Curry fair to feature 'a lot of new stuff'

This week's Curry County Fair will be featuring "a lot of new stuff," Curry County Events Center General Manager K.C. Messick said.

Messick is the man behind "the new stuff" whose goal is to refresh the county fair.

"It's time," Messick said.

Messick said the fair's overall look will be different.

"We're having a rodeo Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday starting at 5 p.m.," Messick said. "So there's a little bit of ag with the livestock shows and sale, a little bit of the western and this is what the fair needs to be about."

The rodeo company is "Renegade Rodeo" from Farmington. Messick said the company was formed some years ago by "New Mexico rodeo legend" Casper Baca who recently passed away. The company is now run by Baca's son.

Messick set up a Mutton Bustin' competition for kids at 5 p.m. Friday.

Messick has scheduled a battle of the bands for 6 p.m. Friday on the outdoor pavilion stage.

"Six bands will enter, only one will survive," Messick said. "The winner gets a $3,000 cash prize, a prize guitar and bragging rights."

A barbecue for active duty and retired military is planned for 4 p.m. Wednesday. Messick also plans on honoring military with a special general admission price of $5 compared to $7 typical general admission.

The general admission price into the fair includes admission to the concert lineup.

But there are traditional fair activities that will still be around: The Junior Livestock shows and sale, the food vendors, the homemaking and food contests and the carnival will stay.

Messick said he wasn't going to get rid of things that were the original purpose of the fair such as the agriculture events.

Monday the livestock arrive at the fairgrounds. The first show that night is the rabbit and poultry shows starting at 6 p.m.

Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. it's the country bred swine show followed by the swine show at 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday features three shows: Dairy cattle at 9 a.m., the goat show at 4 p.m. and lamb show at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday it's the country bred lamb show at 9 a.m. and the country bred beef show at 5:30 p.m. followed by the breeding beef and market beef shows.

Friday it's the Junior Livestock Sale preceded by the dinner at 6 p.m.

And there will be music.

Thursday night's concert features Tejano singer Michael Salgado.

"He's very popular around here, on into El Paso and south Texas," Messick said of Salgado.

Messick said The Liberty Band from San Antonio will also be on stage that night. Messick said they do Tex-Mex and traditional music and that some of the band's members are from the Clovis area.

Saturday night's concerts are country bands Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers and Reckless Kelly.

Saturday features a number of activities because it is Youth Day with the Great American Turtle Race and the United Way of Eastern New Mexico/Southwest Cheese truck pull at 10 a.m.

Wright's Amusements provides the carnival rides and games for the Curry County Fair and they will have special promotions each night of the fair.

"There'll be something for everyone," Messick said. "The city zoo is even bringing some animals."

Messick said when it comes to fair food he's looking forward to the corn dogs and pork kabobs.

"This is the first real big, full fair coming out of the pandemic," Messick said. He said the 2020 fair was canceled because of the pandemic and the 2021 county fair was limited in size.

"This is going to be a real Curry County Fair," Messick said.

Messick said those who want more information should see the "Curry County Fair" Facebook page.