Triggered by cowboys on horseback riding for two days through the National Forest, the Montgomery County Scholarship ride signifies the beginning of the Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo, a tradition in this Southeast Texas community for over half a century. Reminiscent of the early settler’s gatherings, the aroma of pit barbecue and livestock bring visitors from the neighboring communities out to the Montgomery County Fairgrounds from April 9 – 18, 2010.

The fun filled week includes Kids Day, Senior Citizen Day, Homemaking and Livestock Show, Auction, Photography Show, Carnival and Rodeo. And, when the weekend comes, 100 of the area’s best barbecue chefs compete in the Montgomery County Fair Barbecue Cook-Off – a mouth watering event not to be missed.

If you’re new to the area, don’t miss out on the unique activities scheduled, such as horseshoe pitching, mutton busting (aka kids riding sheep) and even the infamous chicken flying contest!

Popular family events will be held during Kid Day’s, Monday and Tuesday April 12 - 13, with activities and fun for Elementary age children in grades 1 to 4. There will be education exhibits including Goat Mountain, baby chicks hatching, laying hens, rabbits, a petting zoo, entertaining activities and other age-related demonstrations. There will be a must-see Pet Parade for children 8 yrs. and under held on Tuesday, April 13 at 6:00 p.m. Registration for dogs begins at 5:00 p.m., so please sign up you children and their favorite pets and don’t forget your cameras - there is sure to be several Kodak moments! (This is not a professional show)

Andrew Cantu, President of the MCFA welcomes everyone to the Montgomery County Fair. “We are the biggest event in Montgomery County, and it takes each of our 600 volunteer workers to make it run smoothly. One of the keys to our success has been the tremendous support of our business community,” he states on the official website.

Visit the MCFA online at http://mcfa.org/index.htm for detailed events schedule and ticket information.