2022 Fair & Rodeo Sponsors Doreck’s MEAT MARKET & BBQ Alexander Cattle Alvin Equipment Co., LLC Bay Area A/C Heating & Plumbing Beck Redden LLP & Jeff and Lisa Verm C&M Dirt Work, LLC Capital Farm Credit Carnes Funeral Home Central Welding Supply, Inc City Electric Supply Cole Gordon Helping Hand Foundation DC Vacuum Dean & Draper Insurance Agency LP Dr. Yolanda & Alan Waters Equine Mobile Vet Services Higgs Family Dental HT Wireless Jason & Jamie Newman JM Construction & Remodeling Johnnie & Kristen Guzman Kandy Sweets and Treats Kat’s Barbecue Mach Arms & Security Mark Diaz & Associates, LLC Michael Tate & Co. Oberholtzer Plumbing Pook’s Crawfish Hole Ramirez Family Richard & Roberta Tyra Roger Westmoreland Concessions Sam & Karen Roll Scott Kitchener Septic Service Texas 1st Bank Texas City Professional Firefighters Tibaldo Legacy Tibaldo’s Feed & Supply TP Cattle “Support the Troops” Alvin Farrier Supply Bill Pittman Campaign C. Johnnie on the Spot West Bay, LLC Chemical Process & Productions Cowboy Hill Farm & Ranch David & Elaine Tyler DW Greer, LLC Emily Dorsett Gill Family Glen Gerald Grube Family In Loving Memory of Mary Gillispie Johnny & Robin Smith Judge Kim Sullivan Judge Michelle Slaughter Mark & Rene Reagan Nick & Carol Gaylord Patrick & Wendy McAshlan Rene & Tonya Lopez Santa Fe Dental Associates Spencer Family Sunbelt Supply The Boysen Family The Sumrall Family Tim Kadlecek Tucker Family Williams Party Boats Womack ServicesLLC/Coverall Const. Galveston County Fair & Rodeo April 22 - April 30, 20222 | Galveston County Fair & Rodeo | April 2022April 2022 | Galveston County Fair & Rodeo | 3 T he 84th annual Gal- veston County Fair & Rodeo returns from April 22 to April 30. Family fun, fair food favorites, livestock shows and rodeo action will be part of the fair’s nine-day run. In addition, the iconic Seafood and Barbecue Cook-off competitions will be returning in full force. “We are excited to be able to return the fair and rodeo for our community, the kids and our volunteers,” Galveston County Fair & Rodeo President Ebbie Thurmond said. “It is a tradition that we work hard for and look forward to.” Unfortunately, in 2020, the event was canceled due to the pandemic, and, in 2021, the schedule was modified, leaving little-to-no revenue for the fair association. Despite the pandemic, the board and staff were able to award $47,000 in scholarships to deserving youth in 2021. The board and staff thank everyone who donated to the scholarship fund for 2021. A special thank you goes out to the Best in the West cook-off team, the Novosad family and the families of Paul Tibaldo, Richard Ware, Renée Dillon, Mike King, Sonny Sewell and Steve Williams for additional financial support of the scholar- ship program. Also, in 2021, the Junior Auction, Junior Com- mercial Heifer Auction, commit- ment sales and Ag Mechanics Show sales generated more than $980,00 for youth exhibitors. ENTERTAINMENT The entertainment lineup is packed with six talented mu- sical acts, returning live music to fair days. Texas music icon Robert Earl Keen will be taking the stage April 23. A native of Houston, the singer-songwriter has 12 studio albums and seven live albums in his nearly four decades-long career. Keen announced his plans to retire from touring. “I have been blessed with a lifetime of brilliant, talented, col- orful, electric and magical folks throughout my life,” Keen said. The opportunity to see Keen at the fair will be a fascinating night of good music and full of unmeasurable memories. Returning to the fair is the crowd-pleasing Drew Fish, who will open for Keen. The Texas music explosion of talent continues with Jon Stork playing April 30. Stork currently is on a nationwide tour that has him playing all over the mid- west and beyond. Stork’s music continues to top the Texas music charts with several top 10 songs from