Fort Bend County Fair Association names Ruben O’Canas 2026 honorary president (in memoriam); Brian Graeber to serve as acting president
The Fort Bend County Fair Association has named the late Ruben O’Canas as the 2026 Honorary President (In Memoriam) for the upcoming Fort Bend County Fair, set for Sept. 25–Oct. 4, 2026. In …
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Fort Bend County Fair Association names Ruben O’Canas 2026 honorary president (in memoriam); Brian Graeber to serve as acting president
The Fort Bend County Fair Association has named the late Ruben O’Canas as the 2026 Honorary President (In Memoriam) for the upcoming Fort Bend County Fair, set for Sept. 25–Oct. 4, 2026. In recognition of his service and leadership, the Fair Association will honor O’Canas throughout the 2026 fair year. Brian Graeber, a longtime volunteer and former 2021 president, will serve as the 2026 Acting President.
O’Canas, who passed away in 2024, was an active member of the Fort Bend County Fair Association and volunteered on several committees, including the BBQ and Go Tejano committees. He served on the board of directors for seven years and on the Executive Board, where he held the position of vice president and was slated to serve as president in 2026. Ruben was known for his dedication to the Fair, his commitment to volunteer service and his involvement in the community.
O’Canas’ wife, Edith; his children, Alex and Alison; his new grandson and his extended family will be part of the Fair’s celebration. He was posthumously awarded the Fort Bend County Fair presidential pin and will be celebrated in the Fair’s 90th year.
Graeber will serve as acting president in O’Canas’ honor. This marks his second time leading the organization; he previously served as the Fair Association’s 85th president in 2021. Graeber has been involved with the Fair for more than 45 years, beginning with the BBQ cook-off in 1980. He joined the BBQ Committee in 2005 and later became co-chair, helping oversee one of the region’s largest competitions.
Graeber was elected to the board of directors in 2014. He and his wife, Patty, reside in Guy and have supported the Junior Livestock Auction and School Art Auction as buyers and through buyers’ groups for many years.
Additional details regarding tributes honoring O’Canas will be announced as the 2026 Fair approaches. The Fort Bend County Fair Association promotes agriculture, education and community involvement through the annual Fort Bend County Fair and related events. For more information visit fortbendcountyfair.com.
