Heart O' Texas Fair and Rodeo kicks off with downtown Waco parade

By MANDY JOHN | Central Texas Edition

A full measure of Western regalia adorned participants in this year's Heart O' Texas Fair and Rodeo parade held Oct. 1 in Waco. From the color guard to authenic stage coaches, the parade route flourished with images of rural traditions. The Fair and Rodeo is scheduled to run Oct. 4-12 at the Heart O' Texas Fair Complex in Waco. -Staff photo by John

October 10, 2002 -- The Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo in Waco began this past week, marking its 50th anniversary. The Fair began on Oct. 4 and will continue to run through Oct. 12.

"This year's fair has something for everyone," said Jill Turner, fair marketing manager. "Everybody has their own reasons for coming to the fair. You can do just about anything for only about $8."

The annual kickoff parade, which took place on Oct. 1, moved from Bosque Boulevard near the fairgrounds to downtown Waco where the original parade route took place 50 years ago.

"We are trying to bring back the nostalgia of the first rodeo this year," stated Turner. "This year we have added a memorabilia room in the coliseum for people to visit and see how the fair has changed through the years.

"Also this year we have scheduled some top performers including Mark Chesnutt, Joe Diffie, Tracy Lawrence, Rhett Akins, and Blake Shelton."

Chesnutt, Diffie, and Lawrence performed at the 50th anniversary party, held Oct. 4. Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes were the featured bands. "It turned out to be a great success," Turner said.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Rodeo is also on tap highlighting such events as bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, calf roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping and steer wrestling.

"The rodeo is will feature trick riders, which were popular in the 1950s," explained Turner. "Riders from California and Colorado will perform their dare-devil acts astride fast-galloping horses. We know its going to be great.

"We are also working with the Waco Civic Theatre to bring impersonators of Elvis Presley and Roy Rodgers to the rodeo."

The Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo Special Ranch Rodeo was held yesterday, Oct. 9, where children who are physically or mentally challenged participated. During this event children were accompanied by a cowboy, a sponsor, or a committee person. Each participant received a T-shirt and a trophy medallion.

The Livestock Division of the fair will provide a total of 24 shows including dairy cattle, dairy goats, heifers, lambs, meat goats, poultry, steers and swine.

Crabtree Amusements of Staples, Texas, with their famous Mighty Midway rides, will be set up as well. A live bear show, held several times a day, will be a featured attraction.

Fair organizers say they are looking forward to a fun program this year and are thankful to the more than 300 volunteers that worked to make the Heart O' Texas Fair and Rodeo possible.