Behind the Scenes

Fair History

In 1855, the town of Starrville in Smith County held a county fair, this event was the precursor to the current East Texas State Fair. Since this small fair in Starrville, many sites across Smith County and throughout Tyler have hosted fairs and festivals, each of which contributed to creating the East Texas State Fair...

Staff

John E. Sykes,

President & CEO

Fred Lawrence,

Accountant

Ron Mott,

Director of Maintenance

 

Deborah Newman,

Director of Competitive Events

 

 

 

Heather Pickett,

Director of Presentation & Development

 

Board of Directors

Harold Beaird, Chairman
Randy Roberts, Vice Chairman
Dick Summers, Past Chairman
Executive Committee
C.C. Baker, Jr.
Herbert Buie
Terry Brannon
Ted Conover
Tom Deibel
Roy Lilly
Lonny Uzzell
Directors
Jesse Acosta
Rowe Anderson
Henry Bell
Martie Bigbie
Nancy Bracken
Gillian Brasfield
Joe Cavender
Bobby Curtis
Jim Giametta
Kevin Halbert
Gary Halbrooks
JoAnn Hampton
Riley Harris
Charles Hill
BJ Hornbostel
Jeanie Lafferty
Harry Leatherwood
Sam Mezayek
Nathan Mimms
Jay Misenheimer
Danny Peggram
Shari Rickman
Chris Simons
David Thedford
Donnie Thedford
Michael Tolbert
Jeff Warr
Lifetime Members
W.C. Edwards
Ben Fitzgerald
James Perkins
J.B. Smith
James Wilkins
Ex officio
D.M. Edwards
Preston Smith

 

Get Involved

There are numerous volunteer opportunities with the East Texas State Fair:

Academic Rodeo

AgriWorld

Creative Arts Competitive Exhibits

Livestock Show

Photography Competitive Exhibits

Senior Day Committee

These are just a few available opportunities, call us to find your perfect volunteer fit!

903-597-2501