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Information & History
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WCYF Fair History
Wharton County Youth Fair & Exposition is a non-profit organization (501C3) dedicated to the youth of Wharton County, who aggressively seek knowledge in the areas of agriculture, livestock and related industries. Our organization makes available to these young people a facility to exhibit, show and sell their projects. Our purpose is to promote educational programs and activities and provide encouragement and assistance through scholarships to these individuals in order that they might achieve proficiency through higher learning and education.
This Wharton County Youth Fair & Exposition began in 1975 with a $60,000 note signed by the founding board members to purchase Crescent School. The grounds consisted of a 40-acre tract of land and buildings constructed in 1934. Additions and renovations to the original buildings were made in 1951/1953. Under the guidance of the dedicated board of directors, additions and improvements have been made over the years, including the Johse Barn, Ammann Barn, permanent ticket booths, concessions and restroom facilities, covered Lillie Johnson Arena and Crescent Hall. One of our largest expenditures was the purchase of 58 acres of land adjacent to our current facility. This was necessary for anticipated expansion, to meet the continuous growth demands our organization has enjoyed. Other projects include the paving of our parking/carnival area and the most recent was the renovation of our gymnasium restrooms.
As of today the Wharton County Youth Fair has over 1,000 members. There is a board of directors that total 50 Directors, 21 Associate Directors and a 15 member Executive Board. The Wharton County Youth Fair is one of the few fair organizations in Texas not financed by county government. This would not have been possible without the foresight and dedication from the many people that have volunteered their time and so much of themselves to this organization.
In 2009, our Sale of Excellence, which is the sale of projects from our exhibitors, received tremendous response and support from the citizens of Wharton County. This sale recorded a total of $876,621.63. Because of the success of the 2009 fair, our organization was responsible for awarding $55,300.00 in scholarships to 62 students in our county. As of the close of 2009, Wharton County Youth Fair has awarded a total of $1,191,300.00 in scholarships and exhibitor sales dollars exceed $13,635,883.89. It is the sincere intent of the Board to continue to provide support and opportunity to the youth of Wharton County. We continue to set our goals just a little bit higher each year, work just a little harder each year and do not hesitate to remind everyone of why we do it—“It’s for the Kids!”
We are excited about the upcoming year and are planning for another great county fair. Our future goal is to award more scholarship dollars to a greater number of students.
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