The First And Oldest County Fair In Texas Offers Good Old Fashioned Fall Fun For The Whole Family
By Katie Lawrence|Published August 29, 2022
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Nothing says “fall has arrived” quite like visiting a small town county fair. Riding the Ferris wheel, eating hand-spun cotton candy…the nostalgia is almost palpable! The oldest county fair in Texas, the Washington County Fair, will bring back all of those fond childhood memories while also allowing you to create new ones you’ll cherish for years to come.
State and county fairs are one of the quintessential ways to celebrate fall. You can ring in the season by visiting the Washington County Fair - the first and oldest county fair in Texas, dating back to 1868 - which offers a wholesome and nostalgic good time for all ages.
Located in the charming small town of Brenham, the fair takes place annually in mid-September, just before the official start of autumn. It features several days of events, from a carnival to several livestock shows and even a rodeo.
If you have a competitive side, perhaps you'll want to enter one of the many contests. Cook-offs, cornhole tournaments, calf scrambling, and more give folks with a variety of talents the chance to show off.
For those who enjoy shopping, head into the Commercial Exhibits Building to check out all the vendors. You'll see everything from homemade fudge to hand-knitted quilts. Good luck walking away empty handed!
Kid-friendly activities abound, from a petting zoo to pedal tractor races to a youth auction. There's even a special play area for the tiniest fairgoers!
Of course, you can't miss the parade, which is held on opening day each year! You'll also want to keep an eye out for the majestic Budweiser Clydesdale Hitch trotting through the fairgrounds.
Let's not forget about all the delicious food! Tons of vendors set up shop in the carnival midway, offering everything from concession stand snacks to wood-fired pizza.
Visit the Washington County Fair website or Facebook page for more information, including this year’s dates and hours of operation.
Have you ever been to the oldest county fair in Texas? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more reasons why Brenham is worth a visit.
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