It’s fair time — something for everyone

Posted

By Roberta Tolan

SUN Columnist

The tents are going up and the excitement is building.

The Archuleta County Fair, Aug. 1-4 at the fairgrounds on U.S. 84, is a highlight of the year for youth, adults and families throughout the county.

It’s a time for residents and visitors alike to celebrate our western heritage and enjoy great food, entertainment and exhibits.

There is truly something for everyone in this year’s fair. If you have a talent or hobby, there is sure to be a category to compete in our Open Class competition for both youth and adults. If you think you make the best barbecue, it’s time to test your recipe with the best at the BBQ Competition on Sunday. And for those who would rather eat than cook, don’t miss the Chuck Wagon Dinner and dance on Saturday night with the High Rollers. The Beer Garden is open each day at 11 a.m. to give folks a chance to enjoy a local brew, and sit and relax with friends and family.

On Sunday, you can start the day with a pancake breakfast, enjoy the car show or buy some delicious local produce at the farmers’ market. You will grin from ear to ear at the Kid’s Rodeo and for an authentic western experience you won’t want to miss the Ranch Rodeo on Saturday, where ranching families compete with everyday ranching skills. Kids can enjoy games and activities throughout the weekend, watch the magician do his magic, and indulge everyone’s favorite — riding the train around the grounds.

The centerpiece of the fair is 4-H; the opportunity for our county 4-H youth to present the projects that they have been working on all year, from livestock to rocketry, fly fishing, cake decorating and many more. These young people have been working hard on each of these projects and along the way have developed leadership and life skills that will serve them well throughout their adult lives.

So, don’t miss this year’s Archuleta County Fair and come “Party With the Animals” Aug. 1-4.

Tickets for the fair can be purchased in advance at the Extension Office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; $9 for an adult for the entire weekend or $3 per adult per day.

For all the information on fair activities, regulations and deadlines, visit our website at www.archuletacountyfair.com.

Junior Livestock Auction

Come to the fair and support local 4-H youth!

The Junior Livestock Auction is Saturday Aug. 3, at 6:30 p.m. Pre-registration is at 5:30. Purchasing an animal at the auction, or supporting a 4-H member has never been easier:

Five ways to buy

For your freezer: Buyers obtain quality beef, lamb, pork, goat, turkey, chicken and rabbit at an attractive price. A quality animal at the auction may actually cost you less than buying your meat at the supermarket at retail price. Businesses can use purchases for employee barbecues.

Splitting an animal: Your friends and neighbors may share a purchase, this is called “splitting.” If there are multiple buyers for any single animal, leave information about all the buyers with the auction clerk when obtaining a bid card.

Packer’s bid: Market price will be established the night of the sale by a packer’s bid. If you do not want the meat, you may sell the animal you purchased to the packer. The amount you paid over market price is tax deductible as advertised. Example of a packer bid for a steer: $.60/lb. (hypothetical). Your bid of $2.50/lb.x1,000 lbs. $2,500. Packer bid of $ .60/lb.x1,000 lbs.=$600. Tax deductible amount=$1,900.

Donation: If you do not want the meat, you can also choose to donate it to an organization for  their use or for a fund-raiser.  For instance, Jack and Claudia Rosenbaum donated a steer they purchased last year to the Pagosa Youth Center.  You can also donate the animal back to the 4-H’er.

Add-ons: As a supporter of 4-H you also have the opportunity to add on to the purchase price of any animal or make a special donation to a specific 4-H member. You can do this at any time during the auction.

As a buyer, you obtain advertising value that accrues through the purchase of these animals. When you purchase a 4-H animal, the 4-H member will provide you with a professional photo after the fair to be displayed in your place of business. Your name will be listed in The SUN, displayed in next year’s Livestock Tent and in next year’s livestock auction book. Call Becky Jacobson at 264-5931 with any questions on how you can support our local youth.

Colorado State University Extension provides science based information on youth development (4-H), agriculture and natural resources, horticulture, family and consumer sciences and community development.

Calendar

July 25 — 4-H Sewing Project meeting, 3 p.m.

July 25 — Thursday Night Rodeo, 6 p.m.

July 26 — 4-H fairgrounds cleanup, 8 a.m.

July 26 — 4-H Rabbit Project meeting, 3 p.m.

July 27 — County fair quilt registration, 8 a.m.

July 27 — County fair quilt judging, 1 p.m.

July 31 — County fair volunteer meeting, 6 p.m.

July 31 — County fair Open Class registration, 1 p.m.

Aug. 1 — County fair opens to public, 8 a.m.

Aug. 1 — County fair 4-H projects open to public, 11 a.m.

Aug. 2 — County fair open to public, 8 a.m.

Aug. 3 — County fair open to public, 8 a.m.

Aug. 4 — County fair open to public, 8 a.m.