< Previous10 | The Daily News | Fair & Rodeo | 2024 Seventeen years into his journey, Watson reached a hard-to-comprehend milestone in 2017, becoming one of the only independent artists to crack country radio’s Top 10 in the last half century. Defying gravity with his free wheeling country rocker “Outta Style,” he had a bonafide hit and almost two decades of sold-out momentum on his hands, reach- ing a pinnacle that should have sent him to the next level — yet still, Watson found the mainstream gates difficult to unlock. Luckily, his fans didn’t care. They never stopped coming out, whether it was a massive stadium show like RodeoHous- ton or a nameless dancehall on some dusty interstate off ramp, and in the time since, that truth not only sustained Watson, but it also became the bedrock of “Unwanted Man.” “Because of these fans, I don’t feel like an unwanted man,” he said. “I built my career at the honky tonks, and I’m not mad at anyone — I don’t have time. But it does motivate me to get back in there shake things up again. There are a lot of people out there who like what I do, so for them — and for myself — I’m going to keep pushing forward. That’s what this is all about.” With its raw vocals and minimal production, the album’s title track sets Watson’s quest in motion, kicking off “Unwanted Man” with a thank you to his supporters. As it swells into a two-step- ping romantic romper, his knack for hid- ing big themes in personal lyrics shines through — and not for the last time. Cut in January 2021 in Tyler, Texas, it’s the first album Watson has recorded in his home state in a decade and reflective themes of an outsider’s life in spotlight pep- per the set — always presented as he sees fit. With its grungy garage-rock vibe, “Cheap Seats” follows the thematic lead of “Unwanted Man,” pledging allegiance to the common concertgoers who remain his inspiration — rather than some faceless focus group. Elsewhere, “Old Man Said” recounts the tender wisdom that helped guide Watson to manhood, and with a soft touch of heartland rock, “Crash Landing” finds a weary traveler looking to rest his heart. Meanwhile, “Dancing Around the Truth” breathes fresh energy into the familiar one-last-time love song, “What’s Left of Me” tallies up the impact of time and tribulation and the album ends on a Paul McCartney-inspired singalong, com- plete with sweeping strings epic emotions, “Once In a Life.” Each one features the inventive song- writing and one-of-a-kind melodies of a true, untamed artist, striving to bring a singular vision to life, no matter the cost. And with the working-musician’s an- them, “Heck of a Song,” Watson promises to never stop. Looking back, that’s the true theme of “Unwanted Man.” At this point in his long career, Watson knows who he is, and he’s not about change. It might not be an easy road — or even one you can find on a map most of the time. But he’s free, and he knows it. “I’m right where I wanna be,” Watson says. “No one can put any labels on me. And I tell a lot of younger artists, ‘Listen, there’s enough room at the table for all of us. This is not a sprint. This is a long distance race.’” Watch Aaron Watson perform April 13. Metalachi “M etalachi is not your mama’s mariachi band.” Born from a long night of music, Skrewball whiskey and maria- chi-loving metalheads, Metalachi has been entertaining audiences and wooing abuelas everywhere for over a decade. Metalachi cleverly combined world- class musicianship with a great deal of showmanship… in the way they mix folk influences with world-class musical skills and rock. The band combines the humor of Steel Panther, the flamboyance of GWAR and the eclectic rawness of Rob Zombie. There’s also a little dose of “Spi- nal Tap” and a hit of Cheech & Chong. The music is classic metal covers from artists like Metallica fused with classic mariachi by Vicente Fernandez and Mari- achi Vargas de Tecalitlan. The setlist is punctuated by comedic interludes and skits. The band puts on a great live show, and every member of the audience can’t help but leave the venue with a huge smile on his or her face. Hailing from Los Angeles, the band has traveled across the U.S., Canada and Mexico performing everywhere from the smallest local bars to the largest parties. Watch Metalachi perform April 18. PAYTON HOWIE W ith backwoods-bathed vocals and bona fide southern swagger, recently nominated Texas Regional Radio’s New Female Vocalist of the Year and 2023 Texas Country Music Awards Emerging Artist of the Year Payton Howie is on the rise and one to keep your eye on. This Texas trailblazer and Nashville recording artist is branded as the ultimate all-American girl by Scenes Media and is gaining