Montgomery County Fair auctions top $1.7M for youth

Organizers said the Montgomery County Fair raised more than $1.7 million via its 2026 auctions, setting a new record for kid support and beating the previous high set just two years ago.

The 11-day event, April 9-19 in Conroe, drew people from across Montgomery County and featured several auction categories, including cattle, replacement heifers, non-livestock products, and add-on contributions. In 2024, the amount reached approximately $1.6 million, making it the largest payout to exhibitors in the fair's history.

Fair officials stated the money goes straight back to local students through scholarships and is reinvested into future fair programs. Buyers, many of them repeat supporters from the local business and agricultural communities, were instrumental in pushing the total to a record level.

“We cannot thank our buyers enough,” stated fair official Hoegemeyer. They are the ones who truly make our auctions happen.

For years, kids have been able to display their agricultural abilities, entrepreneurial initiatives, and project-based learning at the Montgomery County Fair. The proceeds from the auction typically help cover the expense of education or offer seed money for future ventures in agriculture and business.

Organizers said the event’s influence extends beyond immediate payments, including investments made during the expo. “There is no better way to invest in the future than to help these exhibitors and their potential,” Hoegemeyer added.

Beyond its auction success, the fair continues to expand its scholarship program. The Montgomery County Fair Association awarded 50 scholarships to graduating high school seniors in 2025, continuing its mission to support youth development through education and community engagement.

Looking ahead, organizers said the 70th annual Montgomery County Fair will be held April 8-18, 2027, and they anticipate ongoing development and community participation.

The fair’s sustained momentum reflects strong local backing and a continued emphasis on youth investment, positioning the event as a key driver of educational and agricultural opportunity in the region.