Volunteers

4-H/FFA/FCCLA Department

Directors: Marjorie Pollard & Jennifer Hanzik
Chairmen: Angie Reid & Monica Borak

The 4H/FFA/FCCLA Department is open to all current, active 4H, FFA, FCCLA club members and must be residents of Fort Bend County. Our department allows youth to learn life skills and grow in project knowledge while expressing creativity. Exhibitors have opportunities to submit up to 25 entries within 8 divisions. Divisions include Fancywork/Handwork, Sewing Machine articles, Food Preservation, Arts & Crafts, Horticulture, Photography and Fine Arts. All entries are displayed during our county fair for visitors to view.

Ag'Tivity Barn

Director: Margaret Kunz & Jimmie Grant
Chairman: Desiree Prohoda

The Ag'Tivity Barn gives youth the opportunity to learn about livestock and crop production. This exhibit includes crops and live animals, ranging from hatching chicks to production cattle.

Ag Mechanics

Directors: Jimmie Grant & Cecil Willis
Chairman: Ralph Gonzales
Co Chairman: Mark Pinkerton

This committee is composed of a number of individuals who like to work with projects prepared by students from various schools. A number of schools have shops in their Ag programs. These students construct items to be judged at our Fair and other shows, such as HLS&R, San Antonio, etc. The type of projects can be a cattle feeder, a swing, a storage unit, a bar-b-que pit or even a tractor that has been restored and many other items built/restored by the school program.
Judges review the projects on construction/restoration, presentation, and practicality of the project. The students make their presentation to the judges and this is also figured into the compilation of the scores. As more schools are being constructed, shops are more prevalent in schools and this event has the potential to grow in size and stature.

Arena Action Seats

Directors: Brian Graeber, & Neil Yelderman
Chairman: Nikki Meye

The Arena Action Seats Committee assists those who have purchased arena action seats in finding their seats and monitors the reserved seating section.

Armed Forces Appreciation Day

Directors: James Duke & Margaret Kunz
Chairman: Steve Miller
Co Chairman: Ammi Miller

The Armed Forces Appreciation Day Committee hosts the Armed Forces Appreciation Day event at the Fort Bend County Fair. Active duty personnel, reservists, veterans and their immediate families are provided free entry to the fairgrounds the day of the event. The committee provides a luncheon with a live band and short ceremony to thank our service men and women. These guests are also provided reserved seating for the special grand entry ceremony and rodeo.

Art Auction

Directors: Kathy Hambleton, Pauletta Klemstein & Harvey Bryson
Chairman: Caylin Wright
Co Chairman: Carol Whileyman

The Art Auction Committee assists with the art annual School Art Auction. This auction showcases the talents of Fort Bend County Youth and the committee assists the students and buyers through the auction process.

Auction Buyers Recruitment

Directors: James Duke & Neil Yelderman
Chairman: Alexis Dorr Deremer

The Auction Buyers Recruitment Committee reaches out to potential auction buyers and informs them of the benefits of becoming a buyer. This includes the Commercial Heifer Sale, Art Auction, Junior Livestock Auction, & Freezer Sale.

BBQ Cookoff

Directors: Chase Raska
Chairmen: Matthew Bryson & Kris Abdi
Co Chairman: Richard Graeber, Jared Graeber, Donald Faldyn, and Clifton Holik

The BBQ Committee oversees the cook off from set-up to tear-down and assists teams through the BBQ judging process.

Beverages

Directors: Brian Graeber & Bobby Poncik
Beverage Servers Chairman: Kenny Fertak
Beverage Ticket Sales Chairmen: Lisa Matthews & Jenna Montgomery

The Beverage Servers spend their time at the fair serving beer to those who have purchased tickets from the Beverage Ticket Sellers. These teams work together to provide alcoholic beverages to our patrons.

Calf Scramble

Directors: Jimmie Grant & Jennifer Hanzik
Chairman: Ron Howell

The Calf Scramble Committee accepts applications from students interested in participating in the Calf Scramble to raise a production beef heifer. The committee then selects scramblers, coordinates sponsors, and puts on the calf scramble during the rodeo.