nationwide notoriety. Howie unapologetically embodies the untamed tradition that country music was built on, and she’s hellbent on bringing her own grit to the honkytonk. She has multiple songs featured on several of Spotify’s sought-after editorial playlists and her de- but EP “Youngblood” has attained more than 2 million streams. With her latest singles “Orange” and “Pink Whitney,” Howie is scorching country music with a brand that’s hers alone. KOLBY COOPER S till hailing from East Texas, Kolby Cooper is raising his three children with his high school sweetheart and wife, Jillian. After releasing his critically acclaimed album “Boy From Ander- son County to The Moon,” he made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Marking four years in the music business, Cooper’s garnered millions of streams and sold out shows across the country. The prolific songwriter has an uncanny ability to turn his and his friends’ life stories into relatable songs his rabidly zealous fanbase can’t get enough of. Cooper’s latest release through BBR Music/Wheelhouse Records in partner- ship with Combustion Music “Kill Me” is an in-your-face anthem with epic vocals and fiery instruments. This is a new era of Kolby Cooper music. Watch Kolby Cooper perform April 19. TEJANO ROUND UP TO PERFORM ON FIESTA SUNDAY, APRIL 14 T his year’s Fiesta Sunday is April 14 during the 86th Annual Galveston County Fair and Rodeo. Featured enter- tainers on the main stage will be Gary Hobbs, Jay Perez and Ram Her- rera. On this same day, appearing in the Boots N’ Wine Garden, will be Amanda Solis – The Ulti- mate Selena Experience. Fiesta Sunday started out in 1993 as Tejano Day. At that time, the fair was 10 days long and the entertainment on the last Sunday of the fair was dedicated to Hispanic heritage. Performers for this first Tejano Day were David Lee Garza and The Hometown Boys. The first Tejano Day almost didn’t happen as a storm blew through and the winds made the entertainment tent un- usable. The entertainers actually were moved to the rodeo arena where they performed for the public. The 1994 Tejano Day also was a very wet day, but it didn’t dampen anybody’s spirit because Emilio Navairo was performing and the crowds packed the fairgrounds. Navairo was a huge star at the time ,and the fair was able to bring him back in 2014. In 1998, the fair decided to move away from 10 days to become a 9 day fair, resulting in the elimination of the last Sunday. Tejano Day was moved to the first Sunday of the fair. Festivo Avizo were the star performers that day. To mark the day as more of a celebration of Hispanic Heritage, Tejano Day was re- named Fiesta Sunday in 2016. Performing for the public that day was the Texas City High School Mari- achi Band, YoYo Y La Verdadd, Tejano Knights and Jaime Y Los Chamacos. Over the years, the fair has had the opportunity to bring out such performers as The Hometown Boys, Shelly Lares, Festivo Rebelde, Raul Navaira, Grupo Vido and many more popular artists. Last year, Chente Barrerra, Raulito Navaira, Marcus Orozco and David Lee Garza performed on the main stage. So, put on your cowboy hats and boots, make your way to the Galveston County Fairgrounds at Jack Brooks Park and en- joy some good music, good food, livestock shows, rodeo and so much more. FIESTA SUNDAY STARTED OUT IN 1993 AS TEJANO DAY. AT THAT TIME, THE FAIR WAS 10 DAYS LONG AND THE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE LAST SUNDAY OF THE FAIR WAS DEDICATED TO HISPANIC HERITAGE. MUSICIANS Continued » Page 9 KOLBY COOPER PAYTON HOWIE METALACHIProudly Saluting the 2024 Galveston County Fair & Rodeo 4H & FFA Participants Paetyn Milner - Clear Springs FFA her pig - Hazel www.ggecu.com 409-908-9834 SUPPORTS OUR 4H & FFA EXHIBITORS! Gulfway Plaza Mall 14041 Delany Road La Marque 3101 Texas Avenue, P.O. 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Gulfway Plaza Mall 14041 Delany Road La Marque Design • Products • Services BayAreaKitchens.com 281 • 338 • 2737 S upportS o ur 2023 4H and FFa E xHibitorS ! Dayton Cheatham Sissy Anabelle Jaramillo with heifer named Nova JOE GIUSTI Galveston County Commissioner Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! Addison Shannon pig’s named Dolly - Clear Spring FFA Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! TEXAS CITY OFFICE 409-938-1700 Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! Ella & Chubbs GOD FAMILY COMMUNITY Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! 409.925.8275 www.AffordableAirTX.com Carly Lazenby ® 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! www.texasf irst.bank Jacie Hawk 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! Cheyenne Stoker and her goat Luke Stoker Laylah Garcia Goose - Hitchcock FFA Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! 