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Each year you see the Arkansas Valley Fair Queen and her attendants in the parade during the fair. You might think they are just pretty riders on horses, but their journey is much more than one parade. The queen and her attendants, on the average, travel 4000 to 6000 miles a year throughout the state representing not just the Arkansas Valley Fair, but the communities in the valley. Let’s chart their journey for one year. First of all they must have a horse and horsemanship skills to compete for the title. If they become the queen or one of the attendants, they need a wardrobe to represent the fair in parades, rodeos and other functions throughout the state. Minimum is two hats (white & black at $75 to $400 each) two pair of boots (start at $100 each) 5 different parade shirts (most are sewn by contestants) dresses for special functions, fancy belts for outfits and rodeo chaps. Since they are responsible for costs of these, they sponsor special rodeo competitions such as jackpot barrel racing to meet the costs. They appear in rodeos and parades in Cheyenne Frontier Days, Greeley Stampede, Missouri Day, Crowley County Days, Pike’s Peak or Bust, Sand & Sage Celebration, Colorado State Fair, Burlington, Kiowa County, Douglas County, Yuma, Trinidad and others. The queen pulls the 4-horse Arkansas Valley Fair trailer. The trailer is paid for by the girls recruiting sponsors to put their names on the trailer. The Arkansas Valley Fair pays for the gas as the girls travel from Trinidad to Cheyenne. These girls, just as other participants in the non-profit fair, pay their way to support and represent the fair. During the year, they also do community service. These projects have included projects at nursing homes, horse rides for the handicapped, being readers at preschools and trick or treat for can goods for the food banks. The Queen this year is Jessica Gasser. She wears the 2nd oldest continuous fair tiara in the state decorated with distinctive turquoise settings. ChiAnn Wiseman as the senior princess.

What started out in 2002 as an idea for a mud race, quickly changed due to drought conditions, to an ATV Challenge for 2003. With the addition of an Pull Sled in 2005, the ATV Challenge and Sled Pull has modified it’s existence to accommodate men and women riders of all ages 18 and over. This year’s event will be held on Sunday, August 19th at 1 p.m. Registration will be held from 10 a.m. - noon at the back gate to the arena. The Challenge is broke down into three classes: 2 WD; 4 WD, 400 cc’s and below; and 4 WD, 401 cc’s and above. Participants line up in two separate but identical lanes, competing head to head for the best time. Only the top racers move on to the finals. Riders will maneuver over obstacles such as teeter-totters, hills, mud pits and moguls and whatever else director of the event thinks will please the participants as well as the spectators. The Sled Pull is fashioned like the Truck and Tractor Pulls and will be broke down into several classes depending on the size of the individual’s ATV engine/cc size. Competitors must be 18 and older and all participants must wear a helmet in either event.

2. In the Exposition Building on the fairgrounds near the 9th Street entrance, see one of the largest fine arts and crafts display in the Arkansas Valley. There are many categories and many entries both in two and three dimensions. Judging from the past, you will see over 200 entries in watercolors, oils, acrylics, graphics, pastels, sculptures in many medias, photographs, painted gourds, painted metals and cow skulls, pottery and always some new creation to enjoy that is different than anything brought in before. There will also again be a featured guest artist in the exhibit. Entries may also be obtained in early August at the Rocky Ford and La Junta Chamber of Commerces or directly off the internet at www.arkvalleyfair.com.

The most unusual building on the fairgrounds is the octagon-shaped building that is west of the grandstand that is affectionately called “The Round House.” For many years, it has been filled with beauty and love. Persons have toiled in gardens and cut and sewn cloth, and knitted and crotched yarn to create items of love and decoration for their families and others to enjoy. They bring their creations to the fair to share these expressions of beauty with their neighbors. Their scrapbooks are full of family memories.

Last year, over 65 to 70 entries in needlework, quilting and scrap booking decorated the interior of the building. The doors are open on Wednesday, August 15, after judging, and will be open throughout the fair from noon to 10 pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and from 9 am to 10 pm on Saturday, August 18. Items will be picked up on Sunday. The hanging quilts and other items are an explosion of color. When you visit, you can vote for your favorite quilt to win the People’s Choice ribbon. Director Pebble Pearl says entry forms with necessary information will be available at Rocky Ford and La Junta Chamber of Commerces in early August and also online at www.arkvalleyfair.com. Come share at the fair with your beautiful item and/or explore this part of the fair when August rolls around. For the 130th fair a 96x96 quilt made by Cynthia Montini, Sandie Dell and Paula Brubaker named "Star Wishes" will be raffled off at 4pm Aug. 18. tickets may be purchased at the round house during the fair.

