Longtime Montezuma County Fairgrounds employee Larry Copeland has been promoted to manager of the facility.

He replaces Tanner Young, who served as manager since 2010, but resigned in November to take another job.

Copeland has worked for the fairgrounds since 2011 and has a background in ranching and construction. He said the leadership transition has been smooth.

“The same events and services will continue,” he said. “We are always working to maintain our infrastructure and attract more events.”

Future projects include changing the outdoor arena lights to more efficient light-emitting diode lighting, updating the kitchen and bathrooms and improving the race track.

Some ideas are hosting more concerts at the large capacity outdoor arena and exploring whether a new conference center could be profitable.

The Montezuma County Fairgrounds is a multiuse event center east of Cortez and sees about 80,000 visitors per year. Events include the Four States Ag Expo, Ute Mountain Round Up Rodeo, Ranch Rodeo, junior rodeo, Colorado High School Rodeo, 12 Hours of Mesa Verde bike race, Four Corners Home and Garden Show, county fair, car races, demolition derby, carnival, circus, rodeos, dog shows, gun shows, 4-H Club events, concerts, community meetings and more.

Copeland says the variety of events continues to attract people from throughout the Southwest.

“We have something for everyone,” he said. “Our central location is ideal, and our friendly crew has the experience to make your event successful.”

The fairgrounds has a staff of four and operates on a budget of $200,000 per year.

For more information on events and rates, check out the fairgrounds website at montezumacounty.org