Fair kicks off today with some changes
The annual Fort Bend County Fair is back, and this time around, the weather is much more cooperative, much to the relief of association president Claudia Scott Wright.
But one thing she's a little apprehensive about is something new being launched.
We've gone to a ticket scanning system, so everyone will have to have a ticket to get in," Wright said. It will give us a more accurate count at the gate, and take care of fraud within our system."
Life members and committee members used to sport a badge and automatically walk in, but people would sometimes pass those pins on.
We've done a lot of homework on this," Wright said. We think it will be a big improvement."
Also new at the 73rd fair is the Prince and Princess competition, and the Duke and Duchess competition, introduced by Susan Sillavan, the fair's new manager.
Haize Korczynski, 7, is the crowned Duke, with 7-year-old Duchess Rossi Uresti. Prince Jack Bishop is 6, and Princess Maci Rubesh is 5. This year's Junior Fair Queen is 14-year-old Ciara Jasso.
The fair queen will be crowned at 6 p.m. today. Ten girls between the ages of 15 and 19 are vying for the title.
The carnival and midway officially open today at 10 a.m.
I used to ride the rides but not anymore," said Louis Katz, who has been involved with the fair board for more than 45 years. I don't mind the Ferris wheel though. You ought to see the Ferris wheel out here. It's a monster. And it goes slow, so you can sit there and take it all in and take pictures."
Katz and his wife, Joan, are this year's parade honorees.
In addition to numerous community accolades including being named Man of the Year in 1962 by the Rosenberg Jaycees, Louis Katz has served the Fort Bend County Fair board in one capacity or another since 1964. In 1974, he served as president.
My favorite part happened some years back, when we started out with a little scholarship foundation," Katz said. Really, that's what I work for, is how much money can we make for scholarships? That's what makes my heart feel good."
His wife of 45 years, Joan, is also a life member of the fair association and belongs to the Grapes on the Brazos committee.
The parade begins at 9 a.m. today, winding its way from U.S. 90A and Fifth Street in Richmond to Jeanette Street in Rosenberg.
Back by popular demand is Pro Tour FMX, a freestyle motocross team that will perform nightly after rodeo events. The motorcyclists perform stunts on their bikes.
