ATTRACTIONS
94
GCFFA Cont. from page 93
The approximately 40 acres of land was purchased for $2,500. Known as the “old fair grounds”, the first fair was held at this site Sept. 24-28, 1892. This site remained the home of the Gillespie County Fair through 1975. The new Gillespie County Fair Grounds, located three miles southwest of the city on Texas Highway 16 South, was dedicated July 4, 1976. Today’s fair grounds boasts a 3,200-seat covered grandstand, covered biergarten, exhibition hall, open air pavilion, outdoor dance pavilion, show barn, 200-stall horse barn, modern restroom and concession facilities, a racing office, 62 pari-mutuel betting windows and a five-eighths mile oval race track. Although horse racing has always been a part of the entertainment, parimutuel horse races have been run since 1990. One of the purposes of the organization is the education of the youth of the county, and youth are encouraged to participate in the various activities whenever possible. The fair association established a scholarship program in 1991 and since then has awarded approximately $301,850 to 557 college-bound students from Gillespie County. The scholarships are funded through the various activities and festivals held on the grounds throughout the year. Today, the Gillespie County Fair and Festivals Association is directed by a 50-member volunteer board. It is estimated that these volunteers donate an excess of 15,000 volunteer hours annually. Support also comes from the directors’ wives and families and from hundreds of volunteer workers from the community.
www.gillespiefair.com
THE BEST that local gardens and farms have to offer fill the Exhibition Hall each year at the Gillespie County Fair. The 126th edition of the Gillespie County Fair will be held Aug. 21-24 and will feature four days of activities for the entire family. — Standard-Radio Post file photo
Conveniently located near: Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course & Park, Gillespie County Airport Gillespie County Fair Grounds Hospital, Downtown Shopping & Historic District
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