Q&A: Fair secretary talks upcoming event

Editor's note: This is one in a continuing series of interviews with local officials. Toni Whitecotton is the Roosevelt County Fair secretary.

Q: Let's talk county fair dates. When does the fair start/end, when are deadlines for submitting entries and how does one go about entering crafts, critters, etc.?

A: The Roosevelt County Fair dates are set for Aug. 20-25.

Livestock entries were closed on July 26, but there is still time to enter for team roping, which is Aug. 21. You may call or text Erin Montano at 575-443-3891 or Daniel Montano at 575-749-1176 for information on that.

The Antique Tractor Show, parade and games will be Aug. 22, and you may contact Michael Eaton for entry information at 575-799-2369.

Also, the 5-D Barrel Race will be Aug. 23 and you may contact Lisa Hale at 575-219-5588 and the entry form is available on the fair website at rooseveltcountyfair.com.

For those that are not into roping, tractors and barrel racing, but are interested in entering crafts, baking, photography, horticulture, quilting, sewing or woodwork, you can submit some of your entries. However, you must be from Roosevelt County or a member in good standing in one or more of the following:

• Roosevelt County School

• Roosevelt County 4-H or FFA Club

• Roosevelt County Extension Club

Entry day is Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you have several entries or in any way need assistance, you may call 575-218-0205 and we will assist you with carrying your items to the barns for entry.

We don't want to leave out Saturday (Aug. 24), which is our day to celebrate all the kids in Roosevelt County for Kids Day. You enter on Saturday for each event so start brushing up on the roping and branding skills, riding that stick horse, chasing that bandana and make sure that you are searching for the fastest turtle around so that you can enter it into the Turtle Race.

Don't forget, bring out your special pet to be recognized in the Kiwanis Pet Show. The age and categories and rules are available on the website as well.

Just a reminder, please make sure all your animals are in a cage, carrier or on a leash while on the fairgrounds.

Q: What are costs for entry this year? Are there discount nights for rides?

A: The fee for adults is $10, youth is $5, senior citizens is $5, and children 5 and under get in for free. Other information on discounts and season passes can be found over on the website.

Our daily gate times are as follows:

• Tuesday – Friday: 3 p.m.-10 p.m.

• Saturday: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

• Sunday: 4 p.m.–10 p.m.

For rides, the arm band fee each day is $35. Carnival hours are as follows:

• Wednesday: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

• Thursday: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

• Friday: 5 p.m.-midnight

• Saturday: 3 p.m.-midnight

• Sunday: 5 p.m.-midnight

Q: What's new this year? What will fairgoers see they didn't see last year?

A: This year, Roosevelt County was awarded funding for upgrades to the fairgrounds, which include upgrades and addition to 100 covered horse stalls, new bleachers for those that will be at the outdoor slab to watch the activities and concerts or if you just need a place to sit and visit.

There are new additions and changes happening at the Pavilion. The fair board will have tents set up at the southside of the fairgrounds with table and chairs for eating at or if you need a place to sit and visit.

The Roosevelt County Homesteaders will be hosting a meet and greet on Aug. 23 under the tents. You can join this club and get information about the Homesteaders Club, and they can answer all your questions about joining the Roosevelt County Extension Homemakers.

The Dance Studio Extreme will have special performances from the 2024 competition team and class dancers on Aug. 22 beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the slab.

The Eastern New Mexico University Rodeo Team Preview will be held at the outdoor arena on Aug. 24. We want to encourage everyone to come out and see what great talent the ENMU Rodeo Team has this year.

On Aug. 25, the Portales School Ballet Folklorico will be performing on the slab. This group has danced in Santa Fe at Legislature, at the National Migrate Educational Program and St. Helen's Fiestas as well as many grand openings and events around the community.

As for indoor exhibits, there will be a "Duded up Denim" display in the Jake Lopez Building. The home arts booths as well as the merchants building booths are expected to be completely full this year.

The fair will have 24 food vendors, and the carnival is going to bring in some new rides as well.

If you need assistance to and from events, please feel free to utilize the Park and Ride service. You may call 575-218-0205 and the driver can pick you up at your vehicle, at the gate or anywhere on the fairgrounds.

This year, the Roosevelt County Fair is proud of the music that will be offered with a little change up. For the performances lineup, visit the website.

Follow the Roosevelt County Fair on Facebook for up-to-date information and notices.

Q: Talk about security measures. 

A: The fair board is working closely with the Roosevelt County Sheriff's Office to make sure that the fair is staffed with officers during the fair and the New Mexico State Police also has access to the fairgrounds.

The Roosevelt County Volunteer Fire and EMS Department and city of Portales Fire and EMS Department are on the fairgrounds all week as well.

- Compiled by Landry Sena, correspondent