Fair celebrates 25 years

Thursday, 06 September 2012 by Grayson Edds

A girl rides a mechanical bull at the Bell County Expo Center during last year’s Central Texas State Fair. This year's Central Texas State Fair promises to offer thrills, laughter and excitement from Friday until Sunday with a variety of options for entertainment ranging from riding a Ferris wheel to bull riding – sure to please everyone in the family.

"We try to grow the fair each year and come up with new ideas," said Bell County Expo Center executive director Tim Stephens.

The carnival and fairgrounds will open at 5 p.m. on Friday. The Mark Riggs THRILL Show will be at 6 and 9 p.m. to offer the audience comedy, juggling, magic, balloon twisting, stunts and more. The United Freestyle Bike Stunt Team, who will perform back-flips, tail-whips, 360s, mega spins and extreme bike stunts will also be there.

Also joining in the fun is Erik Kand, a comedy hypnotist who promises good clean fun for the family ... and anyone willing to get hypnotized. His shows will start at 6:30 and 9:30 on Friday.

And in true Texas fashion, the night wouldn't be complete without a little live music. Stoney LaRue will be kicking off the fair with Texas Country Music Night on Friday with Six Market Blvd. on the outdoor stage at 7:30.

Two young boys enjoy bumper cars at the Central Texas State Fair. This year’s Central Texas State Fair will be from Aug. 31 until Sept. 2 at the Bell County Expo Center. Festivities will start early on Saturday with a livestock show at 9 a.m. and are packed in until midnight. The carnival will begin again at noon, and there's a variety of events throughout the day including the THRILL Show, Bike Stunt Team, three shows by the comedy hypnotist, the PBR Touring Pro at 7 and Texas Country Music by Brian Keane and Aaron Watson after the PBR event.

"Some of the top bull riders in the world will be here," said Keith Smith, Central Texas State Fair coordinator.

Once again, the carnival will resume at noon on Sunday offering all of Saturday's event package minus the livestock show, and the Texas Music Night will feature Granger Smith and Casey Donahew Band.

"This is going to be a big year," said Stephens. "We couldn't put out the fair without the volunteers."

Admission to the fair is $8, and children 12 and under get in free. The carnival will feature a $20 armband special each day. The armbands are good for unlimited carnival rides on the day of purchase.

Tickets to the PBR events will be sold separately, but do include admission to the fairgrounds. Tickets may be purchased at the Expo Center, ITR on Fort Hood, H-E-B on 31st Street in Temple, any Texas Box Office outlet, charge by phone at (512) 477-6060, or online at www.texasboxoffice.com.

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