A Panhandle Tradition Continues…

Release Date: Sept. 7, 2007

This year the Tri-State Fair fairgrounds has received a facelift for its 85th birthday. The Texas Ford Dealers’ Tri-State Fair & Rodeo is celebrating 85 years of tradition, with many new events and entertainment.

Fair attendees will find that the Xcel Energy Midway has gained several new rides and game booths. Crabtree Amusements, the largest carnival operation in Texas, is back again for the sixth season in Amarillo.

The Texas Ford Dealers Tri-State Fair and Rodeo has added many new promotional events for avid fair-goers. High Plains Food Bank Night, Amarillo Globe News Reader's Appreciation Day, Taco Villa Student Wristband Coupon Night, Happy State Bank Ride ‘em Cowboy Night, Pink Discount Night and Eveline Rivers Coat Night are some of the promotional events that will allow fair-goers the opportunity to save some cash and have some fun.

Food is always a fair favorite. This year approximately 40 food booths will set up shop for nine days in the food court. Traditional favorites like Corny Dogs, Funnel cakes and cheese on-a-stick will be available for simple pleasure. Last year more than 15,000 pounds of turkey legs and 10,000 pounds of corn-on-the-cob were consumed during the event.

For on the spot information during the fair, patrons can take a glance at the Happy State Bank Video Information Center located on the north end of the food court. The 11’x14’ video monitor will scroll information about the day’s events and other information about the Tri-State Fair.

Other free activities with general admission include the Virtual Army Experience, Quick Quack Petting Zoo, AT&T's "The Chute" and several entertaining magic shows, located on the Coca-Cola Family Stage.

The Ag Magic Show is an educational show that allows the youth to have fun and learn about the uses of our agricultural products. Jeff Martin The Blonde Curly Haired Magician will be another outstanding act that is great for adults and children alike. Jerry Harris "The Master Hypnotist" will also be present to put a few lucky people under hypnosis during the fair.

The PRCA Rodeo is another free event with gate admission. This year the cowboys and cowgirls hit the dirt in the Amarillo National Center at 7pm Thursday through Saturday, September 20 – 22.

Thursday is “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” at the Rodeo. Cowboys, bull fighters, volunteers and spectators will all be encouraged to wear pink to the rodeo and the fairgrounds Thursday evening. The Texas Ford Dealers Tri-State Fair & Rodeo has teamed up with the Amarillo chapter of Komen for the Cure to devote September 20th to raising money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer.

A country music legend, an Eagles tribute band and a Rock ‘n Roll show band will headline entertainment at the 2007 event. The concerts are all free with general gate admission. Country music star Joe Diffie, Vince Vance & the Valiants and HOTEL CALIFORNIA: A Salute the Eagles will all be featured in the lineup on the Budweiser Stage.

The Texas Ford Dealers’ Tri-State Fair & Rodeo kicks into full-gear Saturday, September 12. The Parade will begin at 10am and will be televised live on KVII-TV.

Students can take advantage of a special offer. 73,000 free general admission tickets will be distributed to schools all over the Panhandle. This year approximately 70 school districts have requested the tickets for their kids.

There is plenty to do that is free with general gate admission. Some educational activities for children include the show & tell exhibit “Planet Ag.”

“Our goal is to educate the community on why agriculture is so important,” said Mike Reaves, who is in charge of the Southwest Dairy’s Mobile Classroom in the Planet Ag exhibit. “When you ask kids today, ‘Where does milk come from?’ their response is ‘Braums.’ This just shows a real need for ag education.”

Exhibitors and those who like to look at some of the Panhandle’s best art, photography and textile exhibits will find all the exhibits back at the Rex Baxter Building for the second year. This year’s contests feature a new culinary event bound to be interesting- the Amarillo Dillas Hot Dog Cooking Contest.

The Tri-State Fair will once again use the coupon system for purchasing food, games, and individual rides. Unused tickets can be placed in dispensers at exit gates. All unused tickets and coupon dollars will be allocated to the Tri-State Fair scholarship fund. There will be no refunds on unused tickets.

The Texas Ford Dealers’ Tri-State Fair & Rodeo is a fundraiser for the Amarillo Tri-State Exposition, a non-profit organization. In 2006, the Tri-State Fair awarded more than a 1/2 Million Dollars in premiums, scholarships and other forms of giving to the area’s youth.