Greg Gardner Thank You to all of the volunteers and supporters of the Galveston County Fair and Rodeo. 13119 Hwy 6 Santa Fe, TX 77510 409.925.2511 www.greggardnerinsurance.com 2 | The Daily News | Fair & Rodeo | 20242024 | Fair & Rodeo | The Daily News | 3 I t’s time to get out your cowboy hats, dust off your boots and make plans now to attend the 86th annual Gal- veston County Fair & Rodeo which will be held from April 12 to April 20, 2024. The event features nine days of enter- tainment, rodeo performances, livestock shows, cook-offs, a carnival and more for the entire family to enjoy. So, bring your family out and make new memories at the Galveston County Fair & Rodeo — it’s so much more! YOUTH LIVESTOCK SHOWS, AG MECHANICS AND YOUTH PROJECT SHOWS The fair is centered around local 4-H and FFA members who work hard throughout the year to prepare their an- imal(s), ag mechanics and craft projects in hopes of being named “Grand Cham- pion” or winning a blue ribbon. The life lessons the youth learn from these experi- ences are invaluable. This year, more than 550 4-H and FFA youth exhibitors from Galveston County will compete in a variety of livestock, ag mechanics and youth project show com- petitions. Livestock shows include steers, lambs, chickens, pigs, goats, turkeys and rabbits. The top winners will go on to be sold at the Junior Auction. Heifers, cows and bulls are shown in the Junior Breed- ing Beef Show or heifers can be shown and sold in the Junior Commercial Heifer Show and Auction. The Ag Mechanic Show exhibitors show off their skills in numerous fields, such as welding, wood- working and more, in hopes of winning awards and possibly selling their projects. The Youth Project Show exhibitors show off their skills in numerous categories from craft projects, photography, quilting and more in hopes of winning awards and possibly selling their projects. Come out and cheer for the 4-H and FFA youth during the livestock shows, visit the Ag Mechanic projects displayed on the grounds and view the Youth Project Show projects displayed inside Ed Pickett Memorial Hall. Or, you can consider being a buyer. Come out and support the youth as a buyer at the Junior Auction, Junior Commercial Heifer Auc- tion, be a Commitment Buyer, a Youth Project Show Buyer, or an Ag Mechanics Show Buyer. The money received by the youth usually is used to pay the feed bill and other expenses incurred to raise their animals or for the materials to build their projects, or to save for their future educa- tion. Your support of these hard-working youth exhibitors is needed and very much appreciated. RODEO EVENTS The 2024 action-packed rodeo arena events are a crowd favorite. The Rodeo opens Friday night with nail-biting excite- ment as contestants ride bareback, saddle bronc and bulls in the Galveston County Rough Stock Challenge. On Saturday, April 13, don’t miss the chance to see youngsters from ages 3 to 7 climb aboard a woolly beast in the Mutton Bustin’ Competition, and cheer on the Pee Wee Rodeo Contestants as they compete in steer roping, wagon hay hauling, goat ribbon mugging and hobby horse barrel racing. Saturday evening, the Galveston County Buck Off Chal- lenge promises to be exciting as you wait to see who can ride 8 seconds on top of death-defying bulls. Make plans to stop by the fairgrounds for Church in the Dirt and Ranch Rodeo on Sunday, April 14, Barrel Racing on Monday, April 15 and Team Roping on Tuesday, April 16. New this year, the evening of Wednes- day, April 17 is the inaugural Youth Barrel Racing and Youth Rough Stock Rodeo Challenge, where you can cheer on the kids as they show off their rodeo skills and compete in Barrel Racing (ages 18 and under), Sheep Riding (ages 6 and under), Junior Steer Riding (ages 8 and under), Senior Steer Riding (ages 11 and under), Senior Mini Bulls (ages 14 and under), Novice Bulls (ages 18 and under) and Bronc & Bares (ages 18 and under). The CPRA/UPRA/LRCA Champion- ship Rodeo will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with all of the usual exciting rodeo events, plus 4-H and FFA scrambles, steer saddling competition and more for the whole family to enjoy. If you want to practice your golf swing, then join us the morning of Saturday, April 20 and have a great time while try- ing your luck at Arena Golf played on the rodeo arena floor. (See schedule of events for dates & times.) LIVE MUSIC AND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT From live concerts featuring Jon Wolfe, Aaron