The La Plata County Fair opened officially Wednesday, kicking off five days of celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage with a smattering of events that range from traditional animal husbandry to the full-fledged destruction of the demolition derby. This year’s fair, whose theme is “A seriously good time,” will surely deliver a glimpse of the region’s personality and achievements, packaged to bring the community together.
Throughout the week, the fair offers focus on the traditional agricultural undertakings that include judging of the swine, goat and fleece categories. Contenders for fair royalty gave their speeches Thursday, and a corn-shucking contest allowed those interested to display their prowess. The various home economics, horticulture, floriculture and creative-arts entries will be on display for the public and judges to peruse. It is worth a trip through the La Plata County Fairgrounds extension building to see the quilting, gardening, baking, canning and countless other skills so prevalent in the county.
Today, the livestock judging will cover rabbits and beef, and the day’s activities will culminate at 7 p.m. with a livestock sale, talent contest and antique tractor pull taking place simultaneously at the fairgrounds. Saturday, though, is the fair’s main event when the demolition derby begins at noon and is complemented by the ongoing 4-H barbecue cook-off held from noon to 5 p.m. The fair’s royalty will be crowned at 5:45 p.m., and the evening will finish with a family dance from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. on the patio. With carnival rides and games throughout the week, the fair is as much a rite of summer as sprinklers and lemonade and, for many of La Plata County’s children, marks a final hoorah before school’s beginning. Take time to enjoy the tradition.
