Whether you were looking for famous funnel cakes or turkey legs the size of a small child’s head it was all on the midway at the Expo center, along with fresh lemonade to wash it all down.
Further up in the agricultural pavilion young handlers showed their pride and joy in the ring in the form of a sheep, goats or steers.
Gunner Clapper, 5, of Georgetown walked away with the Champion PeeWee Showmanship ribbon after showing his miniature Hereford steer. Clapper came no where near the top of his beast but handled him well in the ring. Clapper has been practicing and showing for five months. “I feed him and brush him and practice. Mom helps me,” Clapper said.
Triplets Trayle, Truw and Taije Schroeder, 4, from Taylor are veterans in the show ring with their miniature Herefords. They have been showing since they were 3. They, too, came nowhere near the size of their beasts but could manage them in the ring just fine.
“Taunja and I have been involved since we were kids, so it was natural for the children to follow,” Tommy Schroeder said of he and his wife. “It teaches the kids responsibility.” The triplets help tend to the animals on the ranch with their parents. “These aren’t pets. We will sell them and with the money buy new steers for next year. They get to make a little money, but it’s more about responsibility,” he said.
For other kids their age it was all about the food and the rides.
“Jeremy Ollins, 5, of Belton carried his Spider-man blow up toy as he waited for the Bumble-Bee ride. A small look of disappointment showed on his face when he was told his new found friend couldn’t go on the ride with him, but that was quickly forgotten as the ride started. While Jeremy flew in the air dad took care of Spider-man.
“I love Spider-man ’cause he has webs that come from here (his wrist) and stick onto buildings that let him climb. He is cool,” Jeremy said as he took his Spider-man toy back.
Jackson Newton, 19, from Belton was with friends for a day at the fair, tackling the rides that teenagers have a passion for -the types of rides that throw you around inside a cage, spin and do 360-degree circles, all at the same time. He sat resting before another ride, filling up on a turkey leg.
“The food always tastes better at the fair,” he said. “I can’t remember not enjoying the fair and the rides. Mom or Dad would take me every year … I guess they grew out of it,” he said with a grin. “I can’t leave without taking some toy home. I used to keep them, now they go to my nephews.”
His nephews will no doubt enjoy the huge oversized University of Texas basketball won at a sideshow game.
Tired moms and dads and grandparents returned to the parking lot with souvenirs of their time at the fair, from swords to princess tiaras - there was something for everyone. Others returned home to rest before the bull riding in the evening.
There will be plenty more to follow today from noon to midnight, finishing off the evening with the “Night of Destruction” demolition derby in the main arena at 7p.m. Parking is free and tickets can be purchased at the gate.
