2022 Tri-State Fair & Rodeo opens this weekend

Jordan Gipson, Amarillo Globe-News
·3 min read
Fair patrons walk among the midway at the Tri-State Fair Sept. 20, 2021.
Fair patrons walk among the midway at the Tri-State Fair Sept. 20, 2021.

Now in its 99th year, the Amarillo Tri-State Fair and Rodeo is making its return for 2022.

The fair, which runs Friday through Sept. 24, is full of all kinds of family fun, in addition to new events like Dancin’ in the Dirt and Xcel Energy Jet Pack Water Circus.

"While the last few years have brought changes, you can expect to see many tried-and-true attractions at this year’s celebration, such as the Food Court, Midway, livestock exposition, cook and craft competition, and rodeo," Amarillo Tri-State Fair & Exposition President Tim Koetting said in an opening letter in the fair catalog.

The Tri-State Fair Parade floats will be making their way down Polk Street on Saturday at 10 a.m. to get the energy flowing for the beginning of this year's fair season.

Angela Ragland, director of marketing for the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo, spoke about some of the events and what is new this year for the fair.

“We are really excited about this year’s fair,” Ragland said. “We are kicking off this year’s fair with our new Dancing in the Dirt Series with Wade Bowen Friday and the Frontmen Saturday in the Amarillo National Center to give added value to fairgoers. This year, for the first time, we will have live music every night of the fair, with nightly concerts at the Bud Light Stage near the exhibit’s hall."

The Tri-State Fair announced its new "Dancin' in the Dirt" concert series Friday at the Amarillo National Center.
The Tri-State Fair announced its new "Dancin' in the Dirt" concert series Friday at the Amarillo National Center.

Ragland said it was a great opportunity for people to come out and see the livestock shows which typically happen in the mornings, along with the PRCA Rodeo, which will start the second weekend of the fair.

“We have a lot of tasty fair food, with a great carnival with all kinds of events for the family to come out and enjoy,” Ragland added.

Peter White II from Amarillo clears the gate on his ride in the Bronc Riding competition in the PRCA Rodeo Saturday evening at the Tri-State Fair.
Peter White II from Amarillo clears the gate on his ride in the Bronc Riding competition in the PRCA Rodeo Saturday evening at the Tri-State Fair.

A major new policy for the 2022 Tri-State Fair is going to be their new clear bag policy. Small clutch bags can be taken inside. Bags must be clear, plastic, vinyl, or PVC. They can not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. Diaper and medically necessary bags are subject to inspection. Prohibited bags include:

  • Purses larger than a clutch

  • Briefcases

  • Fanny packs

  • Cinch bags

  • Luggage of any kind

  • Computer bags

  • Camera bags

Admission fees:

  • Adult (13-54) - $10

  • Child (6-12) - $5

  • Senior (55+) - $5

  • Mega Pass - $95

  • One-Day Dun pass- $50

  • 2022 Family Four pack $95. This includes four general admissions and two one-day ride wristbands.

If thrill rides aren’t your cup of tea, free attractions like Raising Cane's Petting Zoo, Xcel Energy Jet Pack Water Circus, Puppy Pals, Jerry Harris Master Hypnotist will be there and many more things to enjoy at the fair, along with all of the delicious food.

The Dancin’ in the Dirt Concert series is going to feature Wade Bowen on Friday and The Frontmen on Saturday.

More:Tri-State Fair & Rodeo organizers announce 'Dancin' in the Dirt' concert series

For more information on prices and times visit: https://www.tristatefair.com/

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: 2022 Tri-State Fair and Rodeo: What to know before you go