Fair on the Square

The breeze blows on your face, as you gaze from atop the slightest elevation down into the quaintest downtown you have ever seen. It is rather warm outside considering it is the first Saturday in October, but the thought quickly escapes your mind when you see the thousands of people below. This is your first Fair on the Square.

Since 1974, Fair on the Square has been an annual tradition in the small city of Huntsville, Texas. It is a free “community event that brings many locals and out – of -towners to the downtown square.” The amount of people in attendance for Fair on the Square has been estimated to be up to 20,000 people with over 350 vendors, which is more people in historic downtown Huntsville than on any other day of the year.

Not only does Fair on the Square promote the community’s organizations and events, it also gives a chance for the students of Sam Houston State University to interact and participate within the Huntsville community. It seems that for the students at Sam Houston, Huntsville rarely is called home. Sam Houston has a tendency to be what some call a “suitcase school” due to its close proximity to the Houston and Dallas areas. Therefore, the students who attend the university just pack their suitcases and go home for the weekend and holiday breaks. This type of movement never allows for any roots to be planted within the community, and Fair on the Square allows for at least one day where the community and the students can interact.

Some organizations from the university even have booths where they can make and sell Sam Houston State merchandise like banners, t-shirts, and the like. They can also use this opportunity for a promotion of their organization and any events or community service projects that they host, or perhaps as a recruitment for perspective students that might be attending Fair on the Square. One Sam Houston State student in particular alongside her sorority attend every year and says that she “see[s] nothing like [Fair on the Square] in Houston. This is a really great [concept] because of the size of the town.” And it really is true. It is that small town feel that really makes it fun.

According to Laura Green, the events and communications manager for the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce for the past four years, Fair on the Square not only boosts the moral of the city, but it actually stimulates the economy of Huntsville. Due to its reputation, Fair on the Square draws many of its vendors from out of town, as well as some visitors. Therefore, as Green insightfully pointed out, the visitors will eat in Huntsville restaurants, stay in Huntsville hotels, and purchase Huntsville gas.

Not only does Fair on the Square provide revenue for local businesses, it also presents the names of important organizations within the community like the Rotary Club, the YMCA, Huntsville State Park and many, many more. Also, many vendors come out and sell goodies to the visitors such as “arts and crafts, jewelry, apparel, toys, yard art and more.” Rest assured that many gifts will be purchased here.

The children and the big kids at heart will also be a big part of the fun at Fair on the Square. There is a Kid’s Korner that has a bungee run, a moonwalk, crafts and giant board games. Also, the sports fans are not forgotten. Recently added, there are big screen televisions and even a Beer Garden. The Beer Garden has become a center for fun and entertainment since there is also live music that sets the mood just right.

After that refreshing drink, follow your nose to the Food Court, which will humble the rumble in your tummy. The name of “Fair Food” should not turn you away because by no means is the food mediocre.

And if none of the above is able to draw you in, you can come for the fellowship. You are able to get out there into your community and meet your friends but also make some new ones. It allows for people to come together and celebrate the magic of this small town. You will meet people, such as Donna Skains, who has been coming out every year since the first Fair on the Square.

So, as you take the first step forward down the ever so slightest hill, smile because today is the day you will be looking forward to for another whole year.