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Nayeli Cabrera with Woody Cooper Armstrong Friendswood Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! 10412 Highway 6, Hitchcock 409-925-3501 www.hayesfuneralhome.com ® 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! www.texasf irst.bank Loralye Tibaldo Laylah Garcia Malibu Barbie - Hitchccock FFA Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! TEXAS CITY OFFICE 409-938-1700 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! Aurora Wood and Peter Pan, Texas City Jr. FFA 3rd grade Good Luck Kendyl & Reba Kendyl & Reba Santa Fe Jr. FFA 409-457-7929 gwrwaterwells.com W a t e r W ell S e r v i c e Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! Casen & Butters GOD FAMILY COMMUNITY ® 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! www.texasf irst.bank Caroline Korenek Skittles - Dickinson 4-H Club Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! Ava with Pickles the lamb James Funeral Homes WWW.CROWDERFUNERALHOME.COM Locally Owned and Managed by The Crowder Family since 1959 Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! 409.925.8275 www.AffordableAirTX.com Allie Post Anabelle Jaramillo With her Lamb name Dipper FFA JOE GIUSTI Galveston County Commissioner Supports our 4H & FFA Exhibitors! 2024 | Fair & Rodeo | The Daily News | 1314 | The Daily News | Fair & Rodeo | 2024 To become a sponsor, visit GalvNews.com/pressruntc or contact Yvonne Mascorro (409)683-5264 Supporting Newspapers In Education 1K 5K 10K & JOIN US FOR AN EXCITING FAMILY EVENT The Daily News Press Run is proud to present the 2024 Press Run + Shrimp Fest, in collaboration with The Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce. The fun filled day begins on Downtown 6th Street in Texas City with the start of the 2nd Annual Texas City Press Run. The race ends at the Showboat, but the fun continues with Shrimp Fest! In addition to supporting a great cause, all participating runners will receive a $10 coupon to purchase their shrimp meal. To become a sponsor, visit GalvNews.com/pressruntc or contact Yvonne Mascorro (409)683-5264 LITERACY SPONSOR KIDS’ ZONE SPONSOR WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR 2024 SPONSORS SMART Family Literacy ROUTE SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS MAY 18, 2024 TEXAS CITY2024 | Fair & Rodeo | The Daily News | 15 L ike a bottle of fine wine, the Galveston County Fair and Rodeo’s Boots N’ Wine Garden keeps getting better with age. A common habit of Galveston County Fair & Rodeo (GCFR) board directors is to visit other fairs and rodeos throughout the state. Not only is this a great networking tool, but it gives them ideas that they may want to try and imple- ment at their own fairs. Back in 2013, the GCFR saw that wine gardens were becoming very popular. The problem was, you could count on one hand the num- ber of directors who had knowl- edge of and enjoyed wine. With the generous help of the Fort Bend County Fair Wine Committee and the classes put on by Raymond Haak of Haak Winery in Santa Fe, GCFR was confident that the fair could provide another popular attraction at its county fair. The 2014 GCFR was going to have a wine garden. A committee was formed, and it was decided to stay with wines from Texas wineries, mostly because of Texas pride and also be- cause of the board’s limited knowl- edge of wineries. Not having a suitable facility for the wine garden, a tent and floor had to be rented, which really turned out to be a plus because it provided a great patio for everyone to sit and relax, watching the goings on of the fair. Hence, the favorite saying at the wine garden is to “Come sip on the patio with us.” In 2018, it was decided to pro- vide live entertainment for wine patrons. This has been an extreme- ly popular addition to the wine garden. Another popular move has been the addition of wines from wineries outside of Texas. Two years ago, wines from Napa Valley, California were added, and, last year, the committee added wines from Paso Robles California, Italy and New Zealand. This year, based on everyone’s feedback, the wine committee is excited to announce that it is going to be making some major changes to the wine garden. The fair is looking forward to the changes and upgrades and hopes that you will be too. This season, the Boots N’ Wine Garden will be featuring wines from around the world. The fair is bringing in wines from the top growing regions from around the world. The committee still will be showcasing the top Texas wines from the previous years. Additionally, the committee has