Watson, Kolby Cooper and Lone Star Skynyrd to daily shows by the “Shenaniguns Wild West Show” and the popular Farmer’s Corral Agricultural Learning Center, something for everyone can be found at this year’s fair. The fair kicks-off with Sneak-A-Peek Thursday, April 11 and the popular band, Bag of Donuts, will be lighting up the stage at 7 p.m. Friday, April 12, the con- cert begins at 8:30 p.m. with Chad Cooke opening for Jon Wolfe and on Saturday, April 13 at 8:30 p.m. when Jesse Raub opens for Aaron Watson. On Fiesta Sun- day, April 14, Tejano Round Up Live En- tertainment begins at 1 p,m, and features Tejano Loco, Ram Herrera, Gary Hobbs and Jay Perez. The Thursday, April 18, concert begins at 8 p.m. with Metalachi. Payton Howie opens for Kolby Cooper on Friday, April 19, and, closing out the fair, Blackbird Rain opens for Lone Star Skynyrd on Saturday, April 20. Also, be sure to visit the Farmer’s Cor- ral Agricultural Learning Center, catch the comedy of the “Shenaniguns Wild West Show,” see the death-defying acts of Victoria Circus, watch Jason D’Vaude’s “The Circus Man” juggling act and join in the excitement during the barnyard races at the All Creatures Barnyard. COOK-OFFS The fair kicks off with the 18th annual Seafood Cook-off on April 12-13. Judges will have the opportunity to taste grilled shrimp, fish, seafood rice and gumbo. Trophies and prize money are awarded in each division. The 46th Annual Galveston County Fair & Rodeo Barbecue Cook-off will be held April 18, 19 and 20. This is one of the largest county barbecue cook- offs in the state of Texas. Judges will have the opportunity to taste fajitas, pork, bar- becue chicken, pork spareribs and beef brisket. Trophies and prize money will be awarded in each division. Dust off your boots and make your way to the Galveston County Fair & Rodeo THE EVENT FEATURES NINE DAYS OF ENTERTAINMENT, RODEO PERFORMANCES, LIVESTOCK SHOWS, COOK-OFFS, A CARNIVAL AND MORE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY TO ENJOY. STUART VILLANUEVA/ The Daily News file photo4 | The Daily News | Fair & Rodeo | 2024 M erriam’s Midway Shows will be on site to entertain fairgo- ers with a blend of thrilling rides and challenging games. From midway games to kiddie rides and bumper cars to the most daring and exciting adult rides, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family. Carnival tickets and armbands are purchased at the carnival. RIDE-ALL-YOU-WANT SPECIALS » Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday: $25 » Sneak-A-Peek Thursday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: $20 »Wednesday: 2 for $30 Special days at the fair T he Galveston County Fair & Rodeo, along with its sponsors, is proud to host “Special Days” as part of its community-outreach program. These events offer a variety of activities specifically planned for each group and are held during the day when the grounds are closed to the general public. Local students and adult volunteers work together to make these days special for those who attend. SENIOR CITIZENS’ DAY Monday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Senior Citizens ages 60 and older will enjoy a fun- filled day of free activities and fellowship at the fair. Activities include a social hour, prize drawings, mu- sic, barbecue lunch, dance contest and bingo. Senior Citizens 60 and older also will receive free admission on this day to the fair events that happen once the gates open at 4 p.m. SPECIAL KIDS’ DAY Tuesday, April 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Special needs youth and adults from Galveston and surrounding counties will enjoy a day of fun-filled activities, including face painting, games, a special ro- deo performance, carnival rides, a chance to see the animals and more. In order to provide the maximum experience for guests with special needs, only stu- dents in PPCD, self-contained classrooms, life skills/ functional living, behavior units and adult residential and respite care programs are accepted on this day. SCHOOLS DAY Thursday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Teachers from area preschools, daycares and schools with students up to sixth grade will be able to enjoy a day of free, fun and educational activities along with hay rides, face painting, games, exhibits and more during their trip to the fairgrounds. Unleash the fun with carnival rides and games “IT MAKES YOUR HEART HAPPY TO SEE SMILES ON THE FACES OF THOSE WHO ATTEND ON THESE DAYS.” Monday and Tuesday