By Emily Prestwood
Ranger Reporter
Founded in 1923, the nonprofit organization attracts about 300,000 visitors, vendors and participants each year. It takes about 600 volunteers and 1,500 hours of work to put together the biggest event in Amarillo.
The 2012 fair closed Sept. 22.
“People should come because they need to spend good quality time with their family,” said Angela Ragland, the sponsorship and marketing director. “As far as younger kids go, they get to see a lot of agriculture that they normally would not see in town.”
Ragland said other attractions included the Timberworks Lumberjack Show, the Rhinestone Roper and Kids’ Celebration.
“What attracts people the most is the fun they can have with their family,” Ragland said.
People from 36 states have attended in recent years along with people from all 36 Texas Panhandle region counties.
Another addition to the fair was a new food court and, according to Amarillo College students, one of the biggest attractions is the food.
Marie Padilla, a criminal justice major, said she took her 1-year-old and 4-year-old kids to see the animals. “It’s ridiculously priced, but my kids enjoyed it, so I would definitely take them again,” Padilla said.
Although Padilla enjoyed spending time with her family at the fair, she admitted that her favorite part was the food, especially the fried pickles.
Morgan Powers, a psychology major, said she never had been to the fair but had made plans to go this year. “I am just going with a bunch of friends to hang out,” Powers said. “All my friends say the food is really good, so I am excited to try it.”
Roberto Garza, a music major, said, “My favorite part was the turkey legs.” Garza said he was young the last time he went to the fair but that overall, he enjoyed it.
“I would recommend it to people if it is their kind of scene,” Garza said. Apart from good food and new attractions, the fair had six nights of live concert music for visitors to enjoy. For more information, visit www.tristatefair.com or call 806-376-7767.
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