fort bend county fair

The 71st Annual Fort Bend County Fair will kick up its heels Saturday night when top country singer Cory Morrow takes the stage.

Morrow, a Houston native, moved to Austin in 1993 to pursue a career in music, and recorded his first album, "The Man That I Have Been," in 1997.

He finally broke into the mainstream country music scene with the 2002 hit album "Outside the Lines." Since then, Morrow has become a household name among country music fans. He, along with such artists as Pat Green and Robert Earl Keen, played an important role in developing and popularizing Texas country music.

Morrow's most recent album, "Ten Years," is a mix of fan favorites and original songs, and was released this year.

Opening for Morrow will be country-rock band No Justice. Earlier this month, the Stillwater, Okla., band released the album, "Live at Billy Bob's," joining the long list of artists such as Willie Nelson and Pat Green who have recorded live albums at the famous Fort Worth bar.

Morrow will perform in the O.D. Tucker Arena at 11 p.m., and No Justice will open at 9:30.


Also performing this weekend will be the Emotions on the Texas Stage on Friday at 9 p.m., Jason Cassidy on Saturday in the same location at 9 p.m, Christian band Focus on Him will play the Brazos Stage Sunday at noon, and Tejano stars Avizo will play in the same location at 8:30 p.m.
For most of us, it wouldn't be the Fort Bend County Fair without the thrilling rides and noisy midway of the carnival. For those who can't wait to get a taste of the cotton candy atop the Ferris wheel, the Todd Armstrong Midway Show offers its annual Sneak Preview Night beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday.

There is no charge for admission to the fairgrounds Thursday evening, and armbands for unlimited rides are $15 each - or $10 each with two Coca-Cola cans.

Amid the squeals of delight on the Tilt-a-Whirl, there will be plenty of other activities going on around the fairgrounds.

Thursday

�Entries for the Creative Arts Department will be accepted from 8 a.m. to noon, and rabbit judging begins at 7 p.m. in the A.P. George Barn.

Friday


�The fair officially opens, with children 18 and under admitted free until 7 p.m. The fair's gates open at 10 a.m., followed an hour later by the opening of the midway.

�At 9 a.m., the parade begins its trek down U.S. 90A from Fort Bend County Courthouse in Richmond to Jeannetta Street in Rosenberg.

�Registration for Student Fun Day activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the O.D. Tucker Arena, followed by the event itself from 2-4 p.m.

�Commercial heifer judging begins at 1 p.m. in the Ag'Tivity Barn.

�Rowdy Yates of radio station KILT will broadcast from 3-7 p.m. on the Texas Stage.

�The Student Art Auction exhibit will take place from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Building B.

�The annual fair queen coronation begins at 6 p.m. in the R.L. "Bud" O'Shieles Community Center on Band Road, adjacent to the fairgrounds.

�Goat judging begins at 6 p.m. in the Ag'Tivity Barn.

�The rough-and-tumble excitement of the Reunion Youth Rodeo will be at 7:30 p.m. in the O.D. Tucker Arena.

�The Ed Maly Band will perform from 8 p.m. to midnight in the Fair Club, and The Emotions perform from 9 p.m. to midnight on the Texas Stage.

Saturday

�The headliner concert on the Budweiser Stage in the O.D. Tucker Arena begins at 9:30 p.m., with No Justice opening for popular Texas recording artist Cory Morrow.

Tickets to the fair include admission to rodeos, concerts, dances, parking and all attractions except the carnival. For more information, visit Web site www.fbcfa.org

The Fort Bend County Fair opens today with the annual Fair Parade, starting at 9 a.m. at the County Courthouse in Richmond and marching toward Rosenberg and the fairgrounds.

The county fair runs from today through Saturday, Oct. 6. Today's opening schedule includes coronation of the fair queen, the annual youth rodeo and music until midnight.

Here's today's schedule:

→ The fair gates and the midway open at 10 a.m. at the fairgrounds, just off of State Highway 36 south of Rosenberg;

→ From 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. opening ceremonies and a parade reception, by invitation only, will take place in Building B;

→ Commerical heifer judging is scheduled at 1 p.m.;

→ Student Fun Day activities take place from 2-4 p.m. at O.D. Tucker Arena;

→ Rowdy Rates of KILT will be broadcast live on the Texas State from 3-7 p.m.;

→ A student art auction and exhibit will be held at Building B from 3:30-4:30 p.m.;

→ The fair queen coronation will be held at 6 p.m. in Building B;

→ Goat judging takes place at 6 p.m. in Barn H;

→ At 7:30 p.m. the Fort Bend County Reunion Youth Rodeo takes place at O.D. Tucker Arena;

→ The Emotions are featured in the Midnight Concert, from 9 p.m. until midnight on the Texas Stage.

The complete Fort Bend County Fair event schedule, including information and ticket prices, can be found at the fair's web site.