The Junior Livestock Committee is gearing up to make 2024 a banner year for the Montezuma County Fair. A flier on the committee’s Facebook advertises this year’s festivities as a “Small Town Throw Down.”
In the past few years, the fair has seen an increasing number of participants, attributed in part to rapidly increasing enrollment in 4-H programs. Last year, 186 children and teens were enrolled in local 4-H Clubs. In 2024, that number rose more than 10% to 206, the highest enrollment in the county since 2011.
The Junior Livestock Committee, which works under the Fair Board, aims to match that growth in attendance. The committee collects 6% of the money from livestock sales and allocates some for scholarships and some to help grow the fair.
They are saving money to buy a new pen system because the current setup at the fairgrounds cannot accommodate all the animals. This year, the fair will borrow pens from La Plata County.
In an effort to renew interest in fair attendance, participants selling their livestock will host and serve a luncheon of pulled pork sandwiches for potential buyers and community members.
The luncheon will be held at noon Saturday, Aug. 3 in the Main Barn. Tickets, which cost $10, will be available starting July 15. They can be purchased at the Loft Hair and Nail Salon, the Elite Day Spa and Underwood Optical.
The luncheon is scheduled just before the Junior Livestock Sale, a climactic moment for youths who pour large amounts of money and time into their livestock. In the past, sellers have hosted a meet-and-greet with buyers just before the sale.
Many competitions, especially those sanctioned by 4-H, require competitors to keep detailed record books of their animals growth, as well as budget records that detail all the input costs for kids competing in the fair. Some events also require a project separate from the actual animal.
The fair offers non-livestock competitions as well, including three shooting sports and a rocket launch.
“I think it's really good for the kids just to show some responsibility, because not only do they have to participate and make those items, they have to go to all of the meetings that are that are associated. So that's accountability the kids really do have to have,” said Chelsea Philpott of the Junior Livestock Committee.
Each of Montezuma County’s six 4-H Clubs will host a family fun event on Friday, Aug. 2. At 10:30 a.m., Bunnies & More will put on an Easter Egg hunt in the rabbit and poultry barn. Kalvin’s Kids will hold dodgeball at 11:30 a.m. in the Main Barn, where Barnyard Critters will hold Minute to Win It at noon.
Three clubs, Hoofbeats, Round Up and Battle Rock, are hosting eating competitions in the Main Barn, Oreo eating at 11 a.m., watermelon eating at 2:30 p.m. and ice cream eating at 4 p.m., respectively.
These and other family fun events, such as the Greased Pig Chase, sponsored by First National Bank, and a Chicken Chase, put on by IFA, are always among the most popular activities.
The fair will kickoff with a concert featuring local bands Flashback and Vanishing Breed in the outdoor arena on July 27. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the performance begins at 7.
The bulk of events are scheduled between July 27 and Aug. 3, but the Open Class Horse show will take place on Saturday, July 20, at 8 a.m. in the Main Barn.
Entering the fair is free, but there will be vendors and certain events, like the car races on the night of Aug. 3, will charge at the door for tickets.
A full schedule of events is available on the Montezuma County website.
