Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Youngsters grab share of fair action

link Thomas Garcia: Staff photo

These boys know it’s all about horse power as they compete Saturday in the stick horse race at the Roosevelt County Fair.

Staff writer

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Future cowboys and cowgirls had their day in the center of the Pavilion on Saturday at the Roosevelt County Fair, racing stick horses, chasing down a goat and even rooting for turtles in a race.

“These events are designed to give the younger children their time in the spotlight at the fair,” said Jeanell Paiz, fair board member.

The children competed in stick horse races, goat branding and dummy roping.

“I feel great for finally winning first place,” said Timberlyn West, winner of the dummy roping contest.

Timberlyn said she was second and third at previous fairs.

Brentlee Ruiz, 2, a winner of the stick horse racing, proudly displayed his hardware after the races.

“I won a buckle,” he said.

The Roosevelt County Fair Board orchestrated the events with the help of local businesses, agencies and volunteer help from the Kappa Sigma fraternity, whose members lent a hand to run the turtle races.

“We are appreciative of all the help we receive in running these events,” said Sherri Best, fair board secretary.

Best said there were as many contestants in this year’s events as there were in last year’s fair. She said as soon as the signup for an event is announced there are several children rushing to register for a chance to compete and win a prize.

Best said the winners receive gift cards and buckles that have been donated by various businesses and individuals.

“The children always get excited when they get a ribbon, and we hand out participation ribbons to every child that competed in the event,” Best said.

The fair wrapped up its weeklong activities on Saturday night.