The Galveston County Fair & Rodeo is a 501-3c non-profit organization and its mission is to serve the youth of Galveston County by promoting youth, education, and agriculture. In 1938, the first Galveston County Fair was held at facilities in Runge Park located in Arcadia, Texas. In the early 1980s, the County Fair had reached its limits of growth at Runge Park and plans began for a move to Jack Brooks Park located in Hitchcock, Texas. The move to Jack Brooks Park was completed in time for the 1984 Fair, and this is where the fairgrounds are located today.

The GCF&R generates money to directly benefit the youth through livestock auctions & commitment sales, arts & crafts project sales, animal scrambles and college scholarships. Annually, Galveston County Fair & Rodeo holds a variety of family friendly activities throughout the 10 day fair including Livestock Shows, Rodeo events, Parade, Musical Entertainment, Bar-B-Que Cook-off, Seafood Cook-Off, Carnival, and Special Family Entertainment. The GCF&R hosts "special" days for the community. Special Kid's Day is designated for mentally and physically challenged students, Schools Day for elementary age students, and Senior Citizen's Day. There is also a variety of food and non-food products to see and buy from the many vendors who come to the fair from all over the country.