ABILENE, Texas — For many visitors, the West Texas Fair and Rodeo offered more than an afternoon of rides, food, and entertainment on Saturday. It also served as a gathering place for the Abilene community.
For many visitors, the West Texas Fair and Rodeo offered more than an afternoon of rides, food, and entertainment on Saturday (KTXS/Briannagh Dennehy).
The annual event opened on Thursday, continuing a longstanding tradition that draws residents and visitors to the fairgrounds each year.
Gary Nipp, who recently returned to Abilene, was among those in attendance.
“It’s really exciting. This is our first time back in Abilene,” Nipp said. “We’re really looking forward to it.”
The West Texas Fair and Rodeo served as a gathering place for the Abilene community (KTXS/Briannagh Dennehy).
Nipp explained that returning to the fair also provided him with an opportunity to connect with the community and meet new people.
“It brings the community together. We get to meet each other and see each other,” he said. “In some cases, we can even make new friends.”
The West Texas Fair and Rodeo continues through Sept. 19 at the Taylor County Expo Center (KTXS/Briannagh Dennehy).
Ultimately, Nipp believes the event is best experienced in person.
“You need to come out and experience it,” he said. “Once you experience it, you’ll want to come back and do it every year.”
The West Texas Fair and Rodeo continues through Sept. 19 at the Taylor County Expo Center.