RBC | The 102nd Rio Blanco County Fair started last weekend with the 4-H County Shoot-Off and gets rolling in earnest this weekend with the horse show, fashion revue, cake decorating and team roping. Events continue throughout next week.
For long-time residents and 4-H’rs, the Fair is a familiar and highly anticipated event. For newcomers to the area and those not actively involved in 4-H or agriculture, there are some excellent reasons to add “visit the Fair” to your calendar next week.
1. Community Building: County fairs bring people together from all walks of life, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. You might be surprised to discover the depth and breadth of talent and skill exhibited by your friends and neighbors in the indoor exhibits.
2. Local Economy: County fairs often attract visitors from nearby towns and even neighboring areas, boosting the local economy.
3. Showcasing Agriculture: County fairs celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage. Supporting the fair means promoting and preserving this vital aspect of your community’s identity. And what better way to find out which flowers, fruits and vegetables can be produced locally?
4. Educational Opportunities: County fairs offer educational exhibits, workshops, and demonstrations that teach people about agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture, and other valuable skills. The addition of Cam’s Ag Academy: On the Road, is a perfect example (see story below for details).
5. Entertainment and Fun: From the dog show to the new-this-year cat show, to the sheep lead and the Barnyard Olympics and talent show, to perennial favorites like the pet rock and rock rolling contest, the fair offers fun for participants and spectators alike.
6. Cultural Celebration: Fairs often feature cultural displays, arts, crafts, and culinary experiences specific to the region. Embracing and supporting these unique cultural aspects helps preserve and pass down traditions to future generations.
7. Volunteer and Networking Opportunities: The booths at the Fair are a showcase of local organizations and businesses. Connect with like-minded individuals, make new friends, and expand your network.
8. Support for Youth Programs: Youth programs like 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA), provide valuable educational experiences and leadership opportunities for young people. Supporting the fair means supporting these programs and the kids who’ve worked hard all year on their projects. The Junior Livestock Sale generates thousands of dollars annually for youth who’ve worked hard to raise high quality animals, money they can put into future projects or toward a college education.
Want to step it up yourself and participate this year? You still have time to prepare and enter items (open indoor exhibits – not 4-H – are accepted on Wednesday, Aug. 2). Showcase your favorite cookie recipe, enter those garden flowers you’ve been tending, or share that amazing photograph or artwork you’ve created.
You can find the complete RBC County Fair Schedule and instructions for entering an exhibit item in the 2023 Fair Book, available online at https://www.rbc.us/DocumentCenter/View/4393/2023-Fair-Book or pick up a print copy at the county courthouse or the Extension Office at the Fairgrounds.
BY NIKI TURNER