All ages: $5 Wednesday All ages: FREE Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Ages 13-61: $20 Ages 6-12: $10 62 and older: $10 ADMISSION PRICES Children 5 and younger receive free admission every day. Military discount for active and retired service members with proper ID only. Ticket includes admission to fairgrounds, rodeo events and concerts. Free parking lot shuttles on site. To purchase tickets, scan the QR code or visit galvestoncountyfair.com. STUART VILLANUEVA/ The Daily News file photo STUART VILLANUEVA/ The Daily News file photo STUART VILLANUEVA/ The Daily News file photo2024 | Fair & Rodeo | The Daily News | 56 | The Daily News | Fair & Rodeo | 2024 IV Therapy Massage Therapy Physical Therapy Salt Booth (halotherapy) Infrared Sauna All About Our Therapies Raindrop & Vitaflex Technique with essential oils Personal Training Vibration Therapy Educational Classes Bent on Healthy Living Wellness Center is a wellness and fitness space on Galveston Island. The wellness therapies included are a Salt Booth (dry salt or halotherapy), an Infrared Sauna with chromotherapy, Raindrop and Vitaflex using essential oils, Vibration therapy, and personal training. The center also includes the independently owned businesses of So Vein Therapies for IV or massage, and Orange Rehab|Performance for physical therapy.. Conference Room space can be rented during the weekday afternoons for meetings, educational classes, and trainings. info@bentonhealthyliving.com (409) 220-3901 2910 53rd Street, Galveston, TX 77550 WELLNESS THERAPIESTHE GATHERING SPACEGROUP FITNESS CLASSESISLE CYCLE CLASSES 2024 | Fair & Rodeo | The Daily News | 78 | The Daily News | Fair & Rodeo | 2024 APRIL 11 SNEAK-A-PEEK THURSDAY Free admission from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Carnival ride-all-you-want armbands are available to purchase for $20 at the ticket booth. There is a blood drive from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be a musical performance by Bag of Donuts. FRIDAY, APRIL 12 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. Galveston County Rough Stock Challenge Mutton Bustin’ 8:30 p.m. Concerts: Chad Cooke Band; Jon Wolfe SATURDAY, APRIL 13 9 a.m. Gates open 10 a.m. Baby Cowboy and Cowgirl contest 10 a.m . Boots N’ Wine Garden opens 10:30 a.m. Tiny/Lil’ Cowboy/ Cowgirl contests 11 a.m. Mutton Bustin’ 11 a.m. Pee Wee Rodeo 11:15 a.m. Seafood Cook-off judging: Fish 11:30 a.m. Market Rabbit Show 1:30 p.m. Seafood Cook-off judging: Rice 3:45 p. m. Seafood Cook-off judging: Gumbo 6 p.m. Seafood Cook-off awards Market Turkey Show Market Broiler Show to follow 7 p.m. Galveston County Buck Off Challenge Mutton Bustin’ finals 8:30 p.m. Concerts: Jesse Raub; Aaron Watson SUNDAY, APRIL 14 FIESTA SUNDAY 10 a.m. Church in the Dirt Noon Gates open Ag Mechanics Show Judging 12:30 p.m. Market Lamb Show 1 p.m. Boots N’ Wine Garden opens Tejano Round up oncerts: Tejano Loco, Ram Herrera, Gary Hobbs and Jay Perez 2 p.m. Ranch Rodeo 4:30 p.m. Market Swine Show MONDAY, APRIL 15 Senior Citizens’ Day 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 16 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 p.m. County Team Roping WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17 FREE ADMISSION 4 p.m. Gates open 5 p.m. Boots N’ Wine Garden opens 6 p.m. Junior Auction 7 p.m. First annual Rodeo Youth Event Challenge THURSDAY, APRIL 18 EDUCATION FOUNDATION NIGHT 4 p.m. Gates open 5 p.m. Boots N’ Wine Garden opens 6:15 p.m. Split the Pot Cook-off judging: Fajitas 6:30 p.m. Fair King and Queen crowning 7 p.m. Pee Wee Swine Show Rodeo grand entry 7:30 p.m. Championship Rodeo: 4-H and FFA Small Animal, Lamb and Goat Scrambles, Steer Saddling and more during rodeo 8 p.m. Concert: Metalachi FRIDAY, APRIL 19 10 a.m. Gates open for cook-off 3 p.m. Split the Pot judging: Pork 4 p.m. Gates officially open 5 p.m. Boots N’ Wine Garden opens Junior Commercial Heifer Show 6:30 p.m. Cook-off judging : Chicken Mr. & Miss Fair & Rodeo crowning 7 p.m. Rodeo grand entry 7:30 p.m. All American Cowgirls Drill Team Championship Rodeo: 4-H and FFA Pig Scramble, Just-for-Fun Scrambles, Steer Saddling and more during rodeo 8:30 p.m. Concert: Payton Howie; Kolby Cooper SATURDAY, APRIL 20 9 a.m. Gates open Livestock judging 10 a.m. Boots N’ Wine Garden opens 11 a.m. Cook-off judging: Pork Rib Arena Golf 2 p.m. Junior Commercial Heifer auction 2:15 p.m. Cook-off judging: Brisket 5:30 p.m. Barbecue Cook-off awards 7 p.m. Harris County Sheriff’s Posse