“Proud of the past, poised for the future” is this year’s theme for the La Plata County Fair.
The fair will be held Aug. 7-11, with pre-fair events Aug. 3-4. All activities will take place at the fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.
The complete 2019 schedule of events can be found at: https://bit.ly/2tqt0qC.
In addition, we have fair books available at the Extension Office at the fairgrounds.
I would like to highlight some great events you won’t want to miss. We are very excited to have the Four Corners’ hometown girl make her Durango debut. Yes, Chevel Shepherd will be live in concert at the rodeo arena on Friday, Aug. 9. Chevel was the winner of the 15th season of the popular television competition “The Voice.”
Local artists Six Dollar String Band will open a fun-filled Friday night of music at the fair. Tickets are available at the Durango Welcome Center, the Extension Office and DurangoConcerts.com.
Also, come support your La Plata County 4-H program by purchasing tickets to the best barbecue of the summer. Once again, 4-H will put on the Community 4-H Barbecue Cook-Off. Four cooking teams will compete for the much-coveted “Sizzling Cup” trophy. They will be judged on overall beef and pork barbecue cooking. We also allow ticket-holders to choose their favorite barbecue through the People’s Choice Award.
Tickets can be purchased for $8 until Aug. 9 from 4-H members or at the Extension Office. At the door, tickets will be $10, and tickets for all seniors (65 and older) and children (2 to 7 years old) will be $5.
A meal will consist of barbecue beef and pork, corn on the cob, country salad, bread, dessert with ice cream and a cold non-alcoholic beverage. Music this year will again be supplied by the great musicians at Stillwater Music.
This event is a great success each year because of our generous community sponsors and volunteers. It really is a celebration of our community and what makes La Plata County such a great place to live.
Another great way to support 4-H that day will be to come shake a leg at the Fair Family Dance. This year, local band The Garrett Young Collective will perform from 9 p.m. to midnight. This is also a 4-H fundraiser and will be held in the area between the Extension Building and Exhibit Hall.
Lastly, Community Overcoming Depressed Youth Project will sponsor a Mental Health Awareness Foam Party at 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, by the livestock barn. This impactful 4-H project will be a great way to destigmatize mental health issues and raise awareness for suicide prevention efforts in our area.
The county fair holds on to many traditions of our past. However, it truly shows off the bright and exciting youths of our future. Please take this opportunity to talk and interact with our 4-H members about their projects.
See you soon.
Greg Felsen is the La Plata County 4-H youth development agent. Reach him at gregory.felsen@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6463.
Greg Felsen
