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SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — The East Texas State Fair gave its Round Up Day Award to Smith County this Tuesday and provided information about the economic impact that the event had on them.

David Dial, co-chair of the East Texas State Fair’s Rodeo Committee, presented the Smith County Commissioners Court with a custom belt buckle for winning the Round Up Day – Best Business Participant Award.

“I think it’s only fitting that Smith County stepped up and really got behind our first inaugural Round Up Day, which encourages businesses and participants to dress up in western wear, and celebrates our agricultural heritage, that we present this award to Smith County and its officials for their dedication. We greatly appreciate you guys,” Dial said.

Michael Stoltz, chairman of the East Texas State Fair Board, presented the Commissioners Court with an estimated economic impact of the nearly two-week event on the area.

“I think it’s only fitting that we are here today celebrating another successful East Texas State Fair and our Inaugural Rodeo,” Dial said. “We wouldn’t be standing here today if it weren’t for the support we receive from Smith County … We couldn’t do what we do without your help.”

For the second consecutive year at its new location, The Park of East Texas, the fair drew more than 104,000 people, resulting in an estimated $28.8 million economic impact on Smith County. He stated that $995,000 in sales tax revenue was generated, 88 percent of the food and restaurant vendors at the fair were East Texas-based businesses, and 550 hotel room nights were booked.

The Livestock Show, held in Athens this year, saw more than 2,700 participants and a 29 percent increase in contestant entries. Its first-ever professional rodeo was sold out all three nights, for a total attendance of 7,500 people, and was broadcast live nationally on the Cowboy Channel. He said that more than 400 athletes competed in the rodeo for a purse exceeding $40,000.

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