RODEO AUSTIN TO TEAM WITH CARITAS TO COLLECT CANNED FOOD

Austin, Texas - February 14, 2008 – The 2008 Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo will proudly team with Caritas of Austin to host Rodeo Austin’s first Caritas Theme Day on Tuesday, March 4 to collect canned food. Rodeo Austin patrons who bring three canned food items to the fairgrounds will receive $1 off of their admission price. The canned goods will help Caritas of Austin fight poverty, hunger and homelessness. Rodeo Austin and Caritas will strive to encourage each other’s missions as the powerhouse partnership doubly benefits the Texas community.

Admission onto the fairgrounds gives guests free roam to fairground acts, such as Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey, the Western Shootout Comedy Show and Cowboy Music Review. Guests may also visit the livestock barn, see the exotic petting zoo, watch Outdoor Stage bands perform throughout the day and enjoy the famous carnival.

Caritas has served the working poor, unemployed, homeless, near-homeless and documented refugees since 1964. Caritas provides basic needs services, ranging from emergency rent and utility assistance to hot meals, take-home groceries, shelter and clothing. Caritas also provides self-sufficiency services that encourage the development of self-reliance skills. Over 20,000 Travis County adults and children will benefit from Caritas services this year. Caritas will provide approximately $1.8 million in housing and utilities assistance to their clients in 2008.

Other 2008 theme days include Tough Enough To Wear Pink, Military Day, College Day and Día de Vaquero. The Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo’s complete schedule of theme days and events is available on-line at www.RodeoAustin.com. For additional information on Caritas, call (512) 479-4610 or visit www.CaritasOfAustin.org.

The Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, contributes over $1.4 million annually to the youth of Texas with the help of over 3,000 volunteers, donors and sponsors. Through its acclaimed Livestock Show, Fair, and Rodeo, the Star of Texas continues to work towards the advancement of its mission, “Promoting Youth Education- Preserving Western Heritage”. The Star of Texas delivers superior entertainment to the community while boasting an economic impact that exceeds $44 million annually. Staying true to the official sport of Texas, the Star of Texas is proud to host the world’s 6th largest indoor, regular season ProRodeo known as Rodeo Austin.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       

Contact: Jennie Richmond, Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo/Rodeo Austin
512.919.3000 phone
512.919.3005 fax
Jennie@RodeoAustin.com
www.RodeoAustin.com