Things are heating up around the Kendall County Fairgrounds as its directors, entrants and queen contestants stand ready to compete, eat, and win.
The 117th annual Kendall County Fair officially opens Friday, but a flurry of activity has kept organizers busy in the days and hours leading up to day one.
Ashlee Boerner knows that all too well, as she organizes and directs the County Fair Queens Court pageant, which takes center stage at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
A new fair queen will be named as reigning Queen Mayah Morrison will hand the crown to either Hailey Johndrow or Lila Morrison Thursday. Little Miss, Junior Miss, Duchess and Princess selections round out the court.
“The whole court will be here sunup to sundown” during the entire Sept. 1-3 run at the fair in Herff Park, Boerner said.
“They will be walking and mingling, meeting and making new friends, and promoting the fair,” she said. “They have their own schedule that they have to attend also.”
Fair gates open at 5 p.m. Friday with carnival rides selling armbands and vendors opening to the public at 5 p.m. as well.
Friday highlights include the UPRA Pro Rodeo, which begins at 8 p.m., and Braxton Keith taking the stage at 10:30 p.m.
Saturday’s events get an early start as fair parade participants gather in downtown Boerne for the 10 a.m. parade. Fair gates also open at 10 a.m. with lamb and goat shows in the livestock barn.
Saturday’s highlights include the 1 p.m. “egg content” contest, the 4 p.m. carnival opening, pro rodeo at 8 p.m., David Adam Byrnes on stage at 8:30 p.m., followed by Trent Willmon at 10:30 p.m.
Sunday includes the steer and poultry show, a noon opening, a 12:30 p.m. performance by the Boerne Village band, and the always-anticipated apple pie contest, which gets under way at 2 p.m.
Marilyn Culak, fair secretary, said maintaining the fair’s tradition and heritage is a key part to what the fair’s 21 directors and staff strive for.
Involved for almost 50 years herself, Culak said it takes a lot to get everything in order every year.
“The directors are all volunteers, and it's quite a few hours we put into this,” Culak said. “It’s something we're very proud to be a part of.”
Culak said Sunday’s apple pie contest has always been a favorite, while the salsa-tasting contest involves a Peoples’ Choice award.
“People get to come in and sample the entries, and they vote,” Culak said. “Meanwhile, the private judging is going on, to pick a first, second and third.”
Jerry Pawlik, fair security and parking director, gave a quick one-word answer when asked his favorite fair attraction.
“Rodeo,” Pawlik, in his 31st year of fair involvement, said. “When I was younger, yes, I did (rodeo). The rodeo and the entrainment under the pavilion, that’ll be our major attractions this weekend.”
Last year’s rodeo was such a big draw that extra seating had to be added this year.
“We’re adding on more box sets and grandstand seats,” he said. “So many people came to our rodeo last year, there was no more place for them to sit.”
Single-day entry is $20 per person, which includes entry into fairgrounds, all day entertainment, viewing exhibits, contest and livestock shows, and access to shopping, food and the rodeo. Carnival ride armbands are sold separately.
“Rodeo action seats,” the elevated box seats right beside the bucking chutes, got for $35 per person.
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