Special to the HT
RBC | The 2025 County Shoot is in the books. Last Thursday the shooting classes for air rifle and air pistol began the County Fair at the 4-H building in Meeker. Friday archers took aim on bale targets and 3D animal silhouettes at the Rangely Elks range. Then Saturday, shotgunners and .22 shooters met at the Elks range and at the CNCC venues. All of these competitors also have to enter their projects in the 4-H general projects at the fair for public viewing of their accomplishments this year. With a high caliber of skills, these shooting teams and individuals have high hopes of advancing to the Colorado State Fair later in August.
The schedule for this upcoming weekend starts on Friday with the Open Ranch Horse Show at the fairgrounds arena, the Cake Decorating Contest and the Fashion Revue at Meeker High School, and the popular Team Roping at the fairgrounds arena in Meeker. Horse Show events continue on Saturday with the Open Horse Show.
A full week for the fair begins Monday with the Dog and Cat Shows (not scheduled for the same time!). Tuesday, a sneak-peek Reveal Party provides results for the 4-H General Indoor judging and awards for these indoor 4-H projects and the County Shoot awards. This short window of display allows the 4-H exhibitors, parents and the public a bit of reprieve from the suspense of knowing how they have done.
Wednesday is intake for all Open Indoor exhibits. Open Indoor is not just Rio Blanco County residents, but your aunt from Craig, the family reunion with relatives from Utah, or even cousins on the Front Range. We accept all creative exhibits. Then the exhibit halls become closed judging grounds on Thursday.
Wednesday is a hefty day with Poultry and Rabbit shows in the morning and afternoon, with Swine classes beginning at 5 p.m. Last year, our judge had to really work to pick the Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Market hog. Quality is a major objective in the Market animal shows.
Thursday, July 31 is another jam-packed, must-see day. All Goat shows have the morning slot, with the Wool Growers lamb barbecue happening from 4-6 p.m. in the 4-H Exhibit Hall kitchen and the popular Sheep Lead Contest beginning at 3 p.m. The Sheep Show rounds out the day, while the Indoor Open exhibit halls open after judging for public viewing at 6 p.m.
And we’re not done yet. Grab your copy of the fair book at a multitude of public venues and supporting businesses in both Rangely and Meeker. If you don’t see them, ask for your copy or visit either of the CSU Extension offices in Rangely and Meeker which have books along with the entry tags for Indoor Open exhibits.
One very prominent fair supporter is quoted as saying “If you don’t enter the fair, we won’t have a fair.” Bring your creations and we will find a place for them.
Come and enjoy the Rio Blanco County Fair!
UPDATED: This story has been updated to reflect the correct time of the Woolgrowers’ meal on Wednesday, July 31.