“I mean, who can say they started a county fair?” she said with a smile.
Growing up in Washington, Ms. Hernandez-Host said she remembers going to the Washington State Fair in Puyallup. She described it as a yearly family tradition to visit the state fair. Part of that wonder is what she envisions for the Wilco Fair and Rodeo.
“Obviously, not that big of a scale,” she said. “But I want generations to come and enjoy the fair while being woven into the community.”
With a background in marketing and events management, she helped launch the Wilco Fair and Rodeo Association in 2019. The event debuted in 2020 and has grown each year since.
This year’s lineup includes a Taylor Swift Eras Tour night, a faith and family night featuring local worship artists Lauren and Ross Tyler, and the first Bill Pickett Barbecue Cook-Off.
“It’s a labor of love,” she said. “But I love doing it, because we do a lot for the kids in Williamson County.”
The Williamson County Fair Association also supports the Wilco community. The group donates more than $50,000 in scholarships to Wilco students for agriculture, non-agriculture, technical and first generation students.
Young fairgoers will also have opportunities to take part in the Children’s Business Fair for ages 4-17, Agventure Land—an interactive exhibit on the county’s agricultural history—and a junior rodeo.
“We want all students in Williamson County to know that higher education is within their reach,” said Morgan Notgrass, the inaugural Fair Queen to the Commissioners Court on August 12.
The Williamson County Fair board continues to grow. Ms. Hernandez-Host said there are over 20 board members, some who have been part of the board since the fair’s creation.
This year, Nathan Winstead will serve as board president. He currently serves as a Relationship Manager for Capital Farm Credit in Round Rock. Before joining the Wilco Fair and Rodeo, he was the past president of the Rotary Club of Georgetown and former director of the Williamson County Livestock Association.
“As President of the Williamson County Fair and Rodeo, I am privileged to serve such a great County,” Mr. Winstead said in a statement to the Sun. “Our Board of Directors will strive to preserve this great heritage in Texas and help families make memories for years to come.”
For the full list of attractions, schedule of events and to purchase tickets for the Fair and Rodeo, potential guests can visit www.wilcofair.com.
“This is Wilco’s fair, not just for the east side of the county, but for the west as well,” Ms. Hernandez-Host said. “Every year I look forward to it and I love that I am able to do it.”