This gives exhibitors the financial opportunity to raise and show a production beef heifer, all while learning be responsible and keep accurate records of a production animal.

Children's Tractor Pull

Directors: Rusty Gibson
Chairman: Shana Riddle

The Children's Tractor Pull Committee is a committee that puts on a pedal tractor pull race for children. This is a single day event usually scheduled on Saturday afternoon. The committee sets up, conducts the event and cleans up and stores the supplies after the event. The event could not happen without the dedicated efforts of its committee.

Commercial Vendors

Directors: Louis Katz & Cecil Willis

The Commercial Vendor committee assists vendors with check in/out and other services during the fair.

County Barrel Race

Directors: Brian Graeber, Bobby Poncik, & Neil Yelderman
Chairman: Sandy Livingston
Co Chairman: Bob Livingston

The County Barrel Race & Team Roping Committee consists of volunteers who organize and assist with production of the event which takes place one weeknight during the Fair. Volunteers should be familiar with all aspects of rodeo, including barrel racing and team roping events. Duties include placement and pickup of barrels in the arena, opening and closing arena gates, moving livestock and loading roping chutes, overseeing contestant warm up area to keep area clear, and various other duties that may be necessary.

County Team Roping

Directors: Brian Graeber, Bobby Poncik, & Neil Yelderman
Chairman: Brian Ellis & Chris Bronsell

The County Barrel Race & Team Roping Committee consists of volunteers who organize and assist with production of the event which takes place one weeknight during the Fair. Volunteers should be familiar with all aspects of rodeo, including barrel racing and team roping events. Duties include placement and pickup of barrels in the arena, opening and closing arena gates, moving livestock and loading roping chutes, overseeing contestant warm up area to keep area clear, and various other duties that may be necessary.

Cowboy Camp

Directors: Bobby Poncik, & Neil Yelderman
Chairman: Chris Bronsell
Co Chairman: Chuck

Diaper Derby

Directors: Rusty Gibson
Chairman: Emily Renteria

The Diaper Derby is responsible for getting even the littlest of cowboys and cowgirls involved! We create an exciting event where Moms and Dads can cheer on their little crawlers!

Emergency Management

Director: Brian Graeber, Sean Gutierrez, Larry Loesch, Mark Weber, Jennifer Williams & James Duke
Chairmen: Brad Hart, Rosenburg Fire Department, Kim Wukasch, David Bialas, Jared Graeber & Glenn St. Hilaire
Co Chairmen: Karen & Doug Boeker

The EMC is a committee provides a behind the scenes service to the patrons of the Fort Bend County Fair. They monitor radio traffic for emergencies, monitor weather, coordinate security requirements, provide coordination of lost children, among other things regarding communication of safety for patrons. Since its establishment, this committee has been a great asset to the Fort Bend County Fair.

Entertainment

Directors: Marjorie Pollard, Jennifer Williams & Neil Yelderman
Chairman: Amy Urbanek

The Fort Bend County Fair Entertainment Committee works to organize and support the entertainment that fair goers have come to enjoy each year during the Fair. The committee coordinates the services for entertainment events, handles on-site logistics of the entertainment, supervises beverage and food service, sound requirements, and any other activities necessary for a successful entertainment event.

Exceptional Rodeo

Directors: Jimmie Grant & Lisa Reyes
Chairman: Barbara Magana Robertson
Co Chairman: Walter Armatys

Children and young adults with intellectual & physical disabilities are treated to a unique–up-close Rodeo experience that makes them the stars of the arena! Great event for grand people.

Facilities - Maintenance & Set Up/Tear Down

Directors: Chase Raska, Sean Gutierrez, Brian Graeber & Mark Weber

Before, during and after the fair, this committee coordinates the set up and tear down for numerous fair events and functions. Members supervise and assist with room set up and tear down livestock pen set up and tear down and any other activities necessary for a successful event or function.

