Weather Man Smiles on 120th Fair

Aug 27, 2008 - 15:54:16 CDT.

NAMED QUEEN just seconds before, Chenoa Schmidt steps up to receive her crown from 2008 Gillespie County Fair Queen Brianna Schaetter. Miss Schmidt, daughter of Dorman and Vicki Schmidt, will reign in 2009 with a court of four duchesses who were also chosen in Friday night’s pageant. Standard-Radio Post Photo by Lisa Treiber-Walter

When people reminisce on past Gillespie County Fairs, they always seem to remember the weather, and this year’s 120th exposition should keep them talking for a while.

After a summer of record-breaking temperatures and very little moisture, rain began falling about two weeks ago and the countryside started to turn green from being brown and crunchy all summer.

Then, over the weekend, rain showers that fell around the area kept temperatures down to “bearable” thanks to the breezes that often blew through the Gillespie County Fair Grounds.

Butch Welgehausen, president of the sponsoring Gillespie County Fair and Festivals Association, said, “Thanks to the good Lord for the blessing of rain.”

He noted that only a little shower fell at the fair grounds on Sunday afternoon.

“The fair as a whole was terrific,” Welgehausen said.

Held at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds, the four-day exposition Thursday through Sunday featured a variety of activities for the entire family.

“The dance bands were wonderful,” Welgehausen said, adding that he heard lots of positive comments from people who enjoyed the music. And, “lots of people were dancing.”

He also noted that the Colgate Country Showdown is becoming a bigger and bigger draw. “The talent was exceptional this year and we heard that the judges had a hard time,” he said.

And with the 120th Gillespie County Fair now in the record books, Welgehausen took time to laud the many volunteers for their contributions to the Gillespie County Fair and Festivals Association.

“I would like to thank all of the directors, their wives and the many volunteers for all of their hard work and the extra time they spent working behind the scenes,” he said.

“Without the community’s support, it wouldn’t be possible to hold an event such as this,” Welgehausen said.

And, he said, “we appreciate the community support, whether donating money, trophies, volunteering or attending.”

He also added a word of thanks to the many exhibitors in the livestock, agricultural and junior divisions for helping keep the tradition of the county fair alive.

Welgehausen also took time to recognize Crenwelge Motor Sales, Immel Motors, Fredericksburg Equipment and Stroeher and Olfers for donating vehicles and other equipment to be used during the 120th Gillespie County Fair as well as during the 2008 live pari-mutuel horse racing meets held in July and August.

The 120th Gillespie County Fair opened on Thursday night with free admission to the grounds. A large number of people were on hand for the Wright Amusement Company carnival and midway as well as for the Colgate Country Showdown.

Twelve-year-old Kaitlyn Knippers of Cypress won the Colgate Country Showdown, sponsored by KNAF-AM, KNAF-FM, the Gillespie County Fair and Festivals Association and the Fredericksburg area Shell gasoline dealers -- Gold Star Shell, Sunset Village Shell, Stagecoach Stop Shell and Ottmers Oil, Inc.

She now advances to the next level of competition that will be held this weekend as part of the Kendall County Fair in Boerne.

Coming in second was Britney Reynolds of Port Arthur while Angie Knaupp of Fredericksburg was third.

(Photos from the Country Showdown can be found elsewhere in this issue.)

Entries totaling 155 and including floats, bands, cars and more from throughout the Central Texas area made their way along Main Street on Friday morning as part of the annual parade.

Leading the parade as grand marshals were Luci Baines Johnson and Ian Turpin.

After the parade, activities shifted back to the Gillespie County Fair Grounds where a variety of events were planned.

One of the highlights of the 120th Gillespie County Fair was the crowning of the 2009 Gillespie County Fair Queen and four duchesses on Friday night.

Chosen by a panel of out-of-town judges was Chenoa Schmidt, daughter of Vicki and Dorman Schmidt.

Also crowned on Friday night were First Duchess Alyssa Hartmann, daughter of Russell and Yvonne Hartmann; Second Duchess Annora Herrera, daughter of Joe and Juanita Herrera; Third Duchess Kersey Peterson, daughter of Kenny and Leian Peterson, and Fourth Duchess Kristina Fiedler, daughter of Gary Fiedler and Laura and Santos Aguilar Jr.

On hand to crown her successor on Friday night was Brianna Schaetter, daughter of Bryan and Rhonda Schaetter.

Outgoing duchesses are Kaitlin Rangel, daughter of Joann and Richard Rangel; Angie Knaupp, daughter of Patricia and Michael Knaupp; Rachael Durst, daughter of Carol and David Durst, and Katelyn Price, daughter of Tamara Price and Ken Price.

Returning to serve as emcee for the pageant was Leland Geistweidt. Dutch Treat (Melvin and Linda Scott) provided the background music.

Judges for the pageant were Jennifer Ahrens, executive director of the Texas Association of Life and Health Insurers; Lynette Kilgore, chief of staff for State Rep. Craig Eiland of Galveston, and Kandice Sanaie, governmental affairs manager for the Texas Association of Business in Austin.

Another highlight of the fair on Friday night was the presentation of the 2008 Gillespie County Fair Catalog dedications.

Honored this year and on hand to accept their plaques were honorary lifetime directors Bryon Schaetter and Allen (Alley) Herbort.

Retiring honorary lifetime directors honored on Friday night were Keven Eckhardt, Daniel (Louie) Jacoby and Jimmy Bernhard.

In addition, five honorary lifetime directors who retired a number of years ago were honored, including Wilbert Ransleben, Dr. Charles Burg, Rodney Sauer, Richard Stehling and Calvin Weinheimer.

Justin Trevino entertained on Friday night on the outdoor dance pavilion.

Entertaining on Saturday night was Jake Hooker and the Outsiders.

Also during the fair, youngsters competed in mutton busting on Friday and Saturday nights.

Trophies were presented to the top two winners each night.

Sponsoring the mutton busting were Blanco National Bank, McCoy’s Building Supply and Priefert Ranch Equipment.

Two days of live pari-mutuel horse racing on Saturday and Sunday rounded out the 2008 season at the Class III facility.

Over in the Show Barn, cattle, sheep, hogs, goats and poultry were judged on Friday and Saturday.

The Exhibition Hall was filled with exhibits and displays of agricultural products, arts and crafts, baked goods, sewing, quilting, plants and more.

The Hill Country Antique Tractor and Engine Club featured demonstrations, presentations and displays.

There were also a number of arts and crafts booths, commercial displays and educational booths.