New Texas Heritage Hall of Honor Recipients Inducted by State Fair of Texas

With agriculture as a tenet of our organization, the State Fair of Texas is proud to induct Mrs.Blair Calvert Fitzsimons and Mr.Leroy Shafer into the Texas Heritage Hall of Honor. Established in 1992 to recognize leaders who have made significant contributions to the agricultural heritage of Texas, the Texas Heritage Hall of Honor celebrates the accomplishments of these farmers, ranchers, drovers, inventors, educators, innovators, authors, legislators, and preservationists. Their achievements span more than 170 years, reaching back to the birth of the Texas Republic and extending out to a limitless future.

Considered annually, both living and deceased nominees are eligible to be inducted to the Heritage Hall of Honor. This year, Blair Calvert Fitzsimons and Leroy Shafer join more than 75 men and women previously receiving this honor. On Wednesday, October 9, Blair Calvert Fitzsimons and Leroy Shafer will be inducted into the Texas Heritage Hall of Honor, located in the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center. The induction celebrates achievements and contributions that helped establish Texas as a premier agricultural leader in the nation.

Mrs. Blair Calvert Fitzsimons serves as chief executive officer of Texas Agricultural Land Trust (TALT). Previously, Fitzsimons spearheaded the legislative effort to establish a Purchase of Development Rights program in Texas while she was with the American Farmland Trust, and also worked with the Texas A&M Institute for Renewable Natural Resources. Before her work with land conservation, Fitzsimons ran the day-to-day operations of her family's San Pedro Ranch, a recipient of the 2016 Lone Star Land Steward award from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Mr. Leroy "Shafe" Shafer, retired Chief Operating Officer of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR), began his employment with the Show in 1973 and held various leadership positions before being named COO Emeritus after his 2014 retirement. Shafer is a consultant for fairs and related industries and currently holds leadership positions on civic boards, improvement districts, and redevelopment authorities in the Houston area. Through his substantial youth and community efforts, he developed a student intern program benefiting hundreds of Texas A&M University students.

The State Fair of Texas is a celebration of all things Texan. There is no better way to learn about agriculture and Texas heritage than by walking through the livestock barns or the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center during the State Fair. Be sure to stop by the Heritage Hall of Honor, located on the second floor of the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center, or visit BigTex.com/HERITAGEHALL to view all of the inductees and learn more about the program.