Freezer Sale

Directors: Harvey Bryson, Kathy Hambleton, Pauletta Klemstein
Chairman: Stefanie Stanley
Co Chairman: Monica Borak

The Freezer Sale committee is responsible for planning and overseeing the Freezer Sale for the exhibitors that don't make the Premium Sale. The Freezer Sale is held the last Saturday of the Fair.

Gatekeepers

Directors: Lisa Reyes, Pauletta Klemstein, Larry Loesch
Chairman: Alyssa Cantu

Gate keepers bestow greetings to our fair patrons, direct and provide information and monitor proper ticketing for entering and exiting the fair.

Do you have a youth group, civic organization or business interested in gaining service hours or simply wanting to help? This is the committee for you!

Go Tejano

Directors: Lisa Reyes
Chairman: Yvonne Ochoa

The Go Tejano Committee oversees the Tejano events during the fair as well as hosting the Go Tejano Committee Valentine's Dance each February.

Grand Entry

Directors: Brian Graeber, Bobby Poncik, & Neil Yelderman
Chairman: Jill Davis

This committee consists of volunteers who organize and coordinate the Grand Entry each night in the Rodeo Arena. Members help with participant releases and registration process. They ensure everyone is safe and recognized by the Rodeo Announcer.

Grapes on the Brazos

Directors: Louis Katz, Marjorie Pollard & Jennifer Williams
Chairman: Joanne Crouch

Grapes on the Brazos coordinates the events taking place in the Wine Room during the Fair, as well as selling advance wine booklets prior to the fair.

Information

Director: James Duke & Cecil Willis

The function of this committee, at present, is to see that display stands with maps of the fairgrounds and schedules for the Fair are positioned on the grounds to assist patrons.
There is an opportunity to grow this committee in the future to allow for kiosk with many more opportunities. Looking to the future, we can man these locations with volunteers to answer questions, give directions and assist our patrons in a much more efficient and friendly manner. It would also allow for the Fair to survey the Fair patrons as to the success or need for improvement of the Fair.

Invitational Roping

Directors: Brian Graeber, Bobby Poncik & Neil Yelderman
Chairman: Shawn Valenta
Co Chairman: Wade Ernest

The Invitation Calf Roping Committee consists of volunteers who organize and assist with production of this event which takes place one weeknight during the Fair. Volunteers should be familiar with all aspects of rodeo and be comfortable working around horses and livestock. Duties include opening and closing arena gates, moving livestock and loading roping chutes, pulling the barrier, overseeing contestant warm up area to keep area clear, and various other duties that may be necessary.

Jr. Livestock Auction

Directors: Harvey Bryson, Kathy Hambleton, Pauletta Klemstein, Louis Katz & Cecil Willis
Chairman: Stefanie Stanley
Co Chairman: Vicki Stevenson

This committee consists of volunteers who organize and coordinate all Auction activities of the Jr. Livestock Auction. Duties include: bidder registration prior to the auction, collection of buyers signatures, handling add on requests, collection of funds, coordinating photos with buyer and exhibitor, transportation assistance to buyers before and after the sale and data processing. It is a fun committee that works very hard for the benefit of the youth exhibitors.

Jr. Livestock Auction Beverage Servers

Director: Cecil Willis
Chairman: Shirleen Willis

This is a committee within a committee. This is a group of volunteers who facilitate the service of refreshments to the buyers at the Junior Livestock Auction. These volunteers provide all buyers and their guest refreshments as they bid on the exhibitors projects.

Jr. Livestock Volunteers

Directors: Jimmie Grant & Jennifer Hanzik
Chairman: Tiffany Lehman
Co Chair: Dustin Black

The Jr. Livestock Committee consists of hard-working youth with a passion for livestock. Members work inside the show ring, assist with set-up and tear-down, assist with tag-ins and help out in the livestock office.

