Waller County Fair
Hempstead, Texas

When: late September/ early October

Where: Activities are held at the Waller County Fairgrounds, just off of FM359 in Hempstead.

Known as the "Watermelon Capital of Texas," the town of Hempstead holds a juicy jubilee each fall that's a nostalgic nod to the innocent past times of days gone by.

Events: The beat of a drum and the blare of trumpets wows the crowd as a marching band heralds a procession of baton twirlers, floats, and the festival queen in a promenade down the city street during the fair's opening day. The infectious enthusiasm of the parade's participants gives an inkling of the fun to come as foodies head for the BBQ Cook-off and cowboy buffs mosey over to the rodeo arena for a week's worth of calf roping, bull riding, team roping, barrel racing and calf scrambles. A cavalcade of country and western crooners on two stages provide a southern style soundtrack throughout the event.

Children's Activities: Little ones can cuddle doe-eyed animals at a petting zoo, and kids can show off their own canine companions and feline friends at the pet show. Future farmers take the wheel of tiny John Deeres for a child-friendly tractor pull, while energetic rodeo enthusiasts try to hang on until the eight-second buzzer sounds during mutton bustin', calf riding and Jr, bull riding events. Midway games and scream-inducing thrill rides provide hours of entertainment for both the young and the young at heart at the carnival.

For more information:

• visit www.wallercountyfair.org