If pie-eating competitions, 4-H livestock shows, live music, BBQs and chili cook-offs are right up your clients’ alley, then send them to Colorado this summer. It’s festival season with a slew of small-town country fairs.
Cattlemen's Days, Gunnison
July 10-19
Since 1900, Gunnison has held its own kind of fair. The Cattlemen's Days offers nearly two weeks of livestock competitions, rodeos, parade, cowboy poetry, carnival activities, food, music and more. This year's event will include a special evening of rodeo fun, dancing and auction to benefit the "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" program providing local funding for breast cancer awareness, prevention, education, support, breast screenings and equipment.
www.cattlemensdays.com
Montrose County Fair and Rodeo, Montrose
July 17 - 25
Montrose celebrates its western heritage with traditional livestock competitions and an auction, as well as live music, food and games. The Black Canyon Homebrewers Association competition is a regular highlight.
www.montrosecountyfairandrodeo.org
Mesa County Fair, Grand Junction
July 21-26
Billed as "the best six days of summer" this year's Mesa County Fair brings back the popular demolition derby, Rattlin' the Rockies PBR Enterprise Tour Bull Riding, and a fantastic carnival featuring some new rides and attractions.
New this year - a special performance by the world-famous inspirational group Up With People and the Amazing Rainforest Experience, a unique animal show where conservation and environmental awareness take center stage.
www.mesacountyfair.com
Montezuma County Fair, Cortez
July 25 - August 1
The Cortez fair opens with several days of 4-H judging and demonstration events. On Friday the exhibition halls open and the day is filled with fun and unique kids' games and rodeo events, followed that evening by great entertainment from the Country Gold Tour. Saturday features more rodeo, final 4-H livestock judging, contests, and demolition derby.
www.montezumacountyfair.com
Archuleta County Fair, Pagosa Springs
July 30 - August 2
"How the West Has Fun" is the theme of this fair, and there's plenty of fun for everyone. It all starts on Thursday evening with a concert and Busted Spur Rodeo. The fairgrounds open on Friday for roaming performances, carnival rides, kids' activities, and 4-H judging. Saturday features more of the same, with a chuck wagon dinner, livestock auction and dance lasting into the evening. On Sunday, there will be a worship service, kids' rodeo, and the Lee Sterling Chili Cook-Off finale.
www.archuletacountyfair.com
Delta County Fair, Hotchkiss
August 3 - 8
Enjoy live entertainment, great food and a rodeo, as well as such typical county fair competitions as livestock, produce, canned goods, quilts, and sewing. (970.874.9197)
Middle Park Fair, Kremmling
August 3 - 9
Enjoy the Middle Park Fair rodeo royalty, 4-H activities, barbecue, and kids' events with a petting zoo, greased pig contest, bounce house, and a circus performance. This year's fair will also include a Ranch Hand Rodeo, Logger's Rodeo, and a performance by yodeling cowboy Vic Anderson.
www.middleparkfairandrodeo.com
La Plata County Fair, Durango
August 5 - 9
The La Plata County Fair offers lots of traditional fun, including 4-H livestock judging and sale, fair royalty, carnival rides and games, family dance, and an antique tractor pull.
http://co.laplata.co.us/fairgrounds/LaPlataCountyFair.htm
