The 2025 La Plata County Fair was an incredible success, filled with laughter, learning and a deep sense of community pride. This year’s fair offered a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, showcasing the talents of our 4-H youth while bringing the community together to celebrate everything that makes La Plata County special.
We were thrilled to introduce several new events this year, each one quickly becoming a crowd favorite. The Livestock Fashion Show gave 4-H members the chance to dress up their animals and walk them down the “cow” walk in creative costumes, earning smiles and cheers from the audience. The Parent/Leader Showmanship brought a fun twist as adults got a turn in the show ring, and were judged by 4-H members. Our youth carnival was another highlight, offering games and activities that were organized by local nonprofits & businesses. This event not only entertained youth but also showcased opportunities for families and youth in La Plata County.
Of course, the heart of the fair is always the hard work and dedication of our 4-H members. The livestock shows were filled with healthy, much loved animals, a testament to months of early mornings, late nights and consistent effort. In the extension building, visitors were treated to a stunning array of nonanimal projects, each one representing hours of planning, problem-solving and creativity.
Some projects were so impressive they stopped people in their tracks. Paycen, one of our 4-H members, welded a replica elk antler that was nearly indistinguishable from the real one he brought in for comparison. It is an extraordinary example of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and so many hours of hard work. Another crowd favorite was Teagan’s macramé hanging chair, which was both beautiful and functional. Many fairgoers, including me, commented on how comfortable and inviting it is and how much we wanted to take a nap in it.
But as impressive as the projects were, what truly made the fair shine was the incredible support from our community. From cheering in the stands to bidding at the Junior Livestock Auction, the people of La Plata County showed up for our youth in a big way. We are deeply grateful to every buyer, business, and individual who invested in our members. Your generosity not only rewards their hard work but also inspires them to continue setting high goals for themselves.
The fair is more than an event; it is a celebration of what can be accomplished when a community comes together to support its young people. Whether you were a volunteer, a sponsor, a buyer, a parent, or simply a visitor enjoying the exhibits, you played a role in making the 2025 La Plata County Fair one to remember and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
If you missed the fair but would still like to be part of supporting our 4-H program, we invite you to join us at 4-H Night at the Bar-D on Friday, September 12. Tickets are still available, and each one sold helps fund opportunities for local youth to learn, lead, and succeed. You can swing by the Extension Office, 2500 Main Ave., to get your tickets. We can’t wait to see you there and we’re already looking forward to Making the Best Better in 2026.
Angela Fountain is the La Plata County 4-H youth development agent. Reach her at angela.fountain@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6460.
