RICHMOND, Texas — It's that time again! The 87th annual Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo is officially underway, and it the 10-day event kicked off with a parade Friday morning.
More than 15,000 people turned out for the parade that started at the historic courthouse in Richmond. This year's theme was "Proud Tradition, Inspiring Our Future."
From marching bands, dancing horses and about 200 floats made their way down Highway 90 as spectators cheered on.
After making it all the way to the Little League World Series U.S. Championship game, the Needville Little League team members were the grand marshals and the crowd loved it.
"We lived in Needville for a long time, so we're proud of them," Patty Harbes said. She took her two granddaughters to see the parade.
"We wanted them to experience our childhood. Our childhoods have disappeared, so we’re now teaching them how to come together and support the community," Harbes said.
Lifelong Richmond resident, Velarissa De la Rosa arrived extra early -- 4 a.m. to be exact -- to make sure she didn’t miss a beat.
“It’s hard to find a good spot if you’re not here in the morning, it’s like that saying, the early bird gets the worm,” De la Rosa said.
She loves watching the parade each year with her family.
“Memories, lifetime memories to cherish,” she said.
The Fort Bend County Fair also includes a rodeo, the carnival, live entertainment and livestock shows.
Tickets are on sale now and for the $15 admission price, you get a lot of bang for your buck.
- Adults - $15 at the gate or $12 online + $2 fee
- Children ages 6-11 - $5
- Children 5 & under are free
- Season passes $50
Money raised will also go towards scholarships and helping other non-profits.
The 10-day fair at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg runs through Sunday, October 8.