his latest album “Radio Cowboy.” Fellow Texas music artist Cody Wayne will be open- ing for Stork. Kicking off the fair is the all- time favorite 1980s throwback band Spazmatics on April 22. The ultimate rock ’n roll cover band Bag of Donuts will return to the fair for a night of rocking fun Friday, April 29. ABOUT THE GALVESTON COUNTY FAIR & RODEO The fair began in 1938 and was held at facilities in Runge Park located in Arcadia. In the early 1980s, the County Fair had reached its limits of growth at Runge Park and plans began for a move to Jack Brooks Park located in Hitch- cock. The move to Jack Brooks Park was completed in time for the 1984 fair, and this is where the fairgrounds are currently located. The youth and the animal projects they exhibit- ed are the foundation the fair was built upon. This tradition continues today. Many families look forward to the annual fair and rodeo. Volunteer committees work for several months planning different events and activities for everyone to enjoy during the fair as well as events that are held at other times throughout the year. The GCFR also hosts special days for the community, includ- ing Special Kids Day, Schools Day and Senior Citizens Day. GCFR awards several thou- sands of dollars in scholarships each year to deserving high school seniors from Galveston County. These scholarships are made possible with the help and dedication of sponsors, buyers, volunteers and staff members. The Galveston County Fair & Rodeo Inc. is a registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization whose purpose is to serve the youth of Galveston County by promoting youth, education and agriculture by supporting 4-H and FFA programs. Tickets will include access to shopping vendors, fair food vendors, rodeo and the concert during the fair’s run at Jack Brooks Park, 5700 FM 2004 and State Highway 6 in Hitchcock. For ticket information visit gal- vestoncountyfair.com. — Galveston County Fair & Rodeo Grab your hat and dust off your boots, the Galveston County Fair & Rodeo is back “We are excited to be able to return the fair and rodeo for our community, the kids and our volunteers. It is a tradition that we work hard for and look forward to.” EBBIE THURMOND GALVESTON COUNTY FAIR & RODEO PRESIDENT409-740-3988 1413 23rd St, Galveston, TX 77550 robertsairllc@gmail.com www.robertsairllc.com We’re a family-owned and operated refrigeration company offering a wide range of services near Galveston, TX, and the surrounding areas. We founded this company back in 2001, after years of experience working for other companies. We pride ourselves on having well over 35 years of experience under our belts, and it shows in the results we provide to you, our customer! Don’t settle for less than the best, and put your trust in a refrigeration company that puts your needs first. 409-995-0088 Hrs: Mon-Fri 8-5:30 PM Diesel Mechanics OFFICIAL STATE INSPECTION STATION ® TRUSTED FLEET SERVICE & PRICING Get quality results and peace of mind from a local leader in fleet service and repair. 4 | Galveston County Fair & Rodeo | April 2022 THURSDAY, APRIL 21 Carnival sneak-a-peek Free admission from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Carnival ride-all-you-want armbands are available for purchase at the ticket booth. FRIDAY, APRIL 22 4 p.m. Gates open 5 p.m. Boots n’ Wine Garden opens Junior Breeding Beef Show 6:30 p.m. Seafood Cook-off judging: Grilled Shrimp 7 p.m. Open Bull Riding Mutton Bustin’ 9 p.m. Concert: Spazmatics SATURDAY, APRIL 23 9 a.m. Gates open 11 a.m. Mutton Bustin’ 11:15 a.m. Seafood Cook-off judging: Fish 11:30 a.m. Market Rabbit Show Noon Pee Wee Rodeo 1 p.m. Boots n’ Wine Garden opens 1:30 Seafood Cook-off judging: Rice 3:45 p.m. Seafood Cook-off judging: Gumbo 6 p.m. Market Turkey Show and Market Broiler Show to follow 6:30 p.m. Seafood Cook-off Awards 7 p.m. Open Bull