Jr. Fair Royalty Pageant

Directors: Kathy Hambleton & Jennifer Williams
Chairman: Jillian Voehl

The Jr Royalty Pageant committee is responsible for conducting the pageant as well as a practice session the night before. The pageant takes one day which is usually a week before the Fair begins. The new Jr Royalty court will ride in the Fair Parade where one committee member is responsible for riding along with the kids as well as attending the Parade Reception Luncheon and Fair Queen Contest to introduce the new court. Also, committee members are responsible for chaperoning the new Jr Royalty court as they ride in the Grand Entry before the Rodeo on Friday and Saturday nights. New members are required to attend the committee meeting and volunteer for a year before being able to join the committee.

Lawn Tractor Race

Directors: Harvey Bryson & Rusty Gibson
Chairmen: Martin Deroon & Adam Rios

The Lawn Tractor Race Committee puts on and promotes the Lawn Tractor Races each year the first Sunday of the fair. This involves preparing for and construction of the track, safe, coordination and record keeping on the races day and deconstruction of the track after the races. Good committed committee folks are key to the success of this event.

Life Member/Committeemen Auction

Directors: Kathy Hambleton, Pauletta Klemstein & Marjorie Pollard
Chairman: Kim Icenhower
Co Chairman: Nanette Price

Life Member/Committeeman Auction Committee is responsible for organizing the live and silent auctions at the Life Member/Committeeman Kick-off Party each year. This involves securing donations, set up and decorating the auction area at the event, preparing all auction paperwork, and staffing auction check out to take payment.

Lil Wranglers BBQ Cookoff

Director: Rusty Gibson, Ruben O'Canas & Chase Raska
Chairman: Kris Abdi

Young "chefs" show off their cooking skills in this popular competition. Children ages 7-16 grill pork chops and prepare their own creation in the open category.

Livestock

Directors: Jimmie Grant & Jennifer Hanzik
Chairmen: Marilyn Thomas & Bruce Stevenson

This committee consists of volunteers who organize and coordinate all livestock activities. Members consist of a hard working group that volunteers year round. Whether its facility setup, tag – weigh or check ins, assisting in the judging arena, animal discharge or tearing down the arena, they do it all. If you enjoy helping the kids one on one, this is the committee for you.

Mutton Bustin'

Director: Brian Graeber, Bobby Poncik & Neil Yelderman
Chairman: Kathy Cook
Co Chairman: Steve Cook

The Mutton Bustin’ Committee consists of volunteers who organize and assist with this crowd-pleasing event which takes place in the O.D. Tucker Arena on Friday and Saturday nights the first and second weekends of the Fair and the afternoon of the second Sunday, which is the final day of the Fair. Volunteer duties include nightly contestant check-in procedures, assist with fitting of safety equipment on contestants, organize and oversee contestant line-up, sheep movement and chute loading, placement of contestants on sheep in chute, arena assistance, & much more.

Open Youth/School Department

Directors: Jennifer Hanzik & Marjorie Pollard
Chairman: Judy Johnson

Parade

Director: Neil Yelderman
Chairman: Caitlin Slavinski
Co Chairman: Bobby Slavinski

The Parade Committee supervises and assists participants in the preparation of the parade, directs traffic, assists where needed when asked, helps with set up and clean up, and report incidents to supervisors to ensure the safety of parade participants and onlookers.

Parking/Shuttle

Directors: Brian Graeber & Larry Loesch
Chairman: Brad Hart

The Parking Committee consists of volunteers who organize and assist with the parking and traffic control which takes place before the start of the fair during the fair and after. Duties include parking cars along with setting up and breaking down road closures for each night of the fair and various other duties that may be necessary.

Pet Show

Directors: Lisa Reyes & Rusty Gibson
Chairman: Melissa Shimkus

Photography Committee

Director: Kathy Hambleton
Chairman: Coral Casias
Co Chairman: Amber Seiler

The Photography Committee consists of volunteers whose purpose is to document the candid experience of families, participants and volunteers at fair events throughout the year and to contribute to scholarships for the youth of our community.

