{"id":65613,"date":"2019-07-28T20:56:00","date_gmt":"2019-07-28T20:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/montezuma-county-fair-gearing-up\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T16:01:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T16:01:52","slug":"montezuma-county-fair-gearing-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/montezuma-county-fair-gearing-up\/","title":{"rendered":"Montezuma County Fair gearing up"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/p>\n

The Montezuma County Fair ramps up this week with livestock shows, chili contests, children\u2019s events and more.<\/p>\n

The festivities at the fairgrounds kicked off Friday night with a concert by country rock band Reckless Kelly, and on Saturday evening, youths from local 4-H groups took over the arenas to ready their pens.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor a lot of the parents, I think 4-H and the FFA programs are just to try to help develop their leadership skills and to become a better, successful person,\u201d said Kelly Comisky, a member of the fair\u2019s board of directors.<\/p>\n

She pointed to the responsibility skills learned by raising an animal.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of them raise them from birth,\u201d Comisky said. \u201cSome of them breed their own. And then some do buy, but they\u2019re still taking a lot of time and effort into raising those animals, which \u2013 end goal \u2013 is nothing but teaching them responsibility and skills for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

The biggest difference this year was the Reckless Kelly concert, Comisky said. The concert saw a high turnout Friday. Other than that, fairgoers will see many old favorites, including goat roping, chicken chasing, the second annual ATV Rodeo and the popular Demolition Derby.<\/p>\n

The Ranch Rodeo will be Friday, although fair officials are unsure of turnout, Comisky said \u2013 an outbreak of vesicular stomatitis is expected to keep some animals at home because of quarantine requirements by the state. Last Saturday\u2019s team roping competition was canceled after a couple cases of the virus were discovered in La Plata County.<\/p>\n

The 4-H\u2019ers are divided into tents based on species \u2013 sheep, goats, rabbits and poultry, swine and beef. Saturday evening\u2019s pen setup was mandatory for participants, as preparation for Tuesday, when they will be allowed to bring their animals to the fair.<\/p>\n

\"Bennie
Bennie Gordanier grabs the ribbon off a goat\u2019s tail during a children\u2019s event Sunday morning at the Montezuma County Fair.<\/span>Jim Mimiaga\/The Journal<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

Autumn Harmon is a member of both the Barnyard Critters, her main 4-H group, and the Clover Buds, a group that targets youngsters ages 5-7, said her mother, Jenna Harmon.<\/p>\n

Last year, as a 5-year-old, she took part in the fair for the first time, and on Saturday she was preparing her rabbit pen. \u201cThe main thing that she focuses on is breeding rabbits,\u201d Jenna Harmon said. \u201cNot market, but breeding.\u201d<\/p>\n

At this year\u2019s fair, Autumn will show her rabbit at the open show and enter a green bean plant she grew as part of the Clover Buds. Along with that, she will take part in a variety of activities with the Barnyard Critters.<\/p>\n

The Family Gymkhana events held Sunday morning attracted about 30 children ages 3-18. Relatives and friends cheered in the stands, and country music played. Events included mutton busting, horse riding skills, goat tying and barrel racing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a fun event for families and kids, with a lot of belt buckle prizes at the end,\u201d said organizer Erin Gordanier.<\/p>\n

\"An
An equestrian accelerates to the finish line during the keyhole event during the Montezuma County Fair.<\/span>Jim Mimiaga\/The Journal<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

The mutton busting tradition of setting a child on a nervous sheep then letting it bolt out of a pen into the arena generated good entertainment.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome use the death grip on the wool, others do the arm and leg wrap around the sheep,\u201d Gordanier said. \u201cFor kids, it\u2019s an adventure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was fun getting flipped and rolled,\u201d said participant Hayden Forest.<\/p>\n

Different age classes participated in the timed keyhole event, in which a contestant rides a horse into a chalkline in the shape of a keyhole, turns the horse and rides out without touching the lines.<\/p>\n

\"Jenna
Jenna and Autumn Harmon pose in front of rabbit pens.<\/span>Erika Alvero\/The Journal<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

For the goat-tying, participants run their horses hard to the center of the arena, dismount and tie up a goat\u2019s legs.<\/p>\n

Gymkhana events are casual and open to anyone. Gymkhana is not part of 4-H or FFA.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe kids practice and learn control of their horses and roping technique,\u201d Gordanier said.<\/p>\n

ealvera@the-jounral.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Schedule<\/h4>\n

