Press Release

05/23/2017

Austin, Texas, May 23, 2017– The Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo announced record-breaking year at the 2017 Rodeo Round-Up Party and Annual Meeting, Friday, May 20, 2017.

The Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo was another record-breaking year for Austin’s third largest event economic driver. The organization produced 26 all-time records and 6 first time successes. For the second year in a row, both ProRodeo & Concert sales as well as Carnival sales reached all-time highs. ProRodeo & Concert ticket sales saw an increase of 14.2% with Carnival sales reaching an increase of 44.7%. The carnival’s 50 rides and games were a favorite with families and perfect weather throughout the duration of the 16 days helped break Carnival sales records. March 18th witnessed 2017’s most popular performance, country act Josh Turner, with nearly 7,000 fans packed in for a standing room only show. A total of 73,903 Rodeo Austin patrons witnessed non-stop, dirt flying action as 651 rodeo contestants competed for purse money that topped $412,458.

While cowboys and cowgirls took the main stage on the dirt, they weren’t the only competitors at the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo. Over 14,600 youth participated in the event ranging from livestock competitions to art contests. 5,303 young folks entered in the Livestock competitions, 661 youth competed in the Horse Shows, 118 Calf Scramble participants tried their luck at catching a calf in the Rodeo Arena and 12 of Texas’ most talented beauties competed in the Miss Rodeo Austin Scholarship Contest.

7,569 eager minds came to the Fairgrounds during the School Tours Program, 428 youngsters raced around the Fairgrounds opening weekend in the Rodeo Rumble 1K, 113 students from across the state submitted pieces for art/creative contests and 188 young buckaroos took the ride of their lives during the fan favorite – Mutton Bustin’.

Horsemen, ranchers and showmen from across Texas exhibited their prize stock by participating in the Open Livestock Shows. Open Show entries exceeded 610 and the Open Horse Show boasted over 668 entries. Some of Austin’s best BBQ was served up during the 2011 BBQ Cook-Off March 18th and 19th. 56 BBQ teams cooked up tasty dishes, great entertainment and raised a record $230,000 for the Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo mission thanks to tip jar donations.

Live Action, Live Music, Live Stock was the prominent theme during the 16-day affair. This year over 4,500 people walked on water in a crystal clear orb, the perfect way to stir up an appetite for tasty treats from the 20+ food vendors on the Fairgrounds. Hungry guests consumed 25,059 corn dogs, 15,000 funnel cakes and 8,450 cotton candies.

Staying true to Austin’s Live Music Capital of the World reputation, the Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo spotlighted live music on the Fairgrounds all 16 days. From Blue Grass to Doo Wop, music was in the air as 113 live concerts rocked out on the Rockin’ A Stage, 100X Club, Main Stage and during the BBQ Cook-Off. With the help of Rodeo Austin’s iPhone and Android Applications, fairgoers were able to plan their schedules and track down the hottest entertainment. 3,980 iPhone users and nearly 500 Android users interacted with the 2017 Fair & Rodeo in a whole new way.

The Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo raises funds to support youth education and provide collegiate scholarships to deserving Texas students through various programs. The Miss Rodeo Austin Scholarship Contest awarded Katie Crews (2011 Miss Rodeo Austin) of Texarkana with a $15,000 scholarship and Stephanie Revels (2011 Miss Rodeo Austin Princess) of Decatur with a $10,000 scholarship. The 2011 Youth Auction, held March 25th, witnessed an increase of 16% over last year for a total Auction giving of $805,854. Forty-six deserving Texas students will receive new scholarships this summer totaling $442,000, while 60 current scholars will continue to pursue higher education on a Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo scholarship.

The Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo is proud present a premiere event to the community. With the help of gracious supporters and sponsors, outstanding volunteers and excited crowds topping more than 300,000 people, the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo is able to further the mission Promoting Youth Education – Preserving Western Heritage. The total youth giving of all Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo education programs for 2017 exceeds $1.9 million.

The Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, contributes more than $1.9 million annually to the youth of Texas with the help of over 2,000 volunteers, donors and sponsors. Through its acclaimed Livestock Show, Fair, Rodeo and other fundraisers, the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo continues to work towards the advancement of its mission, Promoting Youth Education - Preserving Western Heritage. While delivering superior entertainment and boasting an economic impact that exceeds $54 million annually, the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo is an established community tradition founded in 1938. Staying true to the official sport of Texas, Austin is home to the world’s 5th largest indoor, regular season ProRodeo known as Rodeo Austin. For more information visit www.RodeoAustin.com.