The Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo, held annually in Waco, Texas, continues to serve as a cornerstone of regional economic activity, drawing over 200,000 visitors each year and generating more than $70 million in economic impact. The event, which runs from October 2 to October 12, is the largest hosted at the Extraco Event Center and plays a vital role in supporting local businesses and employment. n nAccording to Dustin Coufal, CEO of the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo, the influx of attendees—many traveling from outside the area—translates into significant spending at hotels, restaurants, and gas stations across Waco and McLennan County. This spending sustains more than 500 contract labor positions and provides a platform for over 90 vendors to operate during the festival. n nFor many families, the fair functions both as a vacation destination and a primary source of annual entertainment, fostering community engagement and encouraging support for local enterprises. Organizers emphasize that the event’s influence extends beyond its two-week duration, contributing to year-round economic stability in Central Texas. n nBy combining tradition with commerce, the fair strengthens regional resilience and highlights the importance of large-scale community events in driving local prosperity. n— news from KXXV
— News Original —
Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo fuels local economy
WACO, Texas (KXXV) — The Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo is not only a beloved local tradition but also a major economic driver, generating millions in revenue and supporting hundreds of jobs across Central Texas. n nThe Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo brings over 200,000 visitors annually to Waco. n nThe event contributes more than $70 million in yearly economic impact. n nIt supports the local economy with more than 500 contract jobs and over 90 vendors. n nBROADCAST TRANSCRIPT: n nAs the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo continues drawing big crowds to our community, organizers say it’s not just about the fun — it’s about the impact. n n“On a year-round basis, we have over $70 million of economic impact, but just for the fair and rodeo, there are over 200,000 guests each year,” said Dustin Coufal, CEO of the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo. n nAnd many of those guests aren’t locals — they’re coming from out of town and spending money here in our neighborhoods. n n“We have people staying at hotels, they are eating at restaurants, they are buying gas at gas stations, it brings in a lot of money to Waco and McLennan County,” Coufal said. n nThe Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo is the largest event held at the Extraco Event Center every year and creates more than 500 contract labor jobs n nIt also supports more than 90 vendors. n n“This is just like a family vacation for a lot of people, but it’s also their family entertainment for the year so there are a lot of opportunities for them to come support local businesses and support the folks here in McLennan County,” Coufal said. n nThe fair will run from Oct. 2 through Oct. 12. You can find more information here.