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The YMBL South Texas State Fair has been an extraordinary experience for nearly eight decades. The fair continues to grow and make memories whether it’s the delicious fried foods, fun rides, rodeos or the more than 175 vendors – everyone has a great time at the fair.
The 11-day fair will open for its 79th season on Thursday, March 23, at 6 p.m. at Ford Park (5115 Interstate 10 South) in Beaumont. Tickets are $10 and can now be purchased in advance online at fordpark.com, which also allows you to skip the line once arriving at Ford Park. Senior citizens’ and youth (3-12) pay just $5, while kiddos 2 and under are free. Yes, parking is also free.
“We have have quality of entertainment provided by the YMBL at the fair,” said Fair and Rodeo Chairman Donnie Warner. “We try to keep it very affordable for the entire family and have eight promotional nights. We know that families have only so much money budgeted for entertainment, so we would like them to choose the South Texas State Fair.”
When you speak of the fair, the first thing that comes to many minds are the funnel cakes, turkey legs, alligator on a stick, pork kabobs, donut burgers, candy apples, popcorn and a plethora of fried snacks. Fried Oreo’s, Twinkies, Ding Dongs, cheesecake and cookie dough. If it can be fried, you will find it at the fair (See more in the Weekly Dish, Page 14-15).
Some of the favorites are returning including the Kids Fun Zone; the Exotics Petting Zoo with nearly every animal you can think of — from the most exotic to farm animals, with camel and pony rides; Ford F-series vehicles on display; Miller Lite Beer Garden; Exhibit Hall indoor shopping with more than 100 vendors selling collectables, home improvement items, cell phones, jewelry and purses.
“What many people may not also know about is the quilt contest; the photography contest; and the new baking contest,” added Warner. “We have some amazing locally talented people, so I encouraged you to take a few moments and go inside the Ford Exhibit Hall and see all the wonderful entries.”
Also new this year is the Gator Country Roadshow near the outdoor Ford Pavilion. The show will include educated and importance of the conservation of the American alligator, plus see crocodiles, snakes, turtles, tortoises and lizards.
Another popular fixture of the fair is the livestock area, behind Ford Arena. “We are all so very proud of these children, who spend a lot of time each day raising pigs, cows, chickens and rabbits,” said Warner. “I also suggest everyone to view the welding projects as well as the all-new floral contest. It will ‘wow’ you.”
The South Texas State Fair continues the tradition it established with the Bill Hames Show by offering an exciting and fun-filled Carnival Midway provided by Fort Worth based Carnival Americana. Fair-goers will again enjoy their favorite rides plus some new and exciting experiences. Those wanting to take advantage for the midway can do so with a $40 Unlimited Ride Wrist Band good for March 23, March 26, March 28, March 31 and April 2.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) will hold three rodeos inside Ford Arena beginning Friday, March 23, at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 24, at 5 p.m., and Sunday, March 25, at 5 p.m. General admission seating is free with the purchase of a fair ticket. Those who want a reserved seat can pay $2 more at ymbl.org, and it too admits you inside the fair.
It will showcase the country’s top cowboys and cowgirls and promote a high quality, professional rodeo. To ensure high standards of rodeo entertainment, “Nutty” Jerry Nelson, a native of Southeast Texas, will again be providing the stock for the rodeo. Owner of Frontier Rodeo, Nelson has the top stock in the rodeo world and returning is eight-time world champion Don Gay on play-by-play commentary.
The UPRA named last year’s YMBL South Texas State Fair their “Rodeo of the Year” and Warner said they take pride in that.
“We were really excited about that,” he said. “The award is voted on by the cowboys and cowgirls. They take in consideration the stock they ride and how they are treated. We are proud.”
New to the rodeo this year are elite cowgirls who will ride bulls, led by professional Jorden Halvorsen, who was also a contestant on the Netflix reality show, “How to Be a Cowboy.”
The popular muttin-buston qualifier will be held Thursday evening in the arena and qualifiers will move on to Friday, Saturday and Sunday rodeos.
Though not open to the public, the YMBL also offers an evening for special need children to get up close and personal with the cowboys, rodeo clowns and horses. This year, approximately 1,700 youngsters from 25 school districts representing some 100 schools are expected to attend the Kids Day Rodeo along with some 200 volunteers from the YMBL and from other community organizations.
“Nothing warms your heart more than seeing these children with smiles on their faces,” said Warmer.
There are plenty of promotional nights, beginning Opening Night, March 23, where everyone gets in free when attending the ribbon cutting. For detailed information regarding discounts, view ymbl.org.
Daily opening times are March 23 (6 p.m.), March 24 (5 p.m.), March 25 (noon), March 26 (noon), March 27 (5 p.m.), March 28 (5 p.m.), March 29 (5 p.m.), March 30 (5 p.m.), March 31 (5 p.m.), and noon on April 1-2.
“Jefferson County has been extremely easy to work with and its nice at Ford Park,” said Warner. “This isn’t the old Beaumont Fairgrounds where you would walk and park in mud. It’s very comfortable at Ford Park.
Since 1957, the South Texas State Fair, has attracted an estimated attendance of more than half a million annually from 10 counties in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. Although a nonprofit committee of the YMBL, the fair provides its sponsoring organization with more than 90% of its total revenue, which the YMBL shares with the community in direct gifts to area charitable organizations, youth projects, civic programs and other efforts to aid the elderly and those in need.
-Chad Cooper, Entertainment Editor