The schedule for the 2019 Montezuma County Fair:
\n Tuesday, July 30
\n 7 to 9 a.m.<\/em>
\n Swine check\/weigh-in \u2013 Swine Barn
\n 8 to 10 a.m.<\/em>
\n Rabbit\/Poultry check-in \u2013 Rabbit\/Poultry Barn
\n 9 to 10 a.m.<\/em>
\n Goat check\/weigh-in \u2013 Sheep\/Goat Barn
\n 10 to 11 a.m.<\/em>
\n Sheep check\/weigh-in \u2013 Sheep\/Goat Barn
\n 10 a.m.<\/em>
\n 4-H Cake Decorating Contest \u2013 Main Barn
\n 11 a.m.<\/em>
\n to noon Beef check\/weigh-in \u2013 Beef Barn
\n 1 p.m.<\/em>
\n 4-H Demonstration contest \u2013 Main Barn
\n 1 p.m.<\/em>
\n Herdsmanship interview and poster contest
\n 3 p.m.<\/em>
\n 4-H Archery Shoot \u2013 MCFG Range
\n 3 to 7 p.m.<\/em>
\n Vendor setup
\n 5 to 7 p.m.<\/em>
\n Exhibits open to public
\n 5 to 7 p.m.<\/em>
\n Community Open Class Awards Reception \u2013 Main Barn
\n 6 p.m.<\/em>
\n ATV Rodeo and Lawn Mower Race \u2013 Outdoor arena
\n Wednesday, July 31
\n 7 a.m.<\/em>
\n 4-H Rocket Launch \u2013 Parking Lot west of grandstands. Cloverbuds launch afterward
\n 8:30 a.m.<\/em>
\n 4-H\/FFA Goat Show \u2013 Main Barn
\n 8:30 a.m.<\/em>
\n Open Class Goat Show \u2013 Main Barn
\n 9 a.m.<\/em>
\n to 5:30 p.m. Exhibits open to public
\n 10:30 a.m.<\/em>
\n Scavenger Hunt (Bunnies & More 4-H)
\n 11:30 a.m.<\/em>
\n 3-Legged Barrel Race (Hoofbeats 4-H)
\n 1 p.m.<\/em>
\n Tug of War (Battle Rock 4-H)
\n 2:30 p.m.<\/em>
\n Dress your pet contest \u2013 Main Barn (Dolores FFA)
\n 3 to 4 p.m.<\/em>
\n Sheep Scramble\/Water Fight preregistration required, parent signature required \u2013 Main Barn
\n 3 to 7 p.m.<\/em>
\n Horticulture entries taken \u2013 Main Barn
\n 5 p.m.<\/em>
\n 4-H\/FFA Sheep Show \u2013 Main Barn. Open Sheep Show to follow
\n Thursday, Aug. 1
\n 8 a.m.<\/em>
\n 4-H\/FFA & Open Rabbit Show \u2013 Main Barn
\n 9 a.m.<\/em>
\n Horticulture judging \u2013 Main Barn
\n 9 a.m.<\/em>
\n to 5:30 p.m. Exhibits open to public
\n 10 a.m.<\/em>
\n 4-H & Open Poultry Show \u2013 Rabbit\/Poultry Barn
\n 11 a.m.<\/em>
\n Peewee Round Robin \u2013 Cortez FFA
\n 12 p.m.<\/em>
\n Firefighter Water Fight \u2013 Round Pen. 13-year-olds and older 1 p.m. Cool Whip Bubble (Round-up 4-H).
\n 2 p.m.<\/em>
\n Chicken Chase, Ages 3-5
\n 2:30 p.m.<\/em>
\n Chicken Chase, Ages 6-7
\n 4:30 p.m.<\/em>
\n Bucket Calf Show \u2013 Main Barn
\n 4:45 p.m.<\/em>
\n Montezuma County Fair 2020 Royalty Crowning
\n 5 p.m.<\/em>
\n 4-H\/FFA Beef Show \u2013 Main Barn, Open Beef show to follow
\n 6 p.m.<\/em>
\n Goat Roping \u2013 Outdoor Arena
\n Friday Aug. 2 Red Friday-Kids Day
\n 8:30 a.m.<\/em>
\n 4-H\/FFA Swine Show \u2013 Swine Barn. Open Swine Show to follow
\n 9 a.m.<\/em>
\n Rooster Crowing \u2013Poultry Barn
\n 9 a.m.<\/em>
\n to 5:30 p.m. Exhibits open to public
\n 10 a.m.<\/em>
\n to 3 p.m. Kids Fun Day (activities all day)
\n 11 a.m.<\/em>
\n Egg Toss (Kalvin\u2019s Kids 4-H) \u2013 Outside Beef Barn
\n 11:30 a.m.<\/em>
\n Dummy Roping 12 and younger \u2013 Main Barn
\n 1 p.m.<\/em>
\n Sheep Scramble for $50- Outdoor Arena, must preregister
\n 1 p.m.<\/em>
\n Rabbit Expo \u2013 Rabbit\/Poultry Barn
\n 2 p.m.<\/em>
\n IFA Chicken Chase, ages 3-5, \u2013 Swine Barn
\n 2 p.m.<\/em>
\n Dummy Roping, ages 13-18 \u2013 Main Barn
\n 2:30 p.m.<\/em>
\n IFA Chicken Chase, ages 6-8 \u2013 Swine Barn
\n 3 p.m.<\/em>
\n Open Dummy Roping \u2013 Main Barn
\n 3 p.m.<\/em>
