Each year the West Texas Fair and Rodeo returns to the Taylor County Expo Center, and students come from all over Abilene to participate in events and join in the festivities.

Last week, the 116th West Texas Fair and Rodeo began with the theme “A Salute to Our Heroes,” giving ode to those who have served, currently serve or offer their abilities in the public service as police officers, DPS officers, EMTs and military.

Lily Auker, sophomore public relations major from San Angelo, appreciates this year’s theme as the majority of her family is in the military.

“The theme is special to me this year,” Auker said. “The fair is a wonderful community event and really fun, and this year it came with a message and I like that. It means a lot that we are recognizing what it took for our freedom and the sacrifice that men and women continue to make.”

Friday was College Student Sneak-a-Peak Day in which college students were able to go to the fair free of charge.

The fair will continue to offer a complete carnival, all of the traditional fair food and music until Saturday, with the annual rodeo on Friday and Saturday.

Many students went to enjoy the festival, including Bree Foster, sophomore psychology major from Glenn Heights, who experienced the fair for the first time.

“I went at 10:30 at night, so I didn’t get to everything around, but, even though short, I did spend some awesome time with friends,” Foster said. “We went on a ride that some of us got free because they were closing. We went upside down a few times, took some pictures, and went home. Even though I didn’t get to experience the full effect, I think that the Abilene Fair is a fantastic way to spend time with friends off of campus, which creates a real bonding experience.”

John Allen II, sophomore accounting major from Burleson, agrees.

“The fair is Texas roots at it’s finest,” Allen said.

The fair will conclude on Saturday with the Pat Green concert at 9 p.m.