Midland County Fair

Midland County Fair History

The Midland County Fair Conceptual Design Team was organized in June of 2009 and charged with the purpose of determining the feasibility of producing a quality county fair in Midland, TX. The committee was comprised of individuals with extensive experience in the areas of event management, marketing, agriculture, creative arts and entertainment. Once a reasonable demand for the event was established, the team’s focus shifted to drafting a conceptual framework to produce a value driven event with sufficient drawing power to ensure customer satisfaction and ensure long-term financial success. The team’s scope of work initially revolved around establishing a solid foundation through the development of the
event’s mission, vision, core values, goals and objectives. The foundation serves to provide guidance and consistency in the determination of event policies and strategic planning and implementation. The conceptual design was completed in December of 2009 and the report submitted to the Midland County Commissioners for review and approval of upstart financial support. Midland County Fair Inc. was incorporated in August 2010 and its application for IRS 501(C) 4 nonprofit determination is currently under review.

The Midland County Horseshoe Arena serves as the permanent venue for the fair. The Horseshoe complex is ideal due to its four performance venues--the Main Arena, the Education Building, the Live Stock Building, Outdoor Arena parking area and approximately 100 acres of surrounding grounds. The Fair dates were determined after extensive consideration of various factors including weather, avoiding conflicts with established events, and availability of competitors and attractions. The dates for the inaugural event were set for August 19-22, 2010. The conceptual design team consisted of Amber Bass, Mike Dooley, Tammy Dooley, Kodie Hoover, Zan Matthies, Rick Woody, and Jose “Bo” Zertuche. This group
subsequently served as the event management team.

Why a Fair

Super-Sized Fun! Midland’s own Fair, a marvelous mix of education, entertainment and excitement for all ages offering Traditional family fun! That is the essence of county fairs. Attendance at 2010 Fairs “remained strong with a collective 43,087,296 people attending the biggest fairs throughout North America” Venues Today America’s Fair, Jan. 2011.

Midland County Fair Goals “Reviving the Tradition”

Discontinued during tough economic times in the 1960’s, the aforementioned group proceeded to revive the old tradition with approval and assistance from Midland County, generous sponsors and devoted volunteers. The new fair cultivates and nurtures a cohesive spirit of community through a fun, high profile, high quality family event in a wholesome family environment.

A ticket to the MCF is by far the best “value” for down-home family fun and entertainment in the area. “We want there to be so much to do with one ticket that fair-goers are overwhelmed.” Tammy Dooley, Midland County Fair Board Member. MCF’s focus is on youth and education, connecting urban to agriculture.


Community Impact

The fair fulfills a community development aspect as a result of the unity and cohesiveness fostered through inclusivity on all levels from planning, implementation and attendance and the incorporation of multicultural activities and attractions.

The Fair fulfills an economic development aspect through the attraction and infusion of visitor dollars. The economic impact each year will be tracked and calculated based on visitor dollar calculations and spending influx to the community.

The Fair contributes to the Permian Basin’s quality of life. As the fair grows and generates profit, event proceeds will be allocated to enhance the hosting venue as well as to area youth educational scholarships.

Management

The Midland County Fair Board of Directors drafts and approves the operating budget and the policies and procedures for the execution of the fair. Activity Directors develop the strategies and implement the plan to execute the four-day fair. The Midland County Fair Director is charged with planning, organization, coordination, promotion, documentation and reporting as well as co-facilitating meetings and day to day administrative responsibilities of the fair. The Midland County Fair Steering Committee meets monthly and consists of approximately 30 volunteers including MCF Board and Fair Activity Directors and consists of.

Governing Fair Board of Directors
Jose “Bo” Zertuche – Chair
A. Zan Matthies Jr. PhD
John B. Love, III
Tammy L. Dooley

Fair Steering Committee:
Jose “Bo” Zertuche – Chair
Amber Bass
Michael R. Dooley, CFE
Tammy L. Dooley
Kodie Hoover
Dale Little
John B. Love, III
Zan Matthies Jr. PhD
Becca Saunders
Rick Woody
John Wojtkun

Along with numerous other Committee Members.

Fair Volunteers
Volunteer and Planning Hours

The Fair takes months of planning and hours of volunteer support. In 2010, the board and activity directors devoted over 2275 volunteer hours towards the success of the fair. Additionally, citizens and organizations embrace the event and provide critical volunteer support during the planning process and week of the fair. In 2010 an estimated 100+ volunteers donated their time and talent and the number continues to grow as the fair becomes more visible. This endeavor would not be possible without their commitment and support. Immediately upon completion of the 2010 event, the fair board and steering committee met to document and compile data and begin planning for the 2011 fair.