had much success in the past with raffle baskets and prizes in the Wine Garden. This year, the garden will be featuring more baskets to help raise money for more schol- arships for the youth of Galveston County. The wine committee has done a fantastic job with the wine garden, but also it could not have been done without the support of our organization and the support of great sponsors. Sponsors are a huge reason the board is able to put on the fair each year, allowing them to provide scholarships and opportu- nities for the youth of the county to show their projects, whether it be livestock, arts and crafts or Ag mechanics. So, come out to the 86th annual Galveston County Fair & Rodeo and visit the Boots N’ Wine Gar- den, relax and sip some wine on the patio and listen to some great music. This year’s Wine Garden enter- tainers will be David Lewis, Mor- gan Ashley, Amanda Solis - The Ultimate Selena Experience, Kate Watson, Kaitlyn Kohler and Sandee June. Visit the website at http:// www.galvestoncountyfair.com for dates and times. THE BOOTS N’ WINE GARDEN HAS AGED WELL BOOTS N’ WINE GARDEN WINES TEXAS Miranda Lambert Platinum Almond Sparkline Miranda Lambert ‘White Liar’ Chardonnay Miranda Lambert ‘Crazy Ex Girlfriend’ Sweet White Miranda Lambert ‘Electric Pink’ White Zinfandel Miranda Lambert ‘Belle’ Sweet Red Miranda Lambert Red 55 Cabernet Sauvignon CALIFORNIA Black Stallion Chardonnay, Napa Valley Stags Leap Chardonnay, Napa Valley Black Stallion Sauv Blanc, Napa Valley Black Stallion Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Black Stallion Pinot Noir, Carneros Belle Glos ‘Clark & Telephone’ Pinot Noir, Sonoma Caymus Walking Fool, Red Blend, Suisun Valley Hess Maverick Ranches Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles OREGON Argyle ‘Bloomhouse’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley WASHINGTON Blackboard Merlot, Columbia Valley ARGENTINA Tahun Malbec, Mendoza CHILE Miguel Torres Las Mulas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon SPAIN Finca Nueva Crianza Tempranillo, Rioja FRANCE LEOS Rose’ GERMANY August Kesseler Riesling ITALY Coppola Diamond Prosecco Santa Margherita Sparkling Rose’ Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio, Tuscany Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, Trentino-Alto Adige Sella Antica Rosso by Santa Margherita, Tuscany Masi Costasera Amarone Classico, Veneto GREECE GAI’A Monograph Moschofilcro SOUTH AFRICA Essay Chenin Blanc Bland Chocolate Block Red Blend, Franschhoek Valley SOUTH AUSTRALIA Penfolds Max’s Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon NEW ZEALAND Stoneleigh Sauv Blanc “COME AND SIP ON THE PATIO WITH US.”16 | The Daily News | Fair & Rodeo | 2024 A griculture is at the core of the Galves- ton County Fair & Rodeo’s purpose, and the Farmers Corral Agriculture Learning Center is a place to learn all about it! With hands-on activities, live animals and other agricultural exhibits for all ages, the Farmers Corral is a fun experience for the whole family. Located in the Family Entertainment area, in the Farmers Corral you can plant a seed to take home, learn about products made from various crops, see baby chicks hatching, learn about bees, see how cot- ton is ginned and more. Sponsored and presented by Brazo- ria-Galveston County Farm Bureau, the Farmers Corral is a great way to show fair visitors of all ages a little bit more about production agriculture and where their food, fiber and fuel come from. D id you know that when you visit the Galveston County Fair & Rodeo, you’re paying for more than just rides, games, entertainment and rodeo events? Since 1972, the fair has awarded scholarships that help send deserving Galveston County students to college. It started with two senior exhibitors being awarded $200 each and has increased to as many as 25 graduating seniors and $80,000. With the addition of memorial scholarships and money from other organizations associated with the fair, the awards this year will be a new record for Galveston County Fair and Rodeo scholarships. “It’s a great feeling to award these scholarships, knowing that we are mak- ing an important impact on a young person’s life,” said Fair Coordinator Melondy Bender. “We are the Galves- ton County Fair & Rodeo, but a lot of people don’t realize that we are a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. We are not funded by any government entity, and we give back to the community. “The Galveston County Fair and Rodeo started in 1938, and, with the help of all our volunteers and a small office staff, we’ve been able to serve the youth of Galveston County by promot- ing youth, education and agriculture by supporting 4-H and FFA