Riding and Mutton Bustin’ finals 8:30 p.m. Concert: Drew Fish and Robert Earl Keen Schedule of events SUNDAY, APRIL 24 10 a.m. Cowboy Church Noon Gates open Ag Mechanics Show judging 12:30 p.m. Market Lamb Show Baby Cowboy and Cowgirl Contests 1 p.m. Tiny/Lil’ Cowboy and Cowgirl Contests Boots n’ Wine Garden opens 2 p.m. Ranch Rodeo 4:30 p.m. Market Swine Show MONDAY, APRIL 25 Free admission for senior citizens 4 p.m. Gates open 5 p.m. Boots n’ Wine Garden opens Exhibition Barrel Racing 6 p.m. Market Goat Show 7 p.m. Jackpot Barrel Racing TUESDAY, APRIL 26 Family Night 4 p.m. Gates open 5 p.m. Boots n’ Wine Garden opens 6 p.m. Youth Project Show Awards Steer Show 7:30 p.m. Co. Team Roping Challenge WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27 Free admission 4 p.m. Gates open 6 p.m. Junior Auction Boots n’ Wine Garden opens 7 p.m. Undisputed Pro Wrestling presents Fairground Fury THURSDAY, APRIL 28 Education foundation night 4 p.m. Gates open 5 p.m. Boots n’ Wine Garden opens 6:15 p.m. Barbecue Cook-off judging: Chicken 6:30 p.m. Fair King and Queen Crowning 7 p.m. Pee Wee Swine Show 7:30 p.m. CPRA Rodeo — 4H and FFA small animal, lamb and goat, pig and calf scrambles, Buddy Rescue race and more FRIDAY, APRIL 29 10 a.m. Gates open for cook-off Monday and Tuesday All ages: $5 Wednesday All ages: FREE Thursday Ages 13 and older: $10 Ages 6–12; 62 and older: $5 Fridays and Saturdays Ages 13-61: $15 Ages 6–12; 62 and older: $5 Sundays Ages 13 and older: $10 Ages 6–12; 62 and older: $5 ADMISSION PRICES Military and children 5 and younger: Free every day To purchase tickets, visit galvestoncountyfair.com. Daily family activities • Jason D’Vaude — The Circus Man • Texan petting zoo • Kids Pedal Tractor Pull • Farmer’s Corral - Ag Education • Youth arts and craft show • Shopping • Fair Food • Carnival — provided by Merriam’s Midway Shows 1 p.m. Barbecue Cook-off judging: Chicken Wings 5 p.m. Boots n’ Wine Garden opens Junior Commercial Heifer Show 6:30 p.m. Barbecue Cook-off judging: Pulled Pork Mr. and Miss Fair and Rodeo Crowning 7:30 p.m. CPRA Rodeo — Just-for-fun scrambles, Buddy Rescue Race and more 10 p.m. Concert: Bag of Donuts SATURDAY, APRIL 30 9 a.m. Gates open Livestock judging 11:15 a.m. Barbecue Cook-off judging: Pork Ribs 1 p.m. Arena golf Boots n’ Wine Garden opens 2 p.m. Junior Commercial Heifer Auction 2:45 p.m. Barbecue Cook-off judging: Brisket 5:45 p.m. Barbecue Cook-off awards 7 p.m. Harris County Sheriff’s Posse Drill Team 7:30 p.m. CPRA Rodeo — Just-for-fun scrambles, Buddy Rescue Race and more 8:30 p.m. Concert: Cody Wayne and Jon StorkSeabrook - 4614 Nasa Parkway 281-326-4363 Open 7 days a week | 6am - Midnight Galveston - 513 Market Stree 409-765-9355 Open 7 days a week | 6am - Midnight Santa Fe - 12460 Hwy 6 409-925-3516 Open 7 days a week | 6am - 10pm Crosby - 6500 FM 281-328-4868 Open 7 days a week | 7am - 10pm Serving Galveston County Families for 24 Years Kamryn Madden Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! 409.925.8275 www.AffordableAirTX.com Brooke McCrumb & Ares 3101 Texas Avenue, P.O. Box 219, La Marque, TX 77568 409.938.4274 www.aagroup.com | aam.sales@aagroup.com CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR HARD WORK THIS YEAR! Cadence Creacy Tommy and Phil Kennedi Penn & Harriet KEITH NEUBAUER kneubauer@allstate.com 409-925-1980 12102 Highway 6 Santa Fe Laylah Garcia & Duke Julie Greenwell Real Estate Agent 281-622-1344 Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! Kaylie Guzman & Earl “God Bless You!” Constable Jimmy Fullen Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! Melinda Cabe & Otis Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! 409-744-0774 TACLB009653E 3614 Yale St, Galveston Servicing Galveston & Surrounding Cities Since 1975 Rhett Newman & Aggie Bay Area Kitchens 281.338.2737 www.BayAreaKitchens.com 17306 Highway 3 @ Medical Center Blvd. – Webster Appointments Recommended Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! 