County fair will provide family fun

• The fair carnival will open at 5 p.m. Friday.
• The fair includes concerts on Aug. 18-19.

FARMINGTON — The San Juan County Fair opens its six-day run next week with a list of offerings designed to appeal to everyone. 

"Most every day is full of activities," fair board president Robert Echols said. 

People will be able to get a preview of what the fair has to offer during a parade Friday in downtown Farmington. The parade will begin at 6 p.m., and entries will be accepted up until the event starts.

This year's fair theme is "Treasure the Fun." The fair officially opens to the public at 8 a.m. Monday, but the carnival opens at 5 p.m. Friday, and there will be a horse show and barrel racing on Sunday.

A goat show and poultry judging competition will take place Monday, followed by a lamb show, open rabbit show and dog show on Tuesday. The special equestrian show and the pig show will be Wednesday. Thursday will feature the 4H and Future Farmers of America horse show, the steer and heifer show, and the 4H rodeo. On Aug. 18, there will be a concert featuring the country band Restless Heart. Rabbit catch-it and round-robin showmanship is also scheduled for that day. The Aug. 19 lineup will feature a rooster crowing contest, tractor pulls, the junior livestock sale and a concert by David Lee Murphy. More information about the events can be found at sanjuancountyfair.net.

The carnival includes a variety of rides ranging from carousels to rides that lift people into the air and go upside down.

Shalon Jowers manages food trucks at the carnival and has been working the fair for 18 years. Jowers, who is from Aztec, recommended the carnival ride Freakout. Passengers are strapped in, and the ride swings back and forth while seats rotate.  

Echols said his favorite part of the fair is watching livestock competitions. The fair has had a steady number of lambs, steer and swine shown each year. He said there has been a recent increase in rabbits, chickens, turkeys and goats, as more urban children begin participating.

There is also a wide variety of food at the fair, including popular favorites like lemonade and curly fries, as well as new vendors. 

"You certainly can come out and get your taste of any kind of fair food you want," Echols said.

Hannah Grover covers government for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4652.