The Arkansas Valley Fair, started in 1878, is the oldest continuous fair in the State of Colorado. The Arkansas Valley Fair is held in Rocky Ford, Colorado. The city of Rocky Ford is located in southeastern Colorado beside the historic Santa Fe Trail on U.S. Highway 50. Famous for watermelon and cantaloupe, this is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the nation.
The following is a brief history of the nationally known Arkansas Valley Fair and Watermelon Day, which was written by the late Senator G. W. Swink, the originator of the celebration.
The first Watermelon Day was in 1878. My crop for this year being very bountiful, I decided to invite all the people in the surrounding territory to partake in my crop. The country then being thinly settled the crowd was quite small, not more than 25 persons being present, and they being mostly from La Junta coming in a Santa Fe Caboose. I cut the melons on the grain door of a boxcar. Only one wagonload was required to feed the crowd and give all they wanted to carry home.
Again in 1879 I gave the same invitation and the crowd was increased to about fifty, coming mostly from La Junta. They ate and carried home with them one large wagonload of melons. A grain door again served for a table, and I did all the carving.
In 1880 the crowd increased to one hundred and consumed two wagonloads of melons.
In 1881 there was another increase, two coach loads coming from La Junta. That year a table was built twelve feet long and the melons were increased accordingly.
The same growth of attendance was noted in 1882, the pile of melons steadily growing, so that all wants were supplied. During all these years the feast was served in the old Swink Store adjoining the Santa Fe track.
In 1883 there was another marked increase in the crowd, and the table for melons was transferred to the grove north of town, which incidentally was a part of my timber claim, which had the distinction of being the first culture claim proved upon the United States. The feast of melons was accompanied by a basket picnic, a table being built separate from the melon table. On this the ladies spread a most excellent dinner for the visitors. Adjacent to the two tables was a display of plums, grapes and apples, which were given to the crowds before the day ended.
In 1884 there was another increase in the crowd as well as the size of the melon pile. The free dinner also was enlarged in quantity and improved in quality. The ladies of Rocky Ford took great pride in preparing a fine dinner and deserve much credit for the valuable aid rendered. The display of horticultural products was made a feature again.
In 1885 there was the usual increase in the crowd and the spread of toothsome viands. To the display of fruit was this year added the farm products. Up to and including the year I cut and served all the melons, which were eaten.
In 1886 so great was the attendance that the ladies had to “put the big pot on”, but they had an abundance of “grub” and as fine as could be provided anywhere. This year I was compelled to call in help to cut and serve the melons. There was the usual display of farm and orchard products, but in larger quantities than previous years.
The raising of watermelons in the Arkansas Valley was started in 1877 by the planning of about one-quarter of an acre, which produced all that could be sold in the local markets that year. The local demand increased, and from time to time the acreage was increased.
Up to the year 1886 I produced all of the melons that were raised in this part of the county, and during that year I commenced to introduce them in Eastern Markets. The first two years shipping of melons was a failure financially as the proceeds were not sufficient to pay express charges.
Shortly afterward the better hotels and restaurants began to sell and call for “Rocky Ford Melons” and they were shipped in carloads to Kansas City and Saint Louis.
By Donna Abert:
We are the oldest continuous fair in Colorado, starting in 1878 when the founder of our town, and also the childhood playmate of Abraham Lincoln, G. W. Swink, shared his bountiful watermelon crop with passengers at the Rocky Ford Depot. The tradition continues every year when Fair visitors are given a free watermelon. Last year, 50,000 lbs of free watermelons were distributed to fairgoers on Watermelon Day. Our theme for 2007 is “Celebrate the 130th Arkansas Valley Fair—the Fair with a Heart in the Heart of the Valley.” We believe that we are a fair with a heart because we give away our crops, have many free events, no event over $10 and charge no admission at the front gate.
G. W. Swink filed the first timber claim after the Civil War, and that ground is now where the AV Fair takes place every year. Over the years, the Fair and City of Rocky Ford continue to make improvements with the City maintaining and managing the grounds throughout the year. The Arkansas Valley Fair Board consists of 30 volunteer directors from throughout the Arkansas Valley who organize the various functions and events at the fair; Manager Sally Cope is the only year around paid employee. The AV Fair is the only fair in Colorado that receives no yearly-designated monies from a government entity for expenses in having a fair. Each director must be sure that their events pay for themselves with the help of sponsors, entry fees and tickets. No event ticket is over $10. Again, we do not charge a gate admission to the grounds. This ensures that families can come to the Arkansas Valley Fair. Of course, 4-H and FFA are essential parts of our fair with the Otero County Extension Agent being one of the directors. They do have governmental support for their part in the AV Fair. Crowley County is also represented at our fair.
