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Denton County honors Bates & Martin Architects and proclaims 50th Denton County Livestock Association youth fair day
Summary
The court recognized Bates and Martin Architects as a Denton County Heritage Business for more than 50 years of operation and proclaimed April 4, 2026 the 50th Denton County Livestock Association Youth Fair & Rodeo Day; both measures passed unanimously and several company and association representatives spoke.
The Denton County Commissioners Court used part of its March 31 meeting to honor long-time local institutions.
Kelsey, representing the Denton County Office of History and Culture, presented a resolution recognizing Bates and Martin Architects as a Denton County Heritage Business (for businesses operating more than 50 years). Mike Bates, Russell Bates and Mark Martin spoke briefly about the firm’s history dating to the 1960s and their work designing churches, schools, retail and civic buildings in the county. The court approved the resolution unanimously (motion by Commissioner Edmondson; second by the judge).
The court then read a proclamation recognizing April 4, 2026 as the 50th annual Denton County Livestock Association Youth Fair & Rodeo Day. Doug Webb, speaking for the Denton County Livestock Association, described the fair as a multi-day event with roughly 760 exhibitors and as many as 1,600 entries this year, and said the youth auction aims to raise about $400,000 for student projects and scholarships. The proclamation passed unanimously.
Why it matters: the recognitions highlight multi-generational local institutions — a long-running architecture firm and a volunteer-run youth fair that supports scholarships and agricultural education.
Next steps: the firms and association will receive heritage decals and the proclamation; county staff took photos and extended congratulations on the record.