3101 Texas Avenue, P.O. Box 219, La Marque, TX 77568 409.938.4274 www.aagroup.com | aam.sales@aagroup.com CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR HARD WORK THIS YEAR! Marrizza Kelley & Buzz Lexi Ashcraft Waylon 832-769-0556 Residential • Commercial www.bosworthac.com www.texasf irst.bank ® C O N G R A TUL A T I O N S C O N G R A TUL A T I O N S ON YOUR HARD WORK THIS YEAR! Jasper and John Bedford & Aunt Pecky & Uncle Cluck Destiny Perez & Sally “God Bless You!” Constable Jimmy Fullen Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! Wyatt Newman & LoLo JOE GIUSTI Galveston County Commissioner Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! Kayden Madden 409-765-6067 www.coastalcommunityfcu.org Come See Us First GREAT JOB THIS YEAR! April 2022 | Galveston County Fair & Rodeo | 5Landon Newman & Aggie JOE GIUSTI Galveston County Commissioner Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! www.texasf irst.bank ® C O N G R AT UL A T I O N S C O N G R AT UL A T I O N S ON YOUR HARD WORK THIS YEAR! Ricardo Compean & MoonShine Adam Cappadona 7 years old, Mutton Bustin! Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! Kasey Klages Forrest 832-769-0556 Residential • Commercial www.bosworthac.com Trace Allaun & Casper www.ggecu.com 409-908-9834 SUPPORTS OUR 4H & FFA EXHIBITORS! Gulfway Plaza Mall 14041 Delany Road La Marque Casey Whatley & Ritz Tibaldo’s Feed & Supply Kamryn and her goat Colt Owners – Ricky & Elizabeth Tibaldo 12011 Hwy 6, Santa Fe 409-925-2735 Feed, Fertilizer, Seed, Tack, Pet Supplies, Lawn & Garden Supplies & More Charlie Venegas & Bolt Julie Greenwell Real Estate Agent 281-622-1344 Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! Anthony Jorgenson & Nelly Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! 409-744-0774 TACLB009653E 3614 Yale St, Galveston Servicing Galveston & Surrounding Cities Since 1975 Laylah Garcia and Charlie Venegas Elly May & Annie S upportS o ur 2022 4H and FFa E xHibitorS ! www.grandprizebarbeque.com A Veteran Owned Business | Hablamos español Call or Text 409.207.0145 today! Hannah Byers & Beretta Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! GRACE MEMORIAL PARK 10708 Highway 6, Hitchcock (409) 925-2535 www.HayesGraceMemorialPark.com Design • Products • Services BayAreaKitchens.com 281 • 338 • 2737 S upportS o ur 2021 4H and FFa E xHibitorS ! Gideon Morgan & The Great Goatsby 3101 Texas Avenue, P.O. Box 219, La Marque, TX 77568 409.938.4274 www.aagroup.com | aam.sales@aagroup.com CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR HARD WORK THIS YEAR! Peyton McCarty Hershey 6 | Galveston County Fair & Rodeo | April 2022Lauren Maroul & Tex “God Bless You!” Constable Jimmy Fullen Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! 3101 Texas Avenue, P.O. Box 219, La Marque, TX 77568 409.938.4274 www.aagroup.com | aam.sales@aagroup.com CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR HARD WORK THIS YEAR! Dakota Brasher & Casper www.texasf irst.bank ® C O N G R A TUL A T I O N S C O N G R A TUL A T I O N S ON YOUR HARD WORK THIS YEAR! Kasey Klages & Forrest Dayton Cheatham & Lou Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! 409-744-0774 TACLB009653E 3614 Yale St, Galveston Servicing Galveston & Surrounding Cities Since 1975 Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! 409.925.8275 www.AffordableAirTX.com Tallula Austin & Forrest Design • Products • Services BayAreaKitchens.com 281 • 338 • 2737 S upportS o ur 2021 4H and FFa E xHibitorS ! Ty Gillespie & Lucy 815 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550 Appointments: (409) 770-6687 ShrinersTexas.org The most amazing care anywhere. Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! Sarah Conner & Iris Chance Griffen & Junior JOE GIUSTI Galveston County Commissioner Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! Rylee Madden GREAT JOB THIS YEAR! 409-765-6067 www.coastalcommunityfcu.org Come See Us First Tarah Lawson and Clint & Tex Julie Greenwell Real Estate Agent 281-622-1344 Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! Kendall Link Dash 832-769-0556 Residential • Commercial www.bosworthac.com 3101 Texas Avenue, P.O. Box 219, La Marque, TX 77568 409.938.4274 www.aagroup.com | aam.sales@aagroup.com CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR HARD WORK THIS YEAR! Ashlyn Guzman Boots www.texasf irst.bank ® C O N G R A T U LA T I O N S C O N G R A T U LA T I O N S ON YOUR HARD WORK THIS YEAR! Lane Fitzpatrick & Pecos Kassidy Layn Moffett & Mac Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! 10412 Highway 6, Hitchcock 409-925-3501 www.hayesfuneralhome.com April 2022 | Galveston County Fair & Rodeo | 7NETWORK ADMINISTRATION VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS COMPUTER REPAIR & CONSULTING 409.925.8275 TACLBO22538E FINANCING AVAIL ABLE FREE ESTIMATES KEEP IT LOCAL 8 | Galveston County Fair & Rodeo | April 2022Steer your way to and stock up and save on meals for family or friends! Serving Galveston County Families For 24 Years Seabrook 4614 Nasa Parkway 281-326-4363 6am - Midnight Galveston 513 Market Street 409-765-9355 6am - Midnight Santa Fe 12460 Hwy 6 409-925-3516 6am - 10pm Crosby, 6500 FM 2100, • 281-328-4868 • 7am - 10pm NOW SERVICING FREEPORT, TX AND SAN ANTONIO, TX OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Air Conditioning & Heating 409-744-0774 RELIABLE & EFFICIENT SAVES MONEY! TACLB009653E 3614 Yale St, Galveston Servicing Galveston & Surrounding Cities Since 1975 New Construction/Remodel & Old Homes Licensed & Insured CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE! 24/7 Service Credit Cards ACCEPTED April 2022 | Galveston County Fair & Rodeo | 9 Meet the musicians SPAZMATICS APRIL 22 A re you ready to party? Opening the 2022 Galves- ton County Fair & Rodeo with the ultimate 1980s tribute is the high-energy cover band Spazmatics. These zany guys from Austin, Texas aren’t just any ’80s rock ’n roll cover band, their concerts are spiced with skits, cos- tumes, choreography, mu- sic and more. Spazmatics are on the cutting edge of excitement and adventure when they take the stage. They are always learning new songs and try to keep the show fresh and exciting. DREW FISH APRIL 23 W hen Drew Fish was a sophomore in high school, he was invited to a performance by acclaimed Texas singer-songwriter Cory Morrow. Nearly 1,000 fans had gathered to Morrow’s show in Tyler. Backstage, before the show began, Fish played a couple of songs for Morrow, who later surprised Fish by calling him onstage to sing for the crowd. When Fish stepped off the stage, everything changed. “I thought ‘that was so cool. I have to get a band together,’” Fish said. “That was the moment I knew I wanted to start perform- ing. I don’t know that I was thinking career at that point, but I definitely knew the experience had moved me in that direction.” He did start a band, and he and his buddies played through high school and college. While in college, the band got gigs at frater- nity and sorority parties and traveled throughout Texas and neighboring states to play music for people who quickly be- came fans after seeing the high-energy show. After college, the band decided they wanted music to be their jobs, so they went in and cut their first album. Fish describes it as having “a rough and real” sound. People loved it, more dates came along and a second album, which was smoother and more poetic, emerged. Along with it came more interest in the band for bookings, radio and television. Having just recorded his third record, produced by five-time Grammy award winner Adam Odor, Fish is well on