\u201cAn American Tradition\u201d is the theme of this year\u2019s Montezuma County Fair, and the annual event is shaping up to be a summer classic.<\/p>\n
From July 31 to Aug. 3, everyone who is anyone will be enjoying the fair events, rodeos, car races and carnival while chowing down on a traditional Navajo taco, cheeseburger or slice of pizza.<\/p>\n
Groups of youngsters wearing flannel and blue-jeans and arriving in pick-up trucks are sure to be the \u201cin\u201d crowd at the fairgrounds. But there will be no alcohol, and to further avoid the inevitable late-night rowdiness of wide-awake youth in the throes of a hot summer, events will close down at dusk this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe carnival will be more for kids and it will shut down earlier to get away from a late night scene,\u201d said Kathi Marler, fair organizer.<\/p>\n
But not to worry, there will be plenty of opportunity for reckless, smash-mouth behavior during the demolition derby on Friday night, August 2 at the fairgrounds race track.<\/p>\n
If all goes as planned the bleachers will be packed with cowboys sporting Tough Enough to Wear Pink attire, a symbol of the fight against breast cancer.<\/p>\n
The other main events for this year are the Junior Livestock Sale, chuck wagon dinner on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., a ranch rodeo, and plenty of 4-H animal showings and a pet parade.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year the ranch rodeo will be more open to the public and adults, not just youth,\u201d Marler said.<\/p>\n
Another highlight this year: more prize money. An additional $2,000 was added to the ranch rodeo, and $2,500 more was added to the pot for the demolition derby. Tune into Red Rock radio 92 FM for a free ticket giveaway for the derby.<\/p>\n
Bust out your best habanero peppers and chop up your best salsa for a Friday Chips and Salsa contest, a first for the fair.<\/p>\n
The semi-finals of \u201cThe Voice \u2013 Sing Out For Families\u201d competition will take place Friday, July 26, at the fairgrounds at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n
The creative fundraiser benefiting the Pinon Project is the kick-off event for the fair. Contestants at the semis will perform a 90-second piece and can use a musical instrument.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe decided to partner with the fair as a way to draw more of a crowd,\u201d said event organizer Wanda Martin.<\/p>\n
A classic country dance takes place in the main barn for 4-H members on Saturday night. And there will be plenty of Americana, from rifle and archery contests, to cake decorating and corn shucking, to mud volleyball and red-neck horse shoes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be fun for all ages,\u201d Marler said.<\/p>\n
For more information, go to www.montezumacountyfair.com or pick up a schedule at the CSU Extension office downstairs at the county building.<\/p>\n