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Four States Ag Expo kicks off with a special rodeo

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Thursday, March 16, 2017 10:25 PM
Ray Willis learns to rope with the help of Hardy Tozer during the Ag-ceptional Rodeo at the Four States Ag Expo.
Kids compete in the sack race at the Ag-ceptional Rodeo Thursday during the Four States Ag Expo.
Mikaila Robertson pets a miniature dairy goat during the Four States Ag Expo.
The Ute Mountain Roundup Queen tosses the bird for the chicken chase at the Four States Ag Expo.
A chicken flutters into outstretched arms Thursday during the Four States Ag Expo chicken chase at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds.
Brandi Lyons sets up her No Limits booth at the Four States Ag Expo Wednesday afternoon. The Ag Expo started Thursday and continues through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds.
Kevin Rice unhooks a twin rake from a tractor while setting up the Stotz display at the Four States Ag Expo Wednesday. The Ag Expo continues through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds.

The Four States Agricultural Expo started Thursday at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds, and Executive Director Radiance Beals said she’s excited about everything on the schedule.

“We have fun events for everyone to enjoy,” she said. “The weather’s going to be absolutely beautiful, so don’t let that keep you away.”

The expo will feature educational events such as an ag summit workshop and a weeds symposium, as well as fun events such as a pig calling contest and ice cream eating contest, she said.

The stock trials and pretrials will be the big events on Friday and Saturday morning, and the seed stock row is looking full, Beals said.

Perennial favorite events for kids such as mutton bustin’ and chicken chasing also will take place this year, Beals said. New to the expo on Thursday morning is the Ag-Ceptional Rodeo for kids with special needs who aren’t able to compete in other youth events.

“The Ag-Ceptional Rodeo is gonna be a great hit,” Beals said.

Kids also are invited to take part in branding aspen cross-cuts and the Kids Tug O’ War with miniature donkeys on Saturday.

The Expo will feature four clinicians speaking on different topics and offering hands-on experiences. Mia Stovall, of Bayfield, will present clinics on dogs, including a farm dog certification program on Saturday morning.

Carl Wood, of Delta, and Glenn Ryan, of Shawnee, Colorado, will present clinics on horses. Brandi Lyons, from Prescott, Arizona, headlines the clinician schedule with talks on horses including controlling speed, overcoming obstacles and leads.

State Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Marc Catlin will make appearances at the expo on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event also will feature an auction every afternoon, which will be their way to hand out door prizes, Beals said. The festivities will have something for everyone, she added.

“We have a huge variety of vendors coming this year,” Beals said. “I love the whole show.”

jacobk@the-journal.com

If you go

The Four States Agricultural Expo starts Thursday and continues through Saturday at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds, 3 miles east of Cortez.
An adult day pass is $5, and a three-day pass is $15. Children age 16 and under are free.
For a full schedule of events, visit www.fourstatesagexpo.com.

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