Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Goat rodeo, lawnmower races among new events
The Roosevelt County Fair officially kicks off at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. Promoters have a line-up of traditional fair favorites along with new activities.
PORTALES — There's nothing more traditional than a county fair: corn dogs, farm animals, lawnmower races ...
In addition to the staples of the century-old tradition, Roosevelt County fair promoters have come up with some new activities for the 2017 version, which runs Tuesday through Sunday at the fairgrounds in Portales.
"This year, new to the fair are the big lawnmower races," said Paula Grady, the fair board secretary.
"We're hoping it's going to be something big and exciting."
Organizers expect the entertainment to be competitive enough for a "tech inspection" in the pit area.
That's not all that's new.
The home arts department has a painted rock competition.
"Everyone's all head over heels with the painted rocks," Grady said.
Home arts events also include gluten-free baking classes, "nearly homemade" divisions, and a fancy pie contest.
And Diane Lieb, the fair's home arts superintendent, said the Elida sophomore class is sponsoring a goat ranch rodeo.
That's scheduled Thursday night and has divisions for youth and adults.
But old-school fair favorites aren't going away.
Grady said all of the favorite food vendors will be returning, including the 4-H concession stand's "Dairyman's Special" of a cheeseburger and a milk shake.
And don't forget the Little Bit's bag of hot cinnamon and sugar-encrusted donuts that Grady said "will change your religion they're so good."
Staying true to its roots as a family friendly event, Saturday will be "Kids Day" at the fair. Events include stick-horse races, turtle races and a roping contest.
"It's a family time with friends, and it's just something the whole county comes out to do, young and old," said Lieb, whose family has been involved with the fair for generations.
At a glance:
• The fair officially begins with steer weigh-ins at 8 a.m. Tuesday.
• Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children 5-17. Admission is free for children 4 and under. Week-long passes are $25 for adults and $15 for children.
• Carnival rides are scheduled Wednesday through Sunday.
• Entertainment headliners include Will Banister and the Modern Day Ramblers (8-midnight Thursday), Coby Carter (8-midnight Friday) and Bakersfield Twang (8-midnight Saturday).
