The Tri-State Fair & Rodeo kicked off Friday, Sept. 12 for a fun-filled nine days of food, rides and rodeo action at the Amarillo Tri-State Exposition grounds. The 102-year-old event continues a tradition of livestock shows, carnival thrills and nightly entertainment that began in 1923 as a regional livestock show and has grown into one of the Texas Panhandle’s largest annual gatherings, drawing visitors from across Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.
The fair began Sept. 12 and runs through Sept. 20, offering themed days, community promotions and late-week rodeo performances. Gates remain open 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily with the following schedule:
Sept. 15 – Good Ol’ Day
Sept. 16 – Ride ’Em Cowboy Night
Across the midway, the aroma of turkey legs, funnel cakes and smoked brisket mixes with the whirl of carnival rides and the music of nightly shows. Visitors crowd the game booths to win plush animals, line up for towering lemonades and spin on high-flying rides such as the giant Ferris wheel, the looping Fire Ball and the dizzying Orbiters that send riders upside down against a clear Panhandle sky. Families stroll with corn dogs and cotton candy, children kick their legs on the swing ride and teenagers test their courage on the towering pendulum attractions.
Livestock judging, youth competitions and agricultural exhibits continue to showcase the fair’s roots, while shaded rest areas, expanded parking and new midway attractions give visitors added comfort and variety.
The Sept. 20 finale will salute military members and veterans with free admission for service members and discounted tickets for their families, a full day of livestock shows, the championship PRCA rodeo and an evening concert by country artist Randall King, bringing a high-energy close to the 2025 fair.
Last year’s fair generated more than $9 million in local economic impact, and organizers expect similar turnout this year. Gate admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, with discounts available on select theme days.
With one weekend remaining, visitors have a final chance to enjoy concerts, exhibits, carnival thrills and rodeo action before the lights go dark on Sept. 20.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Tri-State Fair & Rodeo kicks off with rides, food and music
Reporting by Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