Queen Scholarship Contest

Directors: Kathy Hambleton, Marjorie Pollard & Lisa Reyes
Chairman: Desiree Zepeda

The Fair Queen Scholarship Contest Committee assists the Fair Queen candidates as they join the race for the crown. When the queen is crowned the committee is responsible for getting her to various events during the fair including livestock shows, meet-and-greets, contests and much more.

Ranch Rodeo

Directors: Brian Graeber, Bobby Poncik & Neil Yelderman
Chairman: Werth Garrett

The Ranch Rodeo Committee consists of volunteers who organize and assist with production of the Ranch Rodeo which takes place on one weeknight during the Fair. Volunteers should be familiar with all aspects of ranch rodeos and be comfortable working around horses and livestock. Duties include livestock handling procedures, opening and closing gates, pushing livestock into arena, moving livestock around holding pens. Overseeing contestant warm up area to keep area clear, and various other duties that may be necessary.

Recycling

Directors: Larry Loesch & Cecil Willis

This committee is one our newer committees. The purpose of this committee is to facilitate the recycling of aluminum, plastic and cardboard. Containers are placed on the fairgrounds and in buildings to collect these recyclable items. Cardboard is primarily collected in the carnival area and some in the food service area. The committee is composed of civic organizations that collect the items on our behalf. After collecting the items, the group will take the recyclables and placed them in designated dumpsters to be picked up by a specified company/organization. At present, we are searching for a new group to perform this service.

Replacement Heifer Auction

Directors: Harvey Bryson, James Duke, Jimmie Grant & Louis Katz
Chairmen: Kyle Liner & Stefanie Stanley

The Commercial Heifer Auction Committee puts on the annual Commercial Heifer Auction, giving exhibitors the opportunity to sell their heifer projects. This successful auction takes place after the heifer viewing and buyer's reception on the first Saturday of the Fair.

Reunion Youth Rodeo

Directors: Brian Graeber, Bobby Poncik & Neil Yelderman
Chairman: Shawn Valenta
Co Chairman: Wade Ernest

The Reunion Rodeo Committee consists of volunteers who organize and assist with production of the event which takes place one weekend (Friday & Saturday nights) during the Fair. Volunteers should be familiar with all aspects of rodeo and be comfortable working around horses and livestock. Duties include livestock handling procedures, opening and closing gates, pushing livestock and loading roping chutes, pulling the barrier, working the arena untying calves, placement and pickup of barrels and poles for barrel race and pole bending events, overseeing contestant warm up area to keep area clear, and various other duties.

Rodeo - PRCA

Directors: Brian Graeber, Bobby Poncik & Neil Yelderman
Chairman: Shawn Valenta
Co Chairman: Wade Ernest

The PRCA Rodeo Committee oversees all aspects of production of the PRCA rodeo performances, including slack events and contestant services. The pro-rodeo and slack events take place over a 4-day period (Thursday-Sunday) during the Fair. Volunteers should be familiar with all aspects of rodeo and be comfortable working around horses and livestock. Duties include livestock handling procedures, opening and closing gates, pushing livestock and loading roping chutes, pulling the barrier, working the arena untying calves, placement and pickup of barrels for barrel race, and overseeing contestant warm up area.

Rodeo Sweethearts

Directors: Brian Graeber & Neil Yelderman
Chairman: Brittany Moreno

The Rodeo Sweethearts choreograph a routine prior to the fair and carry flags for Parade & Rodeo Grand Entry both weekends. The Ground crew help with flags as well as the safety corridor when riders run in and out of the arena. There are other tasks as needed.

Safety

Directors: Sean Gutierrez & Mark Weber
Chairman: David Bialas
Co Chairman: Karen

The mission of the Fort Bend County Fair Safety Committee is to serve and provide safety to the community at the Fort Bend County Fair and to assist any other committees when needed. The Safety Committee is present on the fairgrounds when the public is present.

Sensory Calm Down Corral

Chairmen: Coral Casias & JJ Casias

The "Sensory Calm Down Corral" is a dedicated space at the Fort Bend County Fair designed to provide a soothing environment for special needs children. This calm and supportive room allows them to relax and regroup before rejoining the fair festivities, ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience for all.

