Just as the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo shuts down, the Montgomery County Fair & Rodeo 2023 starts tomorrow. So don’t put up your cowboy boots yet. Enjoy a smaller version of the HLSR in your own hometown. Here are all the important details.
Dates and Location
The dates for the Montgomery County Fair & Rodeo (MCFR) are March 23rd through April 2nd. Admission at the gate for adults is $15 a person. Children aged 5 to 11 get in for $5. Children under 5 can enter for free. If you want to save a little money, you can purchase your tickets online for a discounted price. Of course, each day will be at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Below is the event schedule for each day.
Livestock Shows
Support the youth of Montgomery County as they show their livestock projects for the school year. There are market animal shows for steers, turkeys, broilers, pigs, rabbits, lambs, and goats. These projects teach children to raise an animal for market—to sell for consumption. There are also breeding shows, which are best described as beauty contests for animals raised for breeding. Horses and cows are shown in these shows. Students in 4-H or FFA have worked hard getting their animals ready for the judge. Support them with your presence.
Non-Livestock Shows
County fairs include other competitions beyond livestock. For example, both students and adults can compete in baked goods, canned goods, art, photography, and horticulture projects. Also students can compete in ag-mechanics projects, which typically showcase their welding, constructing, and engineering skills. Regardless if the projects are animal-related or not, students learn so much while doing the work. I personally love the fact that the county fair celebrates non-livestock projects.
Rodeos & Performers
One of the most popular events at the county fair is the rodeo. The MCFR hosts CPRA rodeos two nights this weekend. Then upon its conclusion, different performers each night entertain the crowd. The first night Drake Milligan performs. Watch this video to hear one of his most popular songs, “Sounds like Something I’d Do.” Then Sunday night, Pat Green performs. He was nominated years ago for a Grammy for “Wave on Wave.” In addition, there is a Ranch Rodeo and Youth Rodeo events. Check the schedule to see when they will be held.
BBQ Cookoff
Last but not least, the BBQ Cookoff concludes the MCFR each year. Teams gather from March 31st to April 1st to showcase their smoking skills with different foods. They can compete in chicken, ribs, brisket, and dessert. The awards are announced April 1st at 6:30 p.m.
If you are looking to get to know your Lake Conroe community, a great place to experience the small-town feel and country roots is at the Montgomery County Fair & Rodeo 2023. I have not discussed all the events nor have I talked about the carnival, but come out and experience this annual event for yourself. Only then will you begin to understand Montgomery County.