It’s a fitting way to launch a fair that’s been a Panhandle staple since 1923, growing from a modest stock show into a ten-day celebration of agriculture, entertainment and community that draws fans from across Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.
The fairgrounds open to the public at 11 a.m. CT this Saturday, giving families a full day to explore everything the Tri-State Exposition has to offer — from rodeo action and livestock shows to midway rides, fair food and live entertainment. Whether your crew is chasing funnel cakes, cheering on 4-H exhibitors, or just soaking in the small-town charm of a big Panhandle tradition, there’s a little something for everyone, no matter their age.
And this isn’t just a one-day party — it’s part of something bigger. The Amarillo Tri-State Exposition operates as a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the community year-round, not just during fair week. Their work has helped commit more than $1.5 million to sending Texas Panhandle kids to college, and the fair itself pumps an estimated $32 million into the local economy each year, all powered by the efforts of more than 300 volunteers. Buying a ticket and bringing the family out isn’t just a fun day trip — it’s an investment in a tradition built to last another hundred years…