Montezuma County 4-H is gearing up for one of its biggest weeks of the year with the start of the 2026 Montezuma County Fair, which officially starts July 25 and also has two contests slated for Saturday.
The fair will be held at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds at 30100 U.S. Highway 160 in Cortez.
The fair once again brings young showmen together to display their crafts, spolight their projects and show and sell the animals they’ve laboriously cared for.
Open class shows will allow community members who aren’t in 4-H or Future Farmers of America the opportunity to compete, and family-friendly events will abound.
The week will culminate on Aug. 1 with the Master Showman competition at 11 a.m., Junior Livestock Sale at 5 p.m. and the 4-H dance from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
In the Master Showman contest, the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion from the youth animal competitions (sheep, goats, horses, beef, fowl, swine and rabbits) will prove their skills by showing each animal, starting with the animal they won their category with. The most accomplished showman will be named Master Showman. Last year’s Master Showman was Taylor Garner.
Tierney Wilson, Montezuma CSU 4-H youth development extension agent, said there are currently 234 members in Montezuma County 4-H, and market beef is the program with the most members.
“The fair is more than a competition, it’s a celebration of a year’s worth of learning, growth and hard work,” Wilson told The Journal. “My favorite part is watching our 4-H members gain confidence, cheer each other on and proudly share what they’ve accomplished with our community.”
For 4-H members, the fair is a way to connect with others, learn leadership and guide new members. Nine-year 4-H member Brynley Nichols said the fair has been part of her life every year and is a highlight of the summer.
“I love connecting with friends, showing animals and being able to show off the work that I did during the year to our county,” Nichols said.
Along with watching the 4-H competitions, there are plenty of opportunities for the community to get involved. Registration for open class contests like fowl, pie, salsa and more will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. July 26 and 8 to 10 a.m. July 27.
Other community and family events include IFA Fun Events, Four Corners Community Bank Money Hunt, 360 Sprint Car Races, goat roping, color run, duck hunt, Ranch Rodeo, Peewee showmanship, roping, watermelon eating contest, Family Night, Junior Livestock Sale and more.
Ranch Rodeo entries will be taken at 6 p.m. July 30 and the rodeo will begin at 7 p.m. Team roping entries will be held at 6 p.m. July 31 with a start time of 7 p.m. Family Night will also begin at 7 p.m.
The highly anticipated First National Greased Pig Chase, where children keep the pig they catch, will take place on Aug. 1 at 9:30 a.m. The buyer meet and greet prior to the livestock sale is later that day from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Rocket Launch has been postponed to the fall due to current weather conditions. Wilson said a new date will be announced once it is scheduled.
Wilson said he always reminds people the Montezuma County Fair isn’t about one project area. It encompasses many events: exhibits, interviews, demonstrations, fashion revue, performing arts, cake decorating, community open class, and other projects.
“Every member has dedicated time and effort to learning something new, and I believe every one of those accomplishments deserves to be recognized and celebrated by our community.”
Participating youth also learn skills that can be used in life as they grow.
Tanna Young, another nine-year 4-H member, said she participates in the fair every year because it teaches responsibility and communication skills.
“I can share my love for my animals with others and it will benefit me in the future,” Young said. “… All year long, you get to work hard with an animal and build a connection and by the end of the year, you get to show off all of your hard work.”
Wilson encouraged families who have been thinking about joining the program to stop by the fair to learn more and see what their child may be interested in.
The annual Tour de 4-H and FFA will also be held on Oct. 10 at IFA. At this event, members of the community can learn more about 4-H.
“This event is a great way to meet leaders and members, explore the different project areas available and discover how 4-H can help young people grow through hands-on learning, leadership and community involvement,” Wilson said.
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