Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo
Conroe, Texas

Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds

The gentle clip-clop of horses' hooves as a line of cowboys leave the Ralph Rawlings Ranch for the three-day annual Scholarship Ride heralds the impending arrival of the Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo, a tradition in this southeast Texas community for over half a century.

When: late March/early April

Rodeo events: The gentle clip-clop of horses' hooves as a line of cowboys leave the Ralph Rawlings Ranch for the three-day annual Scholarship Ride heralds the impending arrival of the Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo, a tradition in this southeast Texas community for over half a century.

Activities: As opponents go head to head in a horseshoe throwing contest in the arena, weekend chefs battle for the best brisket, ribs and chicken at the Barbecue Cookoff. For a finger-lickin' good time, sample some of the succulent meat, then burn off those unwanted calories with a Texas Two Step during the Barbecue Cookoff Dance.

Shopping: Purchase a fair souvenir shirt or cap at the Country Store, where a number of craft and food items are also for sale.

Children's Activities: The rodeo offers a roundup of events for young cowpokes, including stick horse races and mutton bustin'. Little ones can make a new four-footed friend at the petting zoo, or take a spin on an old-fashioned carousel at the carnival, which features a number of slow rides.

For more information:
• visit www.mcfa.org