his way into that career in music. He was a writer on all of the songs on “Wishful Drinkin,’” which will be released early next year. The music has morphed into a more tradi- tional honky-tonk sound. “I wanted to expand the music I had been doing, and I think this new re- cord shows growth,” Fish said. “I wanted songs that sounded like me but not for all of them to sound alike. I think we came up with some incredible songs, some great honky- tonk tunes, and I’m very excited for everyone to hear the album.” “Lone Star Saturday Night” is a great example of what Fish was looking for when he went in to record; this is a song he considers to be true country. It’s a honky- tonk tune with a driving rhythm that gets everyone in the mood to party. Fish’s influences range from Elvis to Frank Sina- tra and Patsy Cline, along with George Strait, Dean Dillon, Keith Whitley and Randy Travis, and they all show through in this new album. Other influences include Robert Earl Keen and Pat Green. “Those guys broke down the wall at radio, and it gave guys like me the reali- zation that you didn’t have to have a record deal to get on radio, and you didn’t have to move to Nashville to make it happen,” Fish said. “Now, there’s Aaron Watson and Cody John- son. It just shows that if you have drive, build and the right team, there’s nothing that can stop you.” Fish will never forget the encouragement he received from folks like Cory Morrow and Byron Hill, so he always tries to support other up-and- coming artists. “When people tell me they like us, or they like a certain song, I always tell them thanks, and then introduce them to another artist that they may like,” Fish said. “I think it’s very important to support other artists whenever you can.” ROBERT EARL KEEN APRIL 23 I t’s not always easy to sum up a career so succinctly, but five words from Robert Earl Keen’s calling-card anthem do just that. These words are routinely shouted back at Keen by thousands of fans a night — “and the party never ends!” From the get-go, Keen wanted to write and sing his own songs, and to keep writing and singing them for as long as possible. A Houston native, Keen has for three decades been regarded as one of the Lone Star State’s finest true singer-songwriters. “I always wanted to play music, and I always knew that you had to get some recognition in order to continue to play music,” Keen said. “But I never thought in terms of getting to be a big star. I thought in terms of having a really, really good career writing good songs, and getting onstage to share a really good time.” Keen was weaned on classic rock and Willie Nelson records. By the time he entered Texas A&M University, he was teaching himself guitar playing bluegrass and setting his poetic musings to song. These early days are captured in spirit on the song Keen and his college friend Lyle Lovett co-write, “The Front Porch Song,” which both artists recorded on their respec- tive debut albums, and in “Happy Prisoner: The Bluegrass Sessions.” After his debut’s release, he eventually moved to Nashville. While in Nash- ville, Keen worked at the well-known Hatch Show Print as a pressman. After Keen’s stint in Nashville, he returned to Texas with a publishing deal, a new la- bel and a national booking agent. He proceeded to re- lease “The Live Album” in 1988 and “West Textures” in 1989 — the album that marked the debut of “The Road Goes on Forever” and kicked his career into high gear. Keen had no idea that his song about a couple of ill-fated lovers running afoul of the law would have the legs it has, but he credits DJ Steve Kaufman of San Antonio radio station KRIO for helping to start the fire. “Steve talked the station into doing sort of a free- form programming format CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Drew Fish, Robert Earl Keen and Spazmatics. See MUSICIANS » Page 10Next >