The Annual Blanco County Fair and Rodeo is quickly arriving, August 13-15, at the Blanco County Fair Grounds in Johnson City. Every member of your family can participate. Special thanks to Johnson Sewell Ford Lincoln Mercury, proud sponsors of the Blanco County Fair and Rodeo for another year.

The rodeo always brings excitement to participants as well as attendees. This year’s events will begin with the county’s youth on Thursday, August 13, beginning at 7:00pm with the Youth Rodeo. If you are a resident of Blanco County or attending school in either Blanco or Johnson City, you are eligible to compete in Youth Rodeo events in one of three age categories, for only $10 per entry. Registration will begin at 5:30pm and close at 6:30pm. The County Roping will be held on Saturday, August 15 at 12:30pm (please note this is a new date and time for this event). Registration will be held from 11:00am to 12:00pm for this event. Lester Meier Rodeo Company will proudly present the rodeo at 8:00pm on Friday and Saturday nights. I can’t wait for my favorite event, Mutton Bustin’, at this year’s rodeos. There is nothing like a good rodeo to bring a sense of pride in our country to all that attend.

Are you ready to compete against the county’s best cooks, gardeners, canners and artisans? If so, The Country Picnic is the spot for you. Categories for competition will be: crafts and hobbies, props and agriculture, cyber arts, flowers and plants, home canned products, food preparation, and paintings/drawings/photography and electronic art. Thursday, August 13 from 10:00am to 7:00pm will be check-in for booths and all entries. Entries will be judged from 9:00am to 12:00pm on Friday, August 14. The exhibits will be open to the public on Friday from 3:00 to 8:00pm, and on Saturday, August 14 from 11:30am to 8:00pm. All entries must be picked up between 12:00 and 1:30pm on Sunday, August 16. Please watch the paper in future weeks for additional information and entry forms you will need in order to compete. Let’s see how much talent resides in Blanco County!

Do your children enjoy carnival rides? A huge carnival will be present at this year’s event with wrist bands available for purchase for those with a desire to ride multiple rides. Traditional carnival food will also be available for purchase; from candied apples to potato skins, we have you and your sweet tooth covered. The carnival will be open from 7:00 to 11:00pm on Thursday and Friday nights, and will be open at 2:00pm on Saturday.

The beauties in town will be competing for the chance to represent Blanco County in the Queen’s Contest on Friday night at 7:00pm. The Queen’s Coronation will be held on Saturday, August 15 at 7:00pm. The winners of this event will represent the county in various parades throughout central Texas throughout the next year.

The Washer Pitching Contest will be held on Saturday at 1:00pm. Registration for this event will begin at 12:30pm. Come join the fun as teams compete to win trophies and prize money. You can select your own partner, or find another single at the event to team with for this competition. We encourage dads to consider teaming up with one of their children for an afternoon of good hearted fun and competition.

Livestock shows will be a key component of the fair this year. A Junior Lamb and Goat Show will begin at 7:00pm on Friday, August 14. The Junior Steer Show will be held on