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The first Matagorda County Fair was held January 31,
1944, across the street from the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot. The
Fair was the outgrowth of the Bay City FFA Livestock Show. In 1946
the show was expanded to include 4-H Boys as well as FFA members from
around the county. Land was also purchased on Highway 35 at the
location of the now Bay City Chevrolet for the first fair grounds.
In 1947 approximately 75 animals were exhibited.
In 1950 the fair was officially named "Matagorda
County Livestock Show and Exposition". In 1952 the name was changed to
the now "Matagorda County Fair and Livestock Exposition Association". In
1954 the first girls 4-H and FHA Divisions were added. The plans
began for building the rodeo arena on Highway 35 were started in 1957.
The new building was completed and first rodeo was produced in 1959.
The 60's brought the first PRCA affiliated rodeo. Many
changes occurred in the 60's including dropping and adding back girls division
contests.
In 1970 184 projects were sold at the auction.
Many improvements and additions were made to the Highway 35 location.
With the growth of the fair, meant the need for a
larger facility. The current site on FM 2668 was purchased in 1980
and the first Fair and Rodeo was held there in 1981. Additional
facilities were built in the 80's. In 1989 Matagorda County
purchased the fairgrounds and buildings from the fair association.
Office space is maintained at the grounds and the fair association
continues to use the facilities for the annual fair.
Bar-B-Q cookoff events were added to the fair in 1985.
The cookoff was moved to the El Maton National Hall in 1989 and then
back to the fair grounds in 1991.
The first academic rodeo was held in 1992. 1993
brought many new contests including the Little Miss Cowgirl and Mr.
Cowboy as well as talent show, and senior citizen's craft show.
2006 was the first year for the Agricultural Mechanics Show.
In the spring of 2007, the Matagorda County Fair and Livestock
Association celebrated their 63rd annual fair and rodeo.
We're already planning the 2008 fair, and encourage
you to check our website often for further news and updates!
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