Since 1878, a conservative estimate of 700,000 pounds or over 350 tons of watermelons have been given away at the Fair. How is this accomplished today from a fair that receives no governmental funds and does not charge any gate admission? It happens because valley residents and former residents donate funds for this, and the Rocky Ford Rotary Club buys and distributes the melons on Watermelon Day. Today that is only one event at the fair. We start the 2007 AVF with pre fair events that includes an AQHA Horse Show on Saturday, August 11, followed by a SCCHA Jackpot Cutting Horse on Sunday, August 12. The 2007 AVF Fair then begins on Wednesday, August 15, and runs through Sunday, August 19. Wednesday, August 15, is Silver Day and includes a Wakeup Breakfast for all and a Silver King and Queen Contest to honor our senior citizens from nursing homes throughout the area. It will end with a Pie Social and free evening family entertainment in the grandstand with entertainment provided by Spotlight productions. Thursday, Kid’s Day, will have discount carnival rides from noon to 6 pm, many contests for kids and a Truck and Tractor Pull in the evening. Friday, Parade Day, a large, one hour parade will move down Main Street starting at 10 am followed by horse events in the fair ground arena and horse race/Calcutta. A BBQ will start the evening followed by CPRA Rodeo with Country Western singer, songwriter, poet TJ Casey & the Rough Riders. Saturday, Watermelon Day starts with a 10K run in the morning and the Open Watermelon Pile where our tradition of giving away our crops continues. This is followed by a CPRA Rodeo and Horse Races/ Calcutta. Over 27 races are scheduled. Saturday evening features and our biggest event in the grandstand, the Demolition Derby. Sunday, Fiesta Day, features a K’NEX Building Trust Contest with parents and children working together and the ATV 4-Wheeler Challenge. Everyday during the fair, there is a carnival and outdoor vendors, entertainment, bingo, dances and contests in the Entertainment Tent, dances in the Beer Garden, displays of crafts and fine arts and vendors in the Exposition Building, needlework, quilts, scrapbooks and flowers in the Roundhouse and crops and foods in the Exposition Building. 4-H also has a Fat Sale, 725 livestock exhibits and 425 open foods and crops. (The exhibits this year will be held in the Exposition Building while a new 4-H Building is being constructed.) Bingo is available for fair patrons on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
While we have given away those many tons of melons over the years, we also have accumulated a history that is impressive. 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 cowboys to eke out a living from rodeo events. 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. When Pat Day won the Kentucky Derby and was asked on national TV if that was his biggest thrill in racing, he said, “No, winning the Watermelon Derby at the Arkansas Valley Fair was my biggest thrill.” Other visitors to our fair include the famous photographer, Richard Avedon, whose cover for his book In the American West featured a young girl attending the Arkansas Valley Fair, and the “Juice Man” who demonstrated and sold his juicer at the Fair. In 1993, The Los Angeles Times named us as one of the top county fairs to see in the United States. Last year, an article in the Pueblo Chieftain newspaper featured a mother interviewed about bringing her daughter to our fair. She said her daughter saves all year to come to the fair and participate in Kid’s Day events and rides. She said it was easier to come to with fewer lines, free gate and a great atmosphere for her daughter. It was more fun for them than the State Fair in Pueblo.
During the year, the facilities at the fairgrounds are used for private and public events.
The Regional Mennonite Sale is scheduled in the Exposition Building every October. There are many food and craft sales and their special event is their quilt auction. Also in the building are commercial tool sales—usually in the spring. In the past, the City has featured a Spring Event for vendors. During the winter, the City has its adult and youth recreation program in the Exposition Building that features basketball and volleyball. The Exposition Building houses many private weddings and occasions. The grandstand hosts the Shriner’s Circus in the spring, and sometimes the “Little Britches Rodeo.” In the past, “Good Sams” have used the fairground bringing over 2000 units. Recently, the City installed full facilities for RV vehicles that can be rented for a nominal fee. Also, horse stalls and other buildings can be rented by calling the Rocky Ford City Hall at 719-254-3414 and ask for Cy Chavez.
