The Montezuma County Fair begins this weekend and continues through Aug. 2. It kicks off with a country rock concert Friday night.
Little Texas will perform at the fairground’s outdoor arena at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door, and gates open at 6 p.m. Overton Road is the opening band.
Little Texas is a nationally known country-rock band from Nashville with a modern sound and a stage show that has been critically acclaimed worldwide.
Dubbed “the hardest-working band in country music,” it was not uncommon for the band to play more than 300 shows a year, according to their Facebook page.
The band’s first radio release, “Some Guys Have All The Love,” became a Top-10 hit, as did their next single, “First Time For Everything.” After the album “First Time For Everything” was released, five singles reached the top of the charts.
The second album, “Big Time,” has sold more than three million copies to date, spawned three No. 1 singles, and captured the group’s first CMT Award, a Billboard award, a Radio & Records award and a Grammy nod.
Classic events will return to the county fair, including the Ranch Rodeo, family gymkhana, lawnmower races, animal shows, greased pig chase, chicken chase, demolition derby, goat roping, team roping, barrel racing and an ATV rodeo. There will be chili and salsa contests, and other events.
Traditional 4-H and FFA events will be held, and the livestock sale will occur. There will be a farmers market, craft fair, food, and vendors. Entrance to the fair is free. There is a charge for the concert and the Demo Derby.
Organizing the fair is a collaboration between the county fair board and the Montezuma County Colorado State University Extension office.
Going forward with the youth livestock shows is important for the agricultural community, said county extension director Greg Felsen.
“People are super-excited that the youths can show off the hard work they have done with their animals throughout the year,” he said. “The livestock auction is a chance to support the 4-H community and is a way to get locally raised meat.”
Fair officials say they plan to follow state and county COVID-19 safety guidelines. Facial coverings are recommended for fair attendees, and social distancing should be practiced. People who feel ill or are suspected to have been in close proximity of a person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 are asked to stay home. Also wash hands frequently, refrain from mingling with others outside your household, and practice social distancing.
Indoor venues and arenas will be monitored to avoid overcrowding, officials said.
For more information and the schedule, visit montezumacountyfair.com, their Facebook page, and the Montezuma County CSU Extension website.