The City of Richmond, along with Mayor Rebecca "Becky" Haas, the City Commission, and City Manager Terri Vela, has officially recognized the success of the 2024 Fort Bend County Fair in a special ceremony in early February. The proclamation also welcomed Bobby Poncik as the 2025 Fair President.

Fair leadership, including 2024 President Alicia Casias, Executive Manager Keith Smith, and incoming President Bobby Poncik, were present for the special recognition.

“We’re grateful for the continued partnership with the City and the unwavering support from our dedicated community partners,” said Bobby Poncik, the Fort Bend County Fair President. “Here’s to another amazing year ahead!”

“The recognition highlights the successful collaboration between the City and the Fair, ensuring another exciting year filled with community engagement and celebration,” said a spokesperson for the fair.

On January 23, the Fort Bend County Fair announced its new president, Robert "Bobby" Poncik, a long-time supporter of the fair, will guide the event into its 89th year. As a dedicated volunteer and passionate leader, Poncik is ready to lead the charge for a fun-filled and impactful 2025 fair that will continue to celebrate family, youth, and agriculture.

For over 30 years, Poncik has been a constant presence at the fair, volunteering and taking on leadership roles across multiple committees. From his involvement in the Creative Arts, Culinary, and Livestock Committees to his time as Livestock Superintendent, his contributions span the fair’s entire scope. In 2014, he joined the board, and since then, Poncik has played a pivotal role in Livestock and areas like Credentials, Beer Ticket Sales, PRCA Rodeo, and Livestock Auctions.

“Being part of the Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo has been a rewarding journey for me and my family. This fair isn’t just an event; it’s a tradition that brings people together and gives back to our youth, our families, and our community,” said Poncik, a former bareback rider and youth rodeo participant himself.

Poncik’s involvement in the fair is a true family affair. His wife, Jana, a Life Member of the fair, has volunteered on numerous committees, and their sons, Trebor and Taylor, have exhibited lambs, steers, broilers, turkeys, scramble heifers, and open heifers. His sons have been active on the Livestock Committee for more than 20 years. The family’s legacy at the fair continues with Bobby’s granddaughters, including Trulee, who has been participating in the Bucket Calf Show for several years and Avery Mae in open or prospect shows.

Poncik’s love for the fair extends beyond the livestock arena. He’s been an active participant in the Boots and Buckles Fishing Tournament alongside his sons, Go Tejano Valentines Dance, Summer Gala and has been involved in all aspects of the rodeo, from the Ranch Rodeo to the ProRodeo weekend.

"Watching my grandchildren grow up at the fair and take part in these incredible traditions is something special," reflects Bobby. "The fair is about more than just livestock shows and rodeos. It’s about creating memories, supporting youth, and fostering a strong sense of community."

The 2024 Fort Bend County Fair was a “monumental success,” according to a spokesperson for the fair, and Poncik is eager to build on that momentum as president in 2025. The 2024 fair saw over 600 livestock entries, generating over $1.3 million for all exhibitors. Over the course of the BBQ weekend and the fair’s run, more than 100,000 guests enjoyed all the festivities. Additionally, the Fort Bend County Fair Association awarded over a quarter of a million dollars in scholarships to deserving youth in the community.

For the upcoming 2025 fair, Poncik is focused on continuing to expand on the fair’s incredible history. “My theme this year is ‘Promoting Family, Youth, and Agriculture,’” he said. “It’s about celebrating the things that make this fair so meaningful—bringing families together, supporting youth through education and scholarships, and showcasing the importance of agriculture in our lives.”

The 2025 Fort Bend County Fair will be held from September 26 to October 5, 2025.

For event information, sponsorship, or volunteer opportunities, visit fortbendcountyfair.com.