The 4-H Building was destroyed this year after the roof collapsed during our severe winter storm in winter of 2006/07. A new building will be under construction during the 2008 fair, so the 4-H exhibits will be displayed at the Exposition Building. A portable 4-H kitchen will be located near the 4-H Barn. The 4-H Barn and the new 4-H building will still be managed by the Colorado Extension Office at 719-254-7608. Events in the 4-H Building in the past have included weddings and private parties. Also, several sanctioned boxing events were recently held and were well attended by valley residents. The 4-H Barn has the Southern Colorado Cutting Horse Association and team ropers using the building on a regular basis throughout the year. 4-H uses the barn for livestock judging, tag days and Showmanship Clinics.
Beside plans to always improve activities and facilities at the fairgrounds for our fairgoers, our future plans include supporting Manager Sally Cope and Becky Goodwin as their efforts to restore our adobe horse stalls built by the WPA during the depression proceed. This year, the stalls were designated by the Colorado Preservation, Inc. as an endangered historic landmark. The adobe horse stalls were recently placed on the National Historic registry. Plans proceed to receive some grants to restore them. We also hope this leads to more use during the year of our fairgrounds. Our building, called the “Roundhouse” is designated as an historic building having been built in 1901. We believe the Arkansas Valley Fair and fairgrounds keep the western heritage alive in our community and part of our state. Our fair continues to come from the grassroots, as traditions are kept, but events evolve and change to suit our patrons.
The Arkansas Valley Fair has had the privilege of receiving corporate sponsorship for the past six years from CenturyTel in the amount of $5,000 each year since 2002, and is pleased to announce that RMC Distributing has joined the corporate sponsor with $7,500 in 2007 and $7,500 again this year. Thank you for your continued support of the Arkansas Valley Fair.
I close with an interesting letter and article the Rocky Ford Historical Museum received from Virginia Sugarman. Many years before, Dr. Hull, a local historian helped her to write this article.
County Fair Time—September 1925 in Rocky Ford, Colorado
The first Thursday in September was Watermelon Day and the most important day of the three-day fair.
A young pilot had come to town to perform acrobatics and give rides. W. P. (Bill) Johnson worked for the Texaco and was instrumental in servicing with gasoline and oil, all planes that landed in the area. Bill took the young pilot home to meet his wife, then to his office to meet his friends. Bill had ordered a pair of work coveralls, and they had arrived sizes too big, so the friends sat around joking about the coveralls and giving Bill all kind of advice about what to do with them, when someone came up with a brilliant idea. They stuffed the coveralls, tied screen door springs from arms to ankles of the dummy and folded a bed sheet into a parachute. Then they placed a notice in the paper that there was to be a parachute jumper on Watermelon Day. Since few people of that day had seen anyone jump out of a plane that was bound to draw a huge crowd, even bigger that the usual huge Watermelon Day crowd. On the appointed day, very early, the dummy was placed in the plane. The hour arrived. The plane took off, circled the field a few times to gain altitude and create tension, and the parachutist jumped (the pilot threw the dummy out.) There had been no parachutist, no man had fallen to his death, and it had been a practical joke. A man had been stationed at the spot the dummy landed. He scooped up the dummy and bed sheet and left the scene in a car. I understood from later conversations, that everyone involved in the joke, had to leave town until the anger subsided. The young pilot was Charles Lindbergh and W. P. Johnson by father.
Virginia Johnson Sugarman
(The photo sent to the museum shows Lindbergh in his airplane with the Texaco logo on the side and Mr. Johnson standing nearby.)
President Kenneth Wilson, Manager Sally Cope and all 30 directors invite you to attend the 131st Arkansas Valley Fair August 13-17, 2008.
Submitted by Donna Abert, Publicity Director, Arkansas Valley Fair
avf@arkvalleyfair.com www.arkvalleyfair.com 719-254-7723
Physical address during the fair is 800 N Main, Rocky Ford, CO 81067. Rest of the year the office is at 105 N Main, Rocky Ford, CO 81067 Mailing address: P.O. Box 188