In 1950, the Garden Club started the flower show and for most years has sponsored the event. Its members organize the show, secure a judge and order the ribbons bestowed on the winners. They use the theme of the fair to fit the various categories and receive the entries as they come in. In early August, they have the program and entry blanks for the public available at the Rocky Ford Chamber of Commerce. In the past, there are about 10 categories with entries numbering between 70 and 80 and as high as 100. It is an amateur show with categories for both novice and experienced exhibitors as well as special categories for youth and residents in nursing homes. Exhibitors bring their entries to the Round House on Thursday from 11 am to 2:30 am. Open flower show judging is from 3pm to 5 pm. and building will close at 10 pm. On Friday, the Round House is open after the parade until 10 pm and on Saturday will open at 9 am and close at 10 pm. Entries will be picked up on Sunday. If you have any questions, you may call Rose McClain at 254-3462. This years theme isHeartfelt Memories. If you don’t visit the Round House, you will miss some of the “beauty and eloquence” at the fair.

For a night of surprises, fun, excitement and thrills, don’t miss the Demolition Derby, Saturday , August 16, at 7:30 pm in the Arkansas Valley Fair grandstand arena in Rocky Ford. In past years, between 65 and 85 courageous large car drivers compete to win the 3 to 4 hour grueling, but entertaining, contest with a top $1500 prize and trophy. The audience is full of friends and family that encourage these amateur drivers to be the lucky and happy winners. However, there are many prizes and trophies to reward to the many drivers whose heart and effort put on a great show for the crowd.

The other cars still have a chance to make the finals. The remaining cars in Heat 1 and 2 go to semi-final 1, and Heat 3 and 4 go to semi-final 2. The last two cars in each heat proceed then to the finals. This puts 20 cars in the final contest of the night. Then, it’s all out to be the “last car not just standing, but running.” You can’t beat the enthusiasm and excitement of both the drivers and the crowd.

So as not to leave out small cars, there is an earlier contest featuring them. In both the large and small car contests, they cannot be welded (doors and windows) like the professional derby cars. This gives the average guy or gal the chance to get their car ready in a shorter period of time. The gas tank is moved to the back seat, and with other simple modifications the cars are ready to go. There is over $5,000 in prize money for the two contests and at least 1/3 of the drivers get some recognition in money and trophies. It’s a great tradition for the fair that is here to make the fair fun and affordable for participants and families. Reserve tickets for the event can be purchased at the fairgrounds during the week of the fair. It is always a sold out event.

For those of us that are not a part of the “country” scene, but are curious about what cowboys did or are still doing–the cutting horse contest is the place to see the skills of the animal and the rider. The event will take place as a pre-fair event Sunday, August 10, 2087, starting at 9 pm at the Rocky Ford grandstand. Each competitor is hoping to win some prize money. There is no admission fee to watch the event–just bring your curiosity.

The Cutting Horse Contest at the 131st Arkansas Valley Fair starts with a herd of cattle in the arena next to a fence. Just as described, a horse and rider “cut” or isolate a cow from the rest of the herd. As soon as it is cut away from the herd, the cowboy turns the job over to the horse. The cowboy drops his hand and lets the reins become slack. The horse has to keep the cow away from the herd. As soon as this is accomplished by either the cow turning away from the herd or standing still, the horse and rider can again cut another cow out. The contest is to see how many cows the horse and rider can cut out of the herd in 2 ½ minutes. A solid cutting horse takes as long as 8 years to train. There are 8 different contests on Sunday at the fair that feature both amateur and professional horses and riders. They pay entry fees with the top three contestants in each event winning that prize money. This event honors the tradition and training of both the horse and rider.

