Know These 2026 Rules Before Going To The West Texas Fair

The West Texas Fair Has A Clear Bag Policy You Need To Know

The West Texas Fair & Rodeo is officially underway in Abilene, and after spending opening day broadcasting live from the fairgrounds, I've got one important piece of advice before you head out.

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Pay attention to what kind of bag you're carrying.

The West Texas Fair & Rodeo has a clear-bag policy this year, and all bags are subject to search.

I saw that firsthand while I was broadcasting live. Even some of the rodeo contestants participating in Cisco College's Lone Star Region Rodeo were bringing in backpacks and satchels filled with the tack and equipment they use to compete, and those bags were being checked as well.

So this is one rule you'll want to know before you get to the gate.

Know The Clear Bag Policy Before You Go

According to West Texas Fair & Rodeo officials, bags must be made of clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and cannot exceed 5 inches by 2.5 inches by 7.5 inches.

Small clutch bags are permitted.

Prohibited bags include:

• Purses larger than the permitted dimensions
• Briefcases
• Backpacks
• Fanny packs
• Cinch bags
• Luggage of any kind
• Computer bags
• Camera bags

Diaper bags and medically necessary bags are permitted but are subject to inspection.

Fair officials also say clear bags will be available at the gate.

My advice is simple: before leaving the house, take a look at what you're carrying. It could save you a trip back to your vehicle.

All Bags Are Subject To Search

This is another important part of the policy.

All bags are subject to inspection.

Alcohol, firearms, illegal drugs and weapons of any kind are not permitted at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo.

We're all there to have a good time, enjoy the rides, eat some great fair food, see the livestock, watch the rodeo and take in one of the biggest annual events in the Big Country.

Leave anything prohibited at home.

Cisco College Rodeo Had Me Hooked

I have to admit something happened while I was broadcasting live on opening day.

I got hooked watching Cisco College's Lone Star Region Rodeo.

These college athletes are incredibly competitive, but what impressed me just as much was how they carried themselves away from the competition.

Some of these young cowboys and cowgirls are among the most polite, courteous and professional college students I've ever met.

Whether they were competing in the rodeo, sitting in the stands watching their friends compete or simply walking up and down the Midway taking in the sights and enjoying some fair food, they were having a good time and representing their colleges extremely well.

That's something worth recognizing.

And yes, I saw plenty of people walking around with some pretty impressive fair food.

I even saw folks carrying plates piled high with funnel cakes.

Not one of them offered me a bite. Wow!

All joking aside, spending time around these students reminded me why college rodeo is so much fun to watch. They're serious competitors when it's time to compete, but they're also respectful young men and women who seem genuinely grateful to be there.

If you've never watched a college rodeo before, Cisco College's Lone Star Region Rodeo is definitely worth checking out.

Mother Nature Finally Gave West Texas Some Rain

I also have to say thank you to Mother Nature.

After all the triple-digit temperatures we've been dealing with across West Texas, opening day of the fair brought something many of us have been praying for.

Rain.

I'll take it.

The first day gave me a chance to broadcast live, walk around the fairgrounds, visit with people and get a good look at everything going on this year.

And from what I've seen so far, this year's West Texas Fair & Rodeo looks bigger and better than ever.

There's plenty of delicious fair food, a Midway loaded with rides, livestock from across Texas, live entertainment, tractor pull action, PRCA Rodeo competition and a whole lot more.

Have Fun But Know The Rules Before You Go

The West Texas Fair & Rodeo is supposed to be fun, and that's exactly what it felt like on opening day.

But before you head down the Midway, check your purse, backpack or bag.

Better yet, bring an approved clear bag or small clutch and make things easier on yourself and the folks working the gates.

Be prepared for your bag to be inspected. Leave prohibited items at home. Be polite to the people checking bags.

Then go eat something fried, ride something that spins you around until you regret eating something fried, watch some rodeo and enjoy the West Texas Fair & Rodeo.

And if you see me broadcasting live, come by and say hello.

Just don't act crazy.

That code remains posted by the Expo Center today.

Among the rules fairgoers need to know:

• Shirts and shoes are required, and inappropriate or gang-related clothing and activity are prohibited.
• Disorderly or disruptive behavior that could endanger other people will not be tolerated.
• Skateboards, roller blades, bicycles, and similar activities are prohibited.
• Profanity, catcalls, and disruptive behavior can also violate the rules.
• Pets are not allowed in public areas, except qualifying assistance animals.
• Visitors should not feed, water, or touch livestock without the owner's permission.
• Don't loiter, block storefronts, or travel in groups in a way that prevents other visitors from getting through.
• Alcohol cannot be carried beyond designated areas into the carnival or consumed in parking lots.
• Smoking is prohibited on the fairgrounds.
• Outside food and drinks generally cannot be brought through the gates, with an exception listed for children in strollers.
• Management says the rules are not all-inclusive and may be changed when necessary.

Leave The Livestock Alone Unless You're Invited

This one deserves repeating.

Those cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and other animals aren't part of a petting zoo unless you're specifically in an area designated for that purpose.

Most importantly, have fun.

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