\n Grand Round Robin \u2013 Outdoor Arena
\n 3 p.m.<\/em>
\n Four Corners Community Bank Money Hunt, ages 3-4 \u2013 Main Barn
\n 3:30 p.m.<\/em>
\n Four Corners Community Bank Money Hunt, ages 5-6 \u2013 Main Barn
\n 4 p.m.<\/em>
\n Four Corners Community Bank Money Hunt, age 7 \u2013 Main Barn
\n 4:30 p.m.<\/em>
\n Four Corners Community Bank Money Hunt, age 8 \u2013 Main Barn
\n 7 p.m.<\/em>
\n Ranch Rodeo \u2013 Outdoor Arena. Entries due by 6 p.m.
\n Saturday, Aug. 3
\n 8 a.m.<\/em>
\n Mandatory sale meeting \u2013 Main Barn
\n 9 a.m.<\/em>
\n to 5:30 p.m. Exhibits open to public
\n 9:30 a.m.<\/em>
\n Chicken Chase, ages 3-5
\n 10 a.m.<\/em>
\n Chicken Chase, ages 6-7
\n 10 a.m.<\/em>
\n Four Corners Community Bank Money Hunt, ages 3-4 \u2013 Main Barn
\n 10:30 a.m.<\/em>
\n Four Corners Community Bank Money Hunt, ages 5-6 \u2013 Main Barn
\n 11 p.m.<\/em>
\n Four Corners Community Bank Money Hunt, age 7 \u2013 Main Barn
\n 11 to 11:30 a.m.<\/em>
\n Chili & Salsa Contest, entries accepted \u2013 Main Barn
\n 11:30 p.m.<\/em>
\n Four Corners Community Bank Money Hunt, age 8 \u2013 Main Barn
\n 11:30 a.m.<\/em>
\n First National Bank Greased Pig Chase \u2013 Swine Barn
\n 12 to 12:30 p.m.<\/em>
\n Public Taste and Vote for Chili and Salsa contests \u2013 Main Barn
\n 12 p.m.<\/em>
\n Musical Pie (Barnyard Critters 4-H) \u2013 Main Barn
\n 1 to 1:45 p.m.<\/em>
\n Buyer meet-and-greet \u2013 Livestock Barns
\n 2 p.m.<\/em>
\n Junior Livestock Sale \u2013 Main Barn. Chuckwagon dinner to follow sale \u2013 Cowbelles
\n 5 p.m.<\/em>
\n Release vendors
\n 5 p.m.<\/em>
\n Demolition Derby gates open \u2013 Racetrack
\n 6 p.m.<\/em>
\n Demolition Derby Starts \u2013 Racetrack
\n Sunday, Aug. 4
\n 8 to 10 a.m.<\/em>
\n Open entry release
\n 10 a.m.<\/em>
\n Livestock and exhibit release, pen teardown and cleanup.
\n The Journal<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Reckless Kelly kicks off events; now, youngsters will take the stage<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":65614,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6143,5993,5738,5740,5737,5736,6144,6142,5735,5741],"tags":[947,281,21,13,28,167,2105,29],"naviga_topic":[],"class_list":["post-65613","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-4-h","category-agriculture","category-cortez","category-frontpage-lead","category-headlines","category-local-news","category-local-news-lead","category-montezuma-county-fair","category-news","category-newsletter","tag-4-h","tag-agriculture","tag-cortez","tag-frontpage-lead","tag-headlines","tag-local-news-lead","tag-montezuma-county-fair","tag-newsletter"],"acf":[],"author_name":"dh_admin","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65613","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=65613"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65613\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":92586,"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65613\/revisions\/92586"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/65614"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=65613"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=65613"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=65613"},{"taxonomy":"naviga_topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/naviga_topic?post=65613"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}