The YMBL South Texas State Fair and Rodeo will return March 26 for its annual 10-day run, bringing rides, food, livestock shows and entertainment to Southeast Texas, with organizers expecting hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Fair Chairman Pat Anderson said this year’s event will feature a wide range of attractions for all ages, including new midway rides, returning favorites and free entertainment.
“We’re looking for people to come out and have a great time at the fair,” Anderson said. “It’s exciting. We got a lot of things out there for everybody, for all your family members, so I think they’re going to enjoy what we have.”
Among the highlights, Entergy is sponsoring the midway, and carnival operator American Carnival will introduce six new rides, including the return of the popular “Crazy Mouse.”
“There’s all kinds of things for them to see on the Midway, and we’ve got the children’s petting zoo, we’ve got exhibits and concessions,” Anderson said. “There’s something for everybody.”
Other attractions include Gator Country, livestock exhibits and a variety of food options, which Anderson said remain a major draw for visitors.
“We have what really people like the most, and that’s some great foods,” he said.
Admission is $10, with organizers emphasizing the value and variety offered.
“For just $10, I mean, you get your money’s worth,” Anderson said. “It’s really great.”
The fair opens March 26, with free admission offered for a limited time at the start of opening night.
“If they get there at six o’clock for the next probably 15 minutes, you get in free,” Anderson said.
The fair will operate starting at 5 p.m. on weekdays and noon on weekends, closing nightly at 11 p.m. Organizers will also offer five days featuring $40 ride wristbands for unlimited rides.
Anderson encouraged visitors to check the fair’s website for a full list of themed days and events.
Beyond entertainment, proceeds from the fair support local nonprofit organizations, with more than $200,000 distributed annually.
“What they’re doing is also being a part of what we do back put back into the community,” Anderson said. “We spend over $200,000 every year that goes back into the community.”
Organizers are also implementing enhanced safety measures this year, including increased security, a clear bag policy and coordination with local law enforcement.
“This is probably the safest place for you to be,” Anderson said. “We’ve got security on every gate… plenty of police that will be there.”
Officials will also use a command center and aerial imaging from the sheriff’s department to monitor the fairgrounds and respond quickly to incidents.
Anderson said he hopes the combination of attractions, safety measures and community impact will draw large crowds once again.
“I think they will not be disappointed coming out,” he said.
Children ages 2 and under will be admitted free.