Walker County native and Fair Association president reflects on community, youth, and the legacy of the rodeo
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — As the spring season begins, so does one of Walker County’s most cherished traditions: the Walker County Fair and Rodeo. For President Viola Hollis, the event is more than a week of festivities—it’s a year-round labor of love supported by hundreds of volunteers and rooted deeply in the community’s culture.
A Lifelong Connection to Walker County
Hollis, who has lived in Walker County her entire life except for two days after birth, emphasized the deep connection residents have with the area. “My dad loves Walker County. Any time we go out of town, he says, ‘Oh Lord, get me back to Walker County,’” Hollis said. That hometown pride shaped her love for the region, where neighbors are known to help each other—even when broken down on the side of the road.
Volunteering into Leadership
Hollis got involved in the Fair through a friend. “A friend of mine was over the Scramble Heifer Committee and asked me to come and be the treasurer,” she said. That role led to further involvement: director, executive director, treasurer again, and now president for the past three years. “It’s very much volun-told,” she joked, “but I do love it.”
Events Kick Off with Parade and Rodeo
This year’s fair begins with a downtown parade, originally scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m., but due to rain, it has been rescheduled for Saturday morning at 9 a.m., followed by a full slate of events, including two rodeo nights, the annual youth rodeo on Sunday, and new additions like karaoke. “We’re really excited,” Hollis said. “There’s already so much going on leading up to it.”
The rodeo is a PRCA-sanctioned event, drawing competitors and fans from across the region. Local favorites like the petting zoo provide family-friendly fun throughout the week.
Supporting Youth Through Sales and Scholarships
Youth development remains the fair’s central mission. “These are life skills that’ll take them through the rest of their lives,” Hollis said. Young exhibitors participate in livestock shows, recordkeeping, and preparation for the premium and freezer sales. “Thursday night is the premium livestock sale, and Saturday is the freezer sale and the non-livestock sale.”
The Fair Association also awards several scholarships, now available through an online application. “There’s a rodeo scholarship, a rabbit scholarship, and general fair scholarships. Each one has different criteria,” Hollis explained.
Community-Wide Involvement
With over 300 volunteers and significant sponsor support, the fair runs smoothly thanks to committed community members. “We have really great sponsors that come back year after year. And the volunteers—we couldn’t do it without them,” she said.
Those interested in volunteering can email wcfa@walkercountyfair.com and specify their area of interest, such as livestock, admissions, or rodeo committees.
Building Bonds That Last
Beyond the events, the fair fosters lasting relationships. “You grow really close to people,” Hollis shared. “You’re working really hard together for the Youth of Walker County.”
As she reflected on her years of service, Hollis said the reward comes from knowing the effort helps shape young lives. “It just keeps on going and keeps getting better.”
For a full schedule of events and more information, visit walkercountyfair.com.
About Viola Hollis
Viola Hollis is a lifetime resident of Walker County. She is a Sam Houston State University graduate who obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.
Her fair involvement began as a member of the Scramble Heifer committee in 2014. She has served in many facets, including the rodeo committee, Treasurer, and current President. Her favorite fair experience is assisting with the annual sales, during which the exhibitors are given the opportunity to earn money for future education and additional projects.
In her free time, she enjoys attending rodeos and supporting fair participants.
