Saddle Up!

The Inaugural Williamson County Fair & Rodeo

Home to a rich agricultural heritage, Williamson County has enjoyed an annual livestock show and rodeos in Taylor and Jarrell, “But what we’ve never had is a true county fair,” County Treasurer and Williamson County Fair Association President Scott Heselmeyer says.

Scott, former County Judge Dan Gattis, and the Expo Center’s Clint Chitsey put their heads together to plan a county fair combining a rodeo, carnival, live music, food, and other family fun. Unfortunately, their plan for the 2020 Williamson County Fair and Rodeo got derailed by the pandemic. “It’s been a really challenging year-and-a-half for everyone,” Scott says. “We’ve been looking forward to having [the fair and rodeo] for quite some time. It’s exciting to be able to finally have it.”

Kicking off this month in Taylor, the fair and rodeo will feature a carnival and pig races for the kids, a special mustang event for veterans, concerts featuring Roger Kreger and Tracy Bird, and local live music throughout each day. “The goal is to celebrate Williamson County’s agricultural heritage through education and entertainment, and to have an opportunity for the community to come together in a fun and family friendly environment,” Scott says. “We’re really hoping it can be a good countywide event and an event for families to come to, even just for part of the day and enjoy activities for some of the day, or to come for the day and the evening for the rodeo and concerts. There’s something for everyone.”

To learn more, call 512-238-2101 or [email protected]. Click for information and tickets. 

photo courtesy Clint Chitsey
  • MusicFriday headliner: Roger Creager | Saturday headliner: Tracy Byrd
    Make your way over to The Corkyard, where you will find the Local Talent Stage featuring an assortment of musicians and performers from around the Austin area. This stage is the perfect, cozy scene to have a glass of wine or a cold beer and listen to up-and-coming entertainment.
  • Arts and Crafts
    The Arts and Crafts Vendor Fair inside the main Expo Hall will include handcrafted jewelry, arts and crafts, holiday decorations, and home goods from more than 60 amazing craft artisans and vendors.
  • Patriot Pro Mustang Showdown
    The Williamson County Fair Association is partnering with the Mustang Heritage Foundation to showcase local veterans, wild mustangs, and professional horse trainers in the Patriot Pro Mustang Showdown at 7 p.m. Thursday. Veterans and professionals will present their mustangs through a freestyle theatrical performance displaying maneuvers with music, costumes and props.
  • Beer and Wine Garden
    Unwind at The Corkyard and check out a wide array of beer and wines at the Williamson County Expo’s patio. Try a range of domestic, foreign, & craft beers or pair a charcuterie and cheese platter to a new wine. Stop by to relax under the patio lights and soak up the atmosphere while listening to local talented musicians.
  • Carnival
    Join us at the carnival grounds to enjoy the thrills the rides have to offer! Kids and families of all ages will enjoy the games and attractions of the carnival.
  • Petting Zoo
    Ever wandered what a goat felt like? Head to the petting zoo filled with friendly furry friends for the whole family to enjoy!
  • Livestock Show
    The Youth Sheep & Goat show will be open to all youth exhibitors.
  • Farmers Market
    Come experience farm-to-table shopping on the fairgrounds! The Farmers Market will feature local vendors and farmers looking to delight attendees with fresh produce and artisan foods. Discover all the great things grown and made in the area! The Farmers Market is located in the Covered Expo by the Main Covered Arena.
  • Rodeo
    Hang on your cowboy hats—you are invited to witness the inaugural Williamson County Rodeo! Grab a seat and watch cowboys and cowgirls race to beat the clock. Riders from far and wide will be competing for cash prizes and prestige! Kids will also be able to join in on the fun in the kids’ mutton bustin’ and kids calf scramble events.