programs. Along with providing livestock compe- titions for the 4-H and FFA members of our County, providing these scholar- ships to help these graduating seniors further their education is why we do what we do.” To date, the Fair has been able to award more than $1,252,000 to about 600 deserving students of Galveston County. The money for these schol- arships comes from ticket sales, rides, vendor fees, sponsorships, donations and cook-off entries. In addition to the annual nine-day county fair, the fair hosts its annual Las Vegas Night fundraiser in February, Winterfest event in December, two additional cook-offs in the summer and the seven-week long Summer Series event at the Rodeo Arena. “When you come out this year to the 86th Annual Galveston County Fair & Rodeo, you are making a difference in the future of the youth of Galveston County,” Bender said. “Our roots are in agriculture, the youth are our future and we support educational activities — with our scholarship awards being a huge part of that. It really makes a difference, and we really appreciate folks coming out and supporting the Gal- veston County Fair & Rodeo so we can continue to make a difference in these young people’s lives.” Students interested in a Galveston County Fair & Rodeo scholarship must be an active 4-H/FFA member, par- ticipate in the Fair or Summer Series, complete an application and go through an interview process. FARMERS CORRAL TEACHES VISITORS OF ALL AGES ABOUT AGRICULTURAL LIFE DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES WHEN YOU SPEND IT AT THE GALVESTON COUNTY FAIR & RODEO? T his year’s Chairperson Spotlight shines on Lisa Thurmond, Board Member and Market Rabbit Chair- person for the Galveston County Fair & Rodeo (GCFR). This year, Thurmond marks her 30th year as chairperson on this committee. For the 2024 fair, she will oversee a competition of 88 pens of market rabbits. Thurmond joined the GCFR in 1994 and was elected to the Board of Directors that year. She has served as Market Rabbit Chairperson under five different GCFR Presidents and five different Livestock Superintendents. She also serves as Chair- person for the GCFR Las Vegas Night Fundraiser. Thurmond is a lifelong resident of Santa Fe. She grew up raising rabbits and swine and showing them at the fair. She would walk her pig up and down the street as she was preparing them for show. Thurmond and her husband, Ebbie, raised two children, keeping them very involved in 4-H and showing at the fair. Their daughter, Amber, is very involved at the fair, participating in the Market Rabbit Committee, the Entertainment Committee and the Scholarship Com- mittee. Thurmond and her husband now have grandkids who are showing at the fair. Thurmond’s favorite activities outside of the fair are camping, going to Disney- world and spending time on cruises. For camping, she will tell you that nothing beats Garner State Park and Splashway in Sheriden, TX. She loves Disneyworld because her grandkids have such a great time there, and the cruises are the best, especially the girls-only cruises. Thurmond would like to thank every- one who comes out to support the fair. She’s looking forward to another great year, and she hopes to see everyone out at the fairgrounds as the staff and volun- teers deliver another great county fair for Galveston County. CHAIRPERSON SPOTLIGHT: LISA THURMOND STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News file photo ANY TIME SPENT IN THE BARN IS A GOOD TIME JENNIFER REYNOLDS/ The Daily News file photo JENNIFER REYNOLDS/ The Daily News file photo STUART VILLANUEVA/ The Daily News file photo STUART VILLANUEVA/ The Daily News file photo The Daily News file photo JENNIFER REYNOLDS/ The Daily News file photoJohn M Smilie SERVICES MANAGER FUNERAL DIRECTOR Phone 832-769-4040 Fax 832-769-4033 john.smilie@sci-us.com 2950 Gulf Freeway S. Suite D-E League City, TX 77573 “Where we put families first” Check out our Google and Facebook reviews online then call us! WWW.BOSWORTHAC.COM TACL A021270CTACL A9728C Doing Business in Galveston County for Over 65 Years Since 1959 Residential • Commercial Sales • Service • Installations Free Estimates On New & Replacement Equipment Call Today to schedule your appointment for maintenance and service! 