Photo by Jeff Laydon, Pagosa Photography

The 71st Archuleta County Fair kicks off next Thursday, August 4, and runs through Sunday, August 7.

Throughout the weekend, there are contests, rodeos, a petting zoo, livestock shows, games and surprises for the kids, informational booths, exhibitions and, of course, the 4-H Chuckwagon dinner, Junior Livestock Auction, and the Fair Dance on Saturday evening.

If you would like to volunteer at the Fair, now is your time to contribute, even a few hours. Parking, ticket taking, driving vehicles, and monitoring events or contests are just some of the ways you can get involved. Think about taking time to volunteer and then take some time to enjoy yourself at the annual Archuleta County Fair.

A major component of the Fair is Archuleta County’s heritage of livestock and agricultural. The 4-H organization focuses on a variety of engagement opportunities for our youth that includes not just livestock but sewing, mechanics, entomology, animal showmanship and so much more. Our youth work hard to complete their record books and work on their projects.

However, our adult population can also compete for showmanship awards in many categories including food and floral growth, photography, craft beers, quilting, art, baking and other entries.

There is still time to get your project entered. Visit the Fair website by August 2 and register using the fair’s online system. You have until Aug. 2. Viewing these entries in the Exhibit Hall gives others of us incentive to branch out and try our hand at some of these traditional hobbies.

The rodeo component of the fair is expanded this year to include junior and senior barrel racing on Thursday evening; bares, broncs and bulls on Friday evening; an open rodeo on Saturday at noon; and then the kid’s rodeo on Sunday morning. Whether a spectator or participant, there are plenty of rodeo events for every taste.

For those who like to get out and scoot their boots, multiple concerts are also offered throughout the weekend. Los Mitotitos will play Thursday evening, Jack Ellis and Out on Work Release plays Friday evening, Tim Sullivan hits the stage on Friday night after the rodeo, the San Juan Mountain Boys will entertain during the Chuckwagon dinner, and the Tylor Brandon Band will be the major performer at the dance Saturday night.

If karaoke is your thing, then join in the fun on Sunday at noon.

We thank our business community for their many sponsorship contributions, for this event does not happen without community support.

A full schedule of events can be found at the website. Remember, the fair is free to attend this year, so don’t miss out on your chance to get engaged in traditions of Archuleta County.

Helpful hint: bring an umbrella or rain gear.

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