Drill Team Rodeo grand entry 7:30 p.m. All American Cowgirls Championship Rodeo: 4-H and FFA Calf Scramble, Just-for-Fun Scrambles, Steer Saddling and more during rodeo 8:30 p.m. Concert: Blackbird Rain; Lone Star Skynyrd SCHEDULE OF EVENTS JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News file photos STUART VILLANUEVA/ The Daily News file photoMUSICIANS AND ENTERTAINERS 2024 | Fair & Rodeo | The Daily News | 9 Jon Wolfe T he best way to be introduced to Jon Wolfe is to hear him sing his songs and share his stories that he performs and writes. Another way is to learn his life story — from a small town in Oklahoma to the bustling big city commodities trad- ing floor to the dance halls and honky- tonks of Texas and Oklahoma to Music Row — and witness his faith in the power of music and his determination to touch the hearts of others with something that means so much to him. It’s world-class country music from the American heartland. His music is influ- enced by the great singers that inspired Wolfe — like George Strait, Garth Brooks (a fellow Okie), Clint Black, Merle Hag- gard, Alan Jackson and Dwight Yoakam, to name a few — yet fired by his own contemporary energy and vision. His 2010 release “It All Happened in a Honky Tonk” became such a regional success that it was re-released as a deluxe edition by Warner Music Nashville in 2013. The album debuted at No. 34 on the Billboard Album Chart and collectively has sold 25,000 units. “Natural Man” debuted No. 13 on iTunes, No. 25 on the Billboard chart and No. 8 on the Nielsen SoundScan Top New Artist Al- bums Chart. The 13-track collection merges Wolfe’s signature traditional sound, influ- enced by some of country music’s greatest legends, with an edgy, modern energy. The blend of rawness and accessibility of “Natural Man” gave Wolfe the undeni- able identity of a torchbearer for country music. “Any Night In Texas” (2017) — Wolfe’s most robust collection of songs to date — landed at No. 3 on iTunes Country, No. 15 on Billboard Country and continues to burn up the charts. With three highly-lauded studio albums in his repertoire, Wolfe’s garnered 12 consecu- tive top ten singles (eight of which have hit No.1), positioning him as a must-see act in Texas, Oklahoma and well beyond. Wolfe recently launched his own tequila brand under the moniker of his name in Spanish: Juan Lobo. The brand launched alongside two huge music festivals that Wolfe organized and produced. Along- side his packed 2019 touring schedule, Wolfe released an EP of brand new music produced by the visionary Dave Brainard, “Feels Like Country Music.” As the pandemic began to settle in and become a reality, Wolfe started a journey of navigating life without touring, without crowds and without fans. In June, the initial lockdown let up, so Wolfe took a group of his favorite creatives out to West Texas — specifically Terlingua. Eleven days in the Chihuahuan Desert in an adobe casita tucked away beneath the mountains, Wolfe created his latest and proudest collection of songs to date: his newest album, “Dos Corazones.” Watch Wolfe perform April 12. Chad Cooke Band C had Cooke Band is the 2022 Texas CMA Band of the Year! In and out of honky-tonks all across the United States, Chad Cooke Band delivers contemporary country with a ‘90s flare and unrivaled energy. As a band in its truest form, four-part harmo- nies and captivating stage performance has sent shockwaves across the country music scene and beyond. Since the release of the debut album “Easy Way Home” in 2016, the band’s first single, “Oil Man”, continues to be a fan fa- vorite with more than 10 million streams and a music video that has amassed more than 15 million views across social platforms. Following the viral popularity of “Oil Man,” the band set off to Nashville in March 2018 to record its next project. The band’s sophomore album “Risk It All” is honest Texas Country music with just enough modern shine to attract the attention of Miller Lite, Lucchese Boots and rodeos across the U.S. The first radio single from the album “Whatever It Takes” climbed all the way to No. 3 and set the record for the longest-charting single on Texas/Red Dirt Radio at 43 weeks on the Texas Regional Radio Report. Building on the success of “Whatever It Takes,” the band’s following six singles (“Life Behind Bars,” “Four Minutes,” “Cowboy’s Cowgirl,” “Bringing Country Back,” “Señorita Sky” and “I Just Want You”) all reached No. 1 on Texas/ Red Dirt Radio. Watch the Chad Cooke Band