The charming Texas town of Hillsboro is recognized for its outlet malls, rich cultural history and natural resources. As a way of showcasing its diversity and juxtaposing modern with antiquity, Hillsboro is hosting the Cotton Pickin’ Fair and a weekend full of fun events September 24 – September 25.

Activities include:
A statewide BBQ championship cook-off with $5,000 in prize money and a chance to compete at the Jack Daniels Cook-off in Lynchburg, Tenn.

A beauty contest for girls of all ages, with the winners in the Teen and Miss categories, respectively, having the opportunity to compete in the Miss Teen Texas or Miss Texas pageant in July 2011

A Geocaching adventure in a high-tech treasure hunt around Hillsboro using GPS devices to locate hidden treasures, with winners receiving local gift cards and other exciting prizes

A bike ride that allows riders to work off all that BBQ on 10, 26, 40, 54, or 66 mile routes that cover scenic Hillsboro trails

Functional/non-functional, eccentric, whimsical, and flavorful arts and crafts made with lots of love, dexterity and spice

In conjunction with the Cotton Pickin’ Fair, the 4th annual Elm Street Rod Run will feature an antique car show with street rods, customs, bikes, and classic cars. The top 25 winners will receive a trophies presented by Miss Teen Texas. Proceeds benefit Bridges Safehouse, a women’s and children’s shelter in Cedar Hill.

The Cotton Pickin’ Fair offers kids and adults alike the opportunity to be present in the past and meet some of the pirates roaming the fair or to get front row seats to a jousting fest. Live music, a pet parade and horseshoe and doubles’ domino tournaments are all part of the fun. Proceeds from the pageant and BBQ cook-off benefit scholarship funds for pageant winners and Hill County students. Proceeds from the bike ride benefit Hill County Paw Pals, whose mission is to facilitate and contribute to a county animal control program and animal shelter.