Fisher County Fair and Rodeo draws 3,000-plus over three-day run

82nd annual event brings expanded activities, new construction, bigger cash prizes and strong sponsor support to Roby

Months of planning, new construction, expanded events, bigger cash prizes and strong sponsor support showed one of Fisher County’s oldest traditions is still growing.

Months of planning, new construction and an expanded lineup of events culminated Saturday with more than 3,000 people attending the 82nd annual Fisher County Fair and Rodeo, wrapping up three days of competition, community activities and celebration in Roby. Although Friday’s crowd was somewhat lighter as area football teams opened their seasons, attendance surged to an estimated 2,500 attendees for Saturday’s final performance.

“This was the best rodeo we have ever put on,” said Event Coordinator Casey Terry. “We had so much positive feedback and excitement from our sponsors. It was truly amazing to see.”

Expanding beyond Fisher County

The weekend began Thursday with the Fisher County Fair and Rodeo Association expanding its reach beyond the county as representatives of the Snyder Chamber of Commerce traveled to the rodeo grounds for a ribbon cutting welcoming the association as a new Chamber member.

Terry said the association pursued the relationship after learning Snyder had been without a rodeo for about five years. Organizers saw an opportunity to attract more spectators and businesses from the Snyder area while developing stronger ties with surrounding communities.

“The Fisher County Fair and Rodeo is all about bringing people together,” said Terry. “Joining the Snyder Chamber gives us another opportunity to connect, grow and work together to make a positive impact throughout our area.”

Snyder Chamber Events and Tourism Coordinator Josh Ortegon said the Chamber actively welcomes members outside Scurry County and reaches approximately 30,000 people each week through its social media platforms.

“When they called us and said, ‘We want to be Chamber members,’ we jumped right on it,” said Ortegon.

Young riders compete for $4,000 purse

Following the ribbon cutting, some of the weekend’s youngest competitors took over the arena for mutton bustin’ preliminaries and a shot at a $4,000 purse organizers promoted as the largest in Texas.

Marilyn Green captured first place, followed by Rhyder Rasberry in second and Isabella Boyd in third. The advertised purse included $2,500 for first, $1,000 for second and $500 for third.

IREN, returning as a major sponsor for the second year, helped generate the mutton bustin’ purse and supported several other portions of the weekend. The company also helped sponsor the Two Types of Horse Power Car Show and contributed to the new VIP seating area at the rodeo grounds.

The new two-level seating area received its first test during Friday and Saturday nights’ rodeo performances, and Terry said the response from sponsors was strong. The association has already received requests from donors interested in upgrading sponsorship levels to secure box seating for next year.

Saturday activities fill downtown Roby

While the professional rodeo competition remained at the center of the weekend, Saturday brought much of the celebration into downtown Roby with the annual Fisher County parade and third annual Two Types of Horse Power Car Show surrounding the courthouse.

LaDonna Mosley’s 1932 Ford Highboy Roadster earned Best in Show at the car show. Rick Coffman’s 1942 Ford Pickup received Best Interior, Alan Woods’ 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air took Best Paint and Doug Zacharias’ 1932 Ford 3-Window earned Best Engine. Kary Kent’s 2005 Harley-Davidson VROD COV was named Best Motorcycle.

Food trucks and vendors joined the Fisher County Fair Bake Sale, raffles, a silent auction and a live auction featuring children’s artwork. Children also took part in an IREN-sponsored sand treasure hunt on the north side of the courthouse before activities shifted back toward the rodeo grounds.

Rodeo court crowns new royalty

Back in the arena Saturday night, Laikyn Posey took first place in the calf scramble, followed by Bryce McCorkle in second.

The final night also marked the traditional changing of the Fisher County rodeo court. Pecos Hopkins was crowned Miss Fisher County Rodeo, with Hattie Rasberry named Princess and Sutton Rasberry named Sweetheart.

Already looking toward the 83rd

With the 82nd Fair and Rodeo complete, organizers have already begun discussing what the 83rd might look like. Terry said the committee pays attention to suggestions received each year and is considering new additions for 2027, although organizers are not yet revealing what those might be.

“Our goal is to keep growing, bring in new things, and make the Fisher County Fair and Rodeo bigger and better every year while keeping the traditions that everyone loves,” said Terry.

Continued growth remains tied to the businesses and organizations that help finance the event and improvements to the grounds.

“We would like to thank all of our sponsors for all of the continued support,” said Terry. “None of this would be possible without them.”

With another successful year complete, the Fisher County Fair and Rodeo continues to grow in both size and competition. And with sponsors already looking to reserve space in the expanded VIP section for next year, organizers appear to have little time to rest before preparations begin for the 83rd annual event.