Sr. Citizens Day

Directors: Sean Gutierrez & Margaret Kunz
Chairmen: Carolyn Seiler

The Fort Bend County Senior Citizen’s Day Committee is comprised of members who are dedicated to making an exciting and fun filled day for the seniors of our county as part of the Fort Bend County Fair activities. The event is generally held the Monday before the opening day of the fair. The seniors are treated to a morning of beverages, music, bingo, a delicious lunch, and lots of fun and a great time visiting with each other. Duties of the members include planning the events of the day, securing door prizes, helping transport supplies, decorating the building, stuffing goodie bags, and most of all be on hand the day

Silver Spur Fair Club

Director: Sean Gutierrez, Pauletta Klemstein & Marjorie Pollard
Chairmen: Esther Deleon & Gilbert Deleon

The Silver Spur is the members only club for the Lifetime/Committee Members of the Fort Bend County Fair. Committee Members bartend for Lifetime/Committee members and ensure a good time is had by all!

Speakers

Directors: James Duke & Pauletta Klemstein
Chairman: Barbara Magana

This committee has been in existence for a number of years. The Fair is always looking for individuals who enjoy telling the story of our fair. Normally, the speakers will speak to civic organizations that have requested them and some groups the committee has sought out.
Many opportunities exist in this committee. Individuals are needed to prepare the facts each year for the speakers, as well as someone to seek out and schedule the speakers.
The committee absolutely solicits volunteers to assist.

Special Citizens Evening

Directors: James Duke, Marjorie Pollard & Mark Weber
Chairman: Bridgette Smith-Lawson

The Special Citizens Committee works to get the support of people and organizations; coordinates with individual and group homes, Richmond State Supported Living Center, Texana Center and the ARC; inventories and arranges for supplies, prepares 500 brown bag barbecue lunches, decorates Building B, and arranges entertainment to give our most special citizens an evening they are sure to remember.

Speciality Acts

Directors: Louis Katz
Chairman: Bridget Smith-Lawson

Sponsorship

Directors: James Duke & Chase Raska
VIP/Hospitality Chairman: James Duke
Co Chairman: JJ Casias

The Sponsorship Committee works with Sponsorship Chairman, Director(s) in charge and Fair Manager to develop prospective sponsorship contact list, reach out to recruit new sponsors and ensure returning sponsors’ qualifying benefits of sponsorship are received, and attend meetings as well as events held for sponsors. This committee of members and volunteers serve on their sub-committees in Banners, Bartending, Check-in, Hospitality and Sponsor Bags. Must be 21 years of age to serve on committee.

Stick Horse Rodeo

Directors: Rusty Gibson
Chairman: Elizabeth Rodriguez

The Fort Bend County Fair offers a Stick Horse Rodeo. That is, a complete rodeo performance that is a simulation of a real live rodeo with the cowboys and cowgirls riding stick horses. A miniature rodeo arena is set up with a real bucking chute. The little cowboys and cowgirls get to compete in an environment similar to the real cowboys and cowgirls. The rodeo features several events from the following list: Bronco Riding, Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Steer Wrestling, Calf Roping, Show Jumping, Flag Race, Horse Race and Wild Cow Milking/Goat Tail Pulling. The Stick Horse Rodeo last for two hours and events will continue until the time is up.

Student Fun Day

Directors: Margaret Kunz & Mark Weber
Chairmen: Andrew Moreno & Veronica Moreno
Co Chairman: Dorothy Maresh & Lisa Slavinski

Volunteer Credentials Committee

Director: Margaret Kunz, Bobby Poncik & Lisa Reyes
Chairman: Janet Kurtz

Each year, volunteers on fair committees are required to complete an ethics/release of liability form and anti-harassment form. Upon receipt of these forms, the volunteer is issued proper credentials for the fair. This committee is responsible for receiving, sorting, and organizing the forms, and then making sure that committee volunteers receive their credentials packet.