The Freestone County Fair Association (FCFA) received the 2024 Civic Organization of the Year Award from the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce.
“It was an honor to receive the Civic Organization of the Year, especially when there are so many other great groups who deserve it,” FCFA President Jody Bodine said. “We have tried to build on what was already created for us and continue to grow what the previous board had started.”
In 1954, the Freestone County Fair Association held the first Freestone County Fair and Rodeo in Fairfield August 26-28 at the W.L. Moody Camp Memorial Park. Governor Allan Shivers led the parade.
There have been many changes over the years. The Ike Carden Pavillion Show Arena was built in 1990. The last rodeo in the old arena that Bradford Ivy was instrumental in building and the new arena was erected. CB Freeman Drive was named in honor of his countless volunteer hours. The Don Watkins Cattle Barn was dedicated.
The founders along with many more established the County Fair. There are many volunteers that have given countless hours to the Association. It isn’t just a person that gets involved, but the entire family, which includes the Robinsons, Fryer’s, McSwane´s, Holmes, Hillś, Minchew’s, Day’s, and Ivy’s.
The purpose of the FCFA is supporting the youth of Freestone County by teaching integrity, responsibility, service to others and financial responsibility through agriculture.
Projects and activities last year included Freestone County Fair and Rodeo Parade, Freestone County Livestock Show, UPRA Rodeo, Ranch Rodeo, Youth Rodeo, County Sale which raised $775,000 for the youth in Freestone County, and the Commercial Heifer Show.
Partnering with the City of Fairfield, they have replaced the pig pens with a new pavilion that can be used year round as well as updating the show arena. They are currently rebuilding the cattle barn with funding from the City of Fairfield, matching them dollar for dollar.
The work never stops for the FCFA. When the Freestone County Fair and Rodeo ends each year, the planning starts for the next year. The week also includes the parade, carnival, pageant, entertainment, Ag Mechanics Show, and Home & Garden Show.
The current FCFA board includes President Jody Bodine, Vice President Todd Craigm Treasurer Brent Holmes, Secretary Michelle Welch, Marla Lokabill, Collin Puckett, Will Steen, Kieth Brockman, and Clint Fryer.
This year 103rd “Long Live the Cowboy” Freestone County Fair and Rodeo will be held June 16-21.
