The rides, the games, the food and the animals; it was all about tradition at this year’s Galveston County Fair & Rodeo.

Board member Albert Ramirez said they even chose this year’s motto based on the fair’s roots.

“Our motto is experience the tradition,” Ramirez said. “We’ve been around for 78 years and if you talk to people around the fair, they’re passing these memories on to their kids and grand kids.”

According to the organization’s president, Paul Tibaldo, this year was also the start of a new tradition.

With the help of Pct. 4 Commissioner Ken Clark, the fair hosted a Galveston County Employee Appreciation Night on April 11. County employees were encouraged to bring their family and friends to the fair for some good old fashion fun.

“The county is growing so fast and a lot of people don’t even know there is a county fair out here,” Tibaldo said. “You need to take time away from cell phones and TVs and come out and enjoy a family setting.”

“It’s a good opportunity for us to show what’s out here and draw people in because it’s a good wholesome event for families to enjoy time together,” Clark said.

The fair itself wasn’t the only perk.

“We’ve offered reduced admission, ride discounts and an extensive raffle,” Clark said. “It’s a good way to get our feet wet and make it better for not just next year but years to come.”

Most importantly, county and fair officials said supporting the fair means supporting education for generations to come.

“I believe a great deal in Galveston County Fair & Rodeo because it promotes education,” Ramirez said. “Everything we do generates money that allows us to generate scholarships.”