832-769-0556 • Service All Makes & Models • High Efficient A/C & Heating Communicating Smart System Specialist • Air Filtration & Zone Specialist • Planned Service Agreements 2024 | Fair & Rodeo | The Daily News | 17 F ood is a huge attraction to any fair and rodeo, and at the Galveston County Fair & Rodeo, you’ll find great food and some very experienced cooks who all are trying to outdo each other in one of the largest county cook- offs in the state of Texas. This year, the Galveston County Fair & Rodeo will host the 46th annual BBQ Cook-Off and the 18th annual Seafood Cook-off. For the BBQ Cook-Off, there are 111 teams with 271 entries. All teams are vying for the coveted Triple Crown trophy, which began 24 years ago. Most of the teams are from within the county, but there are a few from outside the county. Getting a cook-off spot for the second weekend of the fair requires getting on a wait list that can take as long as 10 years before you get the call from the Cook-Off Superintendent Brad Dillon. The Cook-Off started in 1978 at Runge Park in Santa Fe. Jack Doreck of Doreck Packing (now known as Doreck’s Meat Market) was the chairperson. The competition was limited to 30 teams and trophies were given for first, second and third place. There were no limitations on which type of meat used, so the barbecue could be beef, pork or lamb. Showmanship awards were added in 1981, and the number of teams was increased to 50 in 1982. At the same time, the first annual Chili Cook-Off was added under the guidance of Frankie Ghinaudo. In 1983, the last year at Runge Park, the number of teams was increased to 60 and a Potato Salad Contest was implemented for the women of the cook-off teams. In 1984, the frst year at Jack Brooks Park, the cook-off was restricted to beef only. And, in 1986, the limit to the number of teams was removed and the first annual Gumbo Cook-Off was added, directed by Billie Moore. In 1988, with Ricky Tibaldo as chair- man of the barbecue contests, the first annual Fajita Cook-Off was added, with Ed Tilghman as chairman. In 1989, chair- man Tom Stuart added an open cook-off, meaning anything other than brisket can be entered. That year, the rodeo also add- ed the Junior “Anything Goes” Cook-Off, open to anyone 18 years of age and under. This contest required a main dish plus a side dish with awards going to the first three places. In 1990, Lew Benham III became chairperson of the BBQ Cook-Off, the Chili Cook-Off and the Junior “Anything Goes” Cook-Off. Lew became the Cook- Off Superintendent in 1991, a position that he held until his passing on October 22, 2021. Under Lew’s direction, the cook-off grew to its’ current size and status, and a Seafood Cook-Off was added in 2006. Visit the 86th Annual Galveston Coun- ty Fair & Rodeo, April 12-20, 2024. The first weekend of the fair kicks off with the seafood competition, featuring grilled shrimp, fish, seafood rice and gumbo. The second weekend’s competition will feature fajitas, pork, BBQ chicken, pork spareribs and beef brisket. And while you’re there, take in the rodeo, livestock contests, the carnival, fair food and shopping. THE HISTORY OF GALVESTON COUNTY FAIR & RODEO BARBECUE COOK-OFFS JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News file photo STUART VILLANUEVA/ The Daily News file photo STUART VILLANUEVA/ The Daily News file photoTM Congratulations, Charles T. Doyle! Congratulations, Charles T. Doyle! In recognition of over 50 years supporting the Galveston County Fair and Rodeo and our community! Member FDIC 2024 GRAND MARSHA2024 GRAND MARSHA 18 | The Daily News | Fair & Rodeo | 2024SMART Family Literacy Location: College of the Mainland Conference Center 1200 N Amburn Rd, Texas City, 77591 Professional Development Workshop Participating teachers will receive books for their classroom libraries and a 2-hour CPE certificate from SMART Family Literacy. For more information, please get in touch with Yvonne Mascorro at Yvonne.mascorro@galvnews.com or 409-683-5264 Join SMART Family Literacy and The Daily News Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 11:30 am to 3:15 pm for an interactive, hands-on professional development workshop for teachers of grades 1 through 8. Scan QR code to register for this free workshop: NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION WORKSHOP AND CELEBRATION Door prizes donated by: SMART Family Literacy (www.SMARTFamilyLiteracy.org) GrantWorks (https://www.grantworks.net/) Join us for a May 4th at WCID #8 Santa Fe Fraternal Order of the Eagles 3789 Jewell Plumbing Central Mix CONCRETE All American Hydraulics Arcosa Stabilized Materials Armadillo Blast Coat Brush TEK, Inc. Bubba’s Automotive Buildworx Construction Group/ Southland Septic Services C2C Technical Services Chief Deputy Jimmy Fullen Christie Norman Constable Paul Edinburgh Dorecks Meat Market Dusty Moon Veterinary Services F.W. Walton, Inc. Fish Place Gal. Co. Commissioner Darrell Apffel & JP D. B. Apffel Gulfside Building Solutions Hendrix Farms Hometown Equipment LLC ILA Local 28 Industrial Specialist Jerry Mathis K. R. 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