If you love animals, there are many places at the fair to see them. Besides the rodeo events, there is a (AQHA) horse show on Saturday, August 9, at the grandstand, many horses in the parade and also their cousins, the Shriners’ Mule Team that will be in both the parade and Grand Entry for the Rodeo on Friday, August 15. You can see large and small. The horse show begins with the new foals and then features fillies, mares, geldings, western riding, trail class, jr. and sr. western pleasure, jr. and sr. reining and reined cow horse. There are 49 categories and prizes to be won. You can see the excitement of the winners and imagine the work and training involved in owning and showing an animal. On Friday and Saturday, catch the excitement of the horse races. The fair is one of the few places you can still see a horse race in Colorado. With at least 4 horses entered in a race,over twelve races are planned each day for both Friday and Saturday. This will include gate races, saddle races, kids’ races, wild horse race, 3 horse relays, Watermelon Derby, etc. ( The famous jockey Pat Day cut his teeth winning the Watermelon Derby. when asked after winning the Kentucky Derby what other race won was a big thrill, he mentioned the Watermelon Derby.) Journey to the 4-H Barn at the west end of the fairground and you will see roosters, chickens, bunnies, hogs and pigs, cow and calves, goats and lambs. For city folks it may be a trip to the past (you’re glad you’re not seeing a cow to milk every day) or it may be the first time a child sees an actual farm animal.

Each winner from previous contests at their nursing homes displays their talent and is recognized for what they have accomplished in their lives for themselves and their families. Their families are so proud of them. The winners ride in the parade on Friday and are eligible for the State Fair contest for Silver King and Queen. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a dinner and be a part of this. Pioneer Health Care Center is sponsor of the event and reservations can be made with them. Last year (10) contestants vied for the crown.

While memories are cherished at the Silver King and Queen Contest at the Gobin Building, new experiences and special lifetime memories for kids and their parents are created at the fair. Wednesday from 1-3pm there will be kids activities in the Entertainment Tent sponsored by KFVR radio station. The Arkansas Valley Fair is family and kid friendly with no admission at the gate and many events and contests for kids. This includes special bracelets and rates at the carnival for our Kid’s Day from noon until 6pm, Thursday, August 14. Also, on that day, babies can be in a crawling contest, or be in a look-alike contest with a parent. Older kids can race their turtles, ride their bikes and trikes in races, be part of a stick horse rodeo, hunt for treasures in a sand box, be in a talent show, participate in mutton busting or take part in the Melon Olympics. On other days there is face painting for kids on Wednesday, August 13, and Saturday, August 16, the 2-mile Kid’s Race run starts at the Rocky Ford City Hall at 8 am. Sunday, August 17, features the K’nex Building Trust Contest where contestants really have to listen to their parents in order to win. Other fun activities for kids during the fair are 4-H, horse races, and the flower show. For the young at heart, there is the Baldheaded Man Contest at the 4-H Barn on Wednesday at 11am and on Saturday the 10 K Run at City Hall, the Seed Spitting Contest at the Watermelon Pile and Horseshoe Pitching at 1 pm. If you like to try your chance at Bingo, go to the Ed Gobin Bingo Building from 1 pm to 10 pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For all other activities, check at www.arkvalleyfair.com or pick up a schedule at local businesses in the valley or at the Rocky Ford and La Junta Chamber of Commerces. Make some memories!

If you come to the fair hungry, you sure don’t have to stay hungry. Each morning there is breakfast at the 4-H Kitchen with good food and fresh baked pies continuing through out the day. Vendors offer many special foods from funnel cakes to turkey legs. In between are hamburgers, pizzas, bratwurst and polish sausages, hot dogs, chicken, cotton candy, fresh lemonade and all kinds of drinks. On Wednesday, August 13, there will again be a homemade pie social at 6:30 p m$2 donation will get a piece of pie/drink andtake it to the grandstand before musical entertainment at 7 pm. featuring Desert Reign Gospel music group.

Do you like Country?–Do you like Western? Do you like Gospel? You can hear it all at the fair. Family Entertainment will start in the grandstand on Wednesday evening at 7pm featuring Desert Reign a fantastic country sound with a powerful gospel message is accomplished though outstanding songwriting, incredible harmonies, and down-right good pickin'! Their lighthearted humor and 'non plastic" approach has been called a breath of fresh air to those who have heard them. I f you have ever felt dry and thristy in your soul, you will want to come and experience this event! Visit their web site: www.desert-reign.org

“Are You Tough Enough to Wear Pink?” Last year the western industry proudly answered this question with a $1 million check presented at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo to breast cancer research. The Arkansas Valley Fair Royalty along with the La Junta Kids Royalty has joined forces to aid in the fight against breast cancer. They will be selling “pink items” to wear during the La Junta Kids Rodeo with their “pink” day being Sunday August ^{2nd. They will again be out in full force for the Arkansas Valley Fair’s Pink Night held on August 15th during the CPRA Rodeo. They will also be holding a 50/50 raffle with the proceeds all going to benefit breast cancer research, awareness, education, screening and treatment for the millions of Americans affected by the disease.}

