Become a Volunteer

Want to make a difference in the community, meet new people, and have fun all at the same time? Then the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo is looking for someone like you! You don’t have to be a cattle rancher or a rodeo competitor to become involved. You can join any of our 24 different volunteer committees and help create the excitement and atmosphere all year round! There is a place for you here at the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo.

Benefits of Being a Volunteer Committeeman
Becoming a Committee Member provides certain perks. In return for your hard work and participation in the Pre-Sale Campaign, the Fair & Rodeo wants to say thank you for all that you do. As a Committee Member you will receive a benefit package valued at more than $500!
Items include:

Entry Credentials — Allows you and a guest entrance into the Fair & Rodeo for free for the entire 11 days of the Fair.
Parking — You will be allowed to park for free in a special parking area for the entire year at all events held at the Extraco Events Center.
Upcoming Event Information — You’ll be the first to know about new events coming to the Extraco Events Center through eBlasts and the Extraco Events Center's quarterly newsletter, The Heartbeat.
Committeeman Appreciation Party — Each January the HOT Fair & Rodeo’s Executive Board cooks a great meal and presents special awards to our Volunteers. Added entertainment is a bonus as the Board and staff say thank you for all your hard work throughout the year.

Want to become a volunteer?
Applications for the 2025 event will open in January!

Volunteer Committees

Academic Rodeo - Plan and facilitate Spelling and Math Bee competitions for students. Attend four to six meetings, serve at all of the contests and award ceremonies.

Back Porch Club - Plan, prepare and provide hospitality to the members of the Back Porch Club. Work select dinner shifts during the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo during nights that Rodeo is in the Extraco Coliseum.

Calf Scramble - Sell scramble sponsorships during the Pre-Sale Campaign and work with the calf scramble participants during each night of the rodeo. Work every night of the rodeo to inform kids of the rules, watch them during the Calf Scramble and help maintain their safety.

Continuing Education - A year-round committee that raises scholarship money for the youth of Central Texas. This committee produces the Luck of the Draw Fundraiser.

Design & Construction - Design and decorate the various areas of the Extraco Events Center during the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo. Be able to meet one day before the Fair to help decorate and be available the day after the Fair to help tear down.

Equine Events Committee - Members of the Equine Events Committee will assist with all internal equine events hosted by the Extraco Events Center. These events consist of 3 Elite Barrel Races and 3 Waco Reining Series Events. Barrel races include: Elite Extravaganza in March, Elite Youth Summer Sizzle in July, and Elite/WPRA World Finals in November. Reining Events Include: Waco Reining Series Winter Slide in February, Waco Reining Series Summer Slide in July, and Waco Reining Series Summer Schooling Show in August.

Esperanza Committee - Engage Latinos in voluntarism and promote the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo to the Latino community. Host to the Vaqueritos Mas Chulos contest. Must attend meetings, participate in promotional events and work one Sunday of the Fair.

Golf Tournament - Assist with the Spurs & Spikes Golf Tournament during the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo with the Stars of the Rodeo. Attend meetings, sell sponsorships, and work the golf tournament.

HEARTS - Produces the HEARTS contest, comprised of heritage, the arts and technical skills. The contest is designed to encourage youth participation in artistic, cultural, and technical endeavors and provide scholarship opportunities for students.

Hometown Stage - Provides a venue for local artists to perform in front of fairgoers. Search, contact and schedule the entertainment for the Hometown Stage. Attend meetings and work 3-4 hour shifts during the fair.

Junior Committee - Members of the Jr. Committee are between the ages of 16-20 and help serve as a mentor to youth that are interested in learning more about volunteering with the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo. Committee members will attend periodic meetings with these youth to encourage them and serve as a resource for the youth and committees with which they work during the Fair & Rodeo. Members of this committee will also take an active role in the selection process of the youth applicants for this program.

Kids Zone - Host the Mutton Bustin' preliminary rounds. Work three 4-hour shifts during the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo.

Livestock Greeters - This is the first committee the livestock exhibitors and their families see when they arrive to show their animals. The greeters oversee all of the animals coming in and out of the show barn. Work three 6-hour shifts during the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo.

Livestock - Perfect for individuals that have an interest for livestock. These individuals are the ones who put on the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo Livestock Show. Must work one entire species show, including check-in exhibitors, weigh-in, and assisting the judge in the show ring.

Operations - Works closely with the staff to ensure proper placement of promotional, informational, and sponsorship signs around the grounds of the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo. Be at the mandatory work day(s) before the Fair begins to hang signs.

Public Relations - Promote the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo through giveaways and social media posts. Survey and welcome fairgoers during the Fair & Rodeo. Attend the informational meetings and work two 3-hour shifts during the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo.

Purposeful Acts of Kindness (PAK) - Coordinates and organizes events to show appreciation to the HOT Fair Volunteers and Staff. Focuses on volunteer care through providing a designated lounge with snacks, drinks, and a resting spot during the Fair. Committee also finds ways to support and care for staff during the HOT Fair as needed.

Rodeo Express - Greets and transports Fairgoers to and from their vehicle during the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo. Attend meeting prior to the fair for Golf Cart Training and work two 3-hour shifts during the fair.

Rodeo - Produce the One HOT Rodeo during the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo. Attend mandatory meetings and work each night of the Rodeo.

Running with the Bulls - Hosts the Running with the Bulls 1 Mile and 5K Races during the HOT Fair. Members must be able to attend planning meetings, set up for the race, and work during the race.

South 40 - Raise money for scholarships by organizing and working the One HOT Cook Off and the Gun Raffle. This Committee is an ideal spot for young volunteers starting their journey with the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo.

Sweethearts - A year-round committee that supervises the young ladies (High School age) that are chosen to be Heart O' Texas Sweethearts and Miss Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo at events. Attend monthly meetings and work 3 shifts during the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo. Supervision must be present at any event that the HOT Sweethearts are present at.

Volunteers Committee - A committee made up of existing volunteers to help better our volunteer program. Recruit new volunteers and be available to the current volunteers who are in need of help. Attend meetings, promotional events, and assist new volunteers.

Wine & Beer Garden - Organize, create, and maintain a fun atmosphere, specializing in serving only Texas brewed beer and wine during the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo. Attend meetings, help set up and tear down, must obtain a TABC license before the fair, and work 2 shifts.