perform April 12. JESSE RAUB JR. J esse Raub Jr. — a working man’s storyteller and a star rising. Rocking the traditional Texas country sounds and merging them with southern truth. Somewhere between Jon Pardi and Luke Combs, mixing the rocking ‘90s sounds of Hank and Garth to create an entertain- ing high-energy show every night. Raub delivers an event that keeps the crowd on their feet and moving. “I work for Jesus and play for freedom,” Raub said. Raub has enjoyed the opportunity to share the road and stage with some of Texas’s biggest country stars, such as Lee Ann Womack, Cody Johnson, Mark Chesnutt and many more. Raub is a blue collar Texan who was born in Houston and hails from Mag- nolia, Texas. His country working-class roots help him capture his love for family, friends and growing up country with them. As the frontman of his band, Raub has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the great state of Texas. His unique voice and country truth continue to captivate his audiences. Raub appeared on Cody Johnson’s 2011 critically acclaimed album “A Different Day” as a co-writer for the hit “The Way She Loves Me.” In 2014, he scored his first No. 1 on Texas Radio and gold record as a co-writer on Johnson’s “Dance Her Home.” Raub also had 14 recordings of his own chart in the top 50 of the Texas Music Chart and the Texas Radio Re- port: “Blame It On The Music” “Bad Intentions,” “Good Man Go Wrong,” “Plead the Fifth,” “She Can Forgive” and 2017’s No. 1 “She’ll Put The Hurt On You;” 2018’s No. 1 singles “Mistakes” and “Sittin’ Here;” 2019’s No. 1 “Touch the Water;” 2020 No. 1 singles “Good Times” and “I’d Look Good On You;” 2021’s “No. 1 “Things I Shouldn’t Have;” and 2022’s No. 1 “Working Man’s Woman” from the soon-to-be-released studio album “Real Simple Country”. Raub released 2013’s “Blame It On The Music,” gaining fans and friends in the right places. “Sittin’ Here” was released in 2016 and has delivered four Texas Re- gional Radio No. 1’s and a signature song “Touch the Water.” Following up No. 1 singles “Good Times” and “I’d Look Good On You,” which are penned by multiple country music hitmakers, including Raub, Triston Marez, Jake Worthington and Aaron Copeland, Raub released his latest No. 1 singles “Working man’s Woman” and “Loving All Night. Watch Jesse Raub Jr. perform April 13. AARON WATSON F or more than 20 years now, Aaron Watson has traveled the land as coun- try’s ultimate underdog troubadour — a truly independent artist with the spirit of the American frontier in his veins and a self-made empire to match. Working without corporate backers, he has nonetheless reached the Top 10 of Billboard’s Country Album chart five sep- arate times — an impressive feat by any standard — and that includes his trium- phant 2015 set, “The Underdog,” which landed at No. 1. Matching sold-out shows across the country with homegrown hits, he’s followed suit at country radio, making history in 2017 with “Outta Style” and “Run Wild Horses.” But despite the success, the Texas native remains a fighter punching far above his weight, constantly defending his right to be in the ring. And with his new album “Unwanted Man,” he reminds all who care to listen that it’s just fine by him. “It’s not like, ‘Is there any gas left in the tank?’” said Watson, explaining the tireless drive behind his 18th studio set. “This is just who I am. I still without a doubt believe I haven’t written my best song yet, and I kind of feel like I’m just getting started.” Still pushing into the wind, “Unwanted Man” finds a creative renegade continu- ing to do what he does best, now working at the most dangerous level of his career. Counted out time and time again, the singer-songwriter reaffirms his steadfast commitment to his craft and takes his go- it-alone spirit to new levels. Eleven songs were written at home in the early months of the pandemic — with Watson’s 90-percent-solo writing style serving him well. He then co-produced the set with his drummer and studio mate, Nate Coon, and even shot the al- bum cover himself, using his iPhone after his photographer contracted COVID-19. And then, just as the album was set for re- lease, Watson suffered the first vocal inju- ry of his career, with mandatory voice rest adding yet another wrinkle of adversity. But it was all taken in stride. This artist is used to weathering storms. “You just have to roll with the punches,” Watson said. JON WOLFE CHAD COOKE BAND AARON WATSON JESSE RAUB JR. See MUSICIANS » Page 10Next >