When you come to the rodeo at the Arkansas Valley Fair, you see a glimpse of the American past and the skills a cowboy possessed in our unique culture. According to Ralph Clark, About Rodeo Guide--on early ranches, duties included roping, horse breaking, riding herding, branding and much more. Today, these same activities remain on modern ranches but have also developed into a unique modern sport–rodeo. To see how this event evolved, you have to go back to the just after the Civil War. Ranchers from the Southwest would organize long cattle drives, to bring cattle to the stockyard in towns like Kansas City, where trains would carry the cattle east. At the end of a long, hard ride cowboys liked to show off their skills. The first recorded such competition took place at Deer Trail, Colorado, when two cattle drives converged, and they challenged each other. Long cattle drives, like many traditions of yesterday, became obsolete because of a new invention. That invention, barbwire, created large cattle ranches that made large cattle drives both unnecessary and impossible. Still, cowboys still liked to “meet up” and compete to show off their skills they were still using on ranches–the riding, the roping, the handling of the stock. Informal cowboy competitions grew in small communities and then spread to larger cities–and with a touch of the Wild West Shows that Buffalo Bill Cody created.

Also according to Ralph Clark, in 1936, a hallmark moment happened in the history of rodeo. A group of roughly 60 cowboys at the Boston Garden Rodeo, became angry over promoter W. T. Johnson’s refusal to advertise the rodeo and to add their entry fees to the prize money. They decided to stage a walk-out and refused to compete. Johnson tried to find replacements without success and finally conceded. With their demands met and a new found sense of worth, the cowboys formed the Cowboy Turtles Association. They called themselves “turtles” because, as the story goes, they were slow to organize but finally stuck their necks out. The Cowboy Turtles changed their name in 1945 to the Rodeo Cowboys Association, and the modern sport of rodeo was born. Many early cowboys, such as Fritz Truan, were also boxers–which is how the rodeo buckle became the preferred trophy of rodeo events.

Leonard Stroud, one of the first professional cowboys, lived in Rocky Ford during the 1920’s. He was a star bronco rider from 1914 to 1923; he roped calves, bulldogged steers, entered relay races and competed as a fancy roper. He was the trick-riding champion of the rodeo world for ten years and was one of the first cowboy to make a living from prize money. He is in the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. Another rodeo legend, Bill Pickett, who invented bulldogging, demonstrated this skill for the first time at the Arkansas Valley Fair. Later, in the 50’s, professional cowboys such as Casey Tibbs competed at the fair. We still have young cowboys and cowgirls that love to compete and show their skills. On Friday afternoon come see the area Queens barrel race following with Mexican Rodeo, and horse races. Then Saturday afternoon the 16th, leave your TV and easy chair behind. Be in the grandstand to watch exciting (CPRA) Rodeo just $5.00 horse races, rough stock, barrel racing and other timed events that still let a gathering of cowboys and cowgirls compete and show their skills.

On Thursday evening at 6 pm , August 14, at the Arkansas Valley Fair grandstand this event will take place with around 40 truck and tractor entries in 7 classes competing for trophies and bragging rights that their entry has the most power. The classes will range in the tractor class from an econo modified V8 automotive 360 cubic inch to a 557 cubic engine vehicle. The various classes include tractor, 4-wheel drive pickups and 2-wheel drive pickups. This year the competition will have a new sled that has eliminated any breakdowns at previous competitions throughout the state. Last year, entries were from Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico and Nebraska. At 5:30 pm prior to the main show, a mini show will feature contests with local owners of 4-wheel drive pickups and stock tractors. These entrants only have to show up to be in this early competition.

On Friday, August 15, 2087, the Arkansas Valley Parade will again take place down the Main Street of Rocky Ford. It can boast it is one of the largest parades in southern Colorado with about 125 entrants every year. It starts with the Arkansas Valley Fair Queen and her attendants serving as color guards followed by the Grand Parade Marshall, the descendants of George W. Swink in an open convertible. What follows are floats, bands, mayor, riding groups, cheerleaders, many Shriner units, fire trucks, the newest farm equipment and various walking and riding entries that are here to celebrate the 131st Arkansas Valley Fair. Parade entries are judged on the following criteria: conformity of theme, appearance, creativeness, performance, formations and uniqueness. Cash prizes: youth, non-profit, commercial and riding club. Trophies:Lions Club Choice, Parade Marshall's Choice, Judges Choice, Mayor's Choice, Sweepstakes Winner.