The Austin County Fair is once again preparing for its Champion Drive program, an event designed to give special needs youth in Austin County the opportunity to experience the excitement of showing livestock during the fair while also creating meaningful leadership opportunities for local students.
The Austin County Fair Champion Drive allows participants to take part in a traditional multi-species livestock show with the help of student โbuddiesโ from local 4-H, FFA, and FCCLA programs. Livestock species for the event will be selected by the Champion Drive Committee based on the needs of participating youth.
For the special needs participants, the program offers a chance to experience the livestock show ring firsthand, build confidence, interact with animals, and enjoy the excitement and recognition that comes with participating in the fair. The event focuses on inclusion, encouragement, and making sure every child feels supported and celebrated.
Each participant will be paired with a buddy who will assist them throughout the event and help create a fun, positive experience. Participants will also receive special awards and have the opportunity to take photos with their buddies following the show.
The program also provides valuable lessons for the student buddies. Those selected gain hands-on experience in leadership, patience, teamwork, and community service while learning how to work with and encourage youth with special needs. Many buddies walk away with a greater sense of compassion and understanding while forming friendships and memories that often last long after the fair ends.
The Champion Drive Committee is currently accepting applications for the 2026 Buddy Program. Only 80 students will be selected to serve as buddies for this yearโs event.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be an active Austin County 4-H, FFA, or FCCLA member
- Be entering 9th grade or older
- Be in good academic standing
- Submit a completed application by June 22, 2026
- Have parental consent
Selected buddies will attend a mandatory meeting prior to the fair where they will learn about working with youth with special needs, including important guidelines, expectations, and ways to help make the experience enjoyable for participants.
The 2026 Champion Drive is scheduled for the morning of Friday, October 2, during the Austin County Fair.
Students selected as buddies will be contacted in mid-August and added to a GroupMe chat, which will serve as the primary method of communication for the program.
For questions or additional information, contact Kellie Fitch at 713-826-6920, Megan Bartay at 979-877-5902, or Erica Winkelmann at 979-877-8659.
