Fair concludes, rodeo headed to town

The Elmore County Fair is over, but the county rodeo kicks off this week, the first time that the two events have been split.

Friday and Saturday evenings at the Fair had typically included an ICA/IPCA-sanctioned rodeo. But due to scheduling constraints, the fair had to be moved up by one week. Arrangements had already been made for the rodeo to be held on the last weekend of the original fair dates and could not be changed, according to Kate Ackerson, Executive Director of the Elmore County Fair Board. She said that she is curious to see how holