North Texas State Fair and Rodeo
Denton, Texas

When: mid to late August

Where: North Texas Fairgrounds at 2217 North Carroll Blvd. in Denton.

Experience the dog days of summer Denton-style at the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo, a Lone Star tradition since 1938.

Attractions: No Texas fair is complete without a rodeo. Up-and-coming cowpokes take to the arena on nights set aside for the 21 and under crowd, which features girls' goat tying and breakaway roping as well as calf roping, barrel racing and saddle bronc riding. Other nights include an all mule rodeo, an open jackpot barrel race and a bull blowout. Longhorns, the pride of the Lone Star state, are displayed along with prized heifers, steers, goats and sheep during the livestock show, and equestrian elegance is showcased during a horse show at the NTSF Rodeo Arena.

Contests: Witness a smokin' showdown as backyard grillers get fired up for the Barbecue Cook-off, then marvel at the skill of Texas artisans as you browse among the entries of the creative arts contest, which awards prizes in needlework, clothing, arts and crafts and home canned foods. Shutter bugs who have captured fleeting moments on film will also display their work in a photography contest. Finally, show support for your favorite Lone Star stunners in the North Texas State Fair Beauty Pageant.

Music: Move your feet to the beat of Texas tunes performed on the main stage by internationally-recognized acts, while a roster of regional artists take the mic at the Bud Lite stage.

Children's Activities: From the top of a 60-foot- tall Ferris wheel, festival goers can survey all the attractions at the carnival, ranging from cute kiddie rides, including bumper cars, helicopters and a carousel, to thrill rides for teens who scream with delight aboard the Kamikaze, Mega Drop or the History of Horror haunted ride. All ages will enjoy shooting down the slippery slope of the eight-lane Fast Trax super slide and testing their skills on the various midway games.

For more information:

• visit www.ntfair.com