Lee County Fair and Rodeo
Giddings, Texas

When: mid-May

Where: Fireman's Park in Giddings, Texas.

For old-fashioned family fun, take a drive to the south central Texas town of Giddings, where each third weekend in May residents of the Wendish/German community greet visitors to their fair with a warm "Willkommen!"

Events: Tip your ten-gallon hat to the brave contestants who enter the arena and participate in a roundup of rodeo activities, then tap into your own inner Urban Cowboy with a ride on the mechanical bull. Sports fans will also like cheering on their favorite team during a softball tournament.

Epicurean enthusiasts can watch the drama unfold as chefs fire up their grills in the Charcoal Challenge Barbecue Cook-off, while the State of Texas Noodle Cook-off adds an ingredient of excitement to the fair. After viewing the preparations for Lone Star spirits in the Homemade Wine-Making Competition, grab a cold one at the fairground's Bier Garten.

No fair would be complete without live music, and all weekend long attendees can tap their toes to country tunes performed by a variety of regional acts, then cast their vote for the next big thing in Lee County's Lone Star version of "American Idol."

Vintage vehicle buffs will be revved up to see the four-wheeled wonders on display at the classic car show, while those looking for a less testosterone-driven treat can admire the artistry on hand at the quilt show demonstration. Finally, end your stay by browsing among the arts and crafts booths. Children's Activities: Texas tots will enjoy making a new furry friend at the petting zoo, watching floats and bands go by during the parade, and riding the brightly-painted horses on an antique carousel left by a traveling carnival over one hundred years ago, while pre-teens and adolescents will gravitate to the carnival thrill rides, adrenaline jam interactive video games, the extreme power jump and the "Hippo"-- a slide featuring a three-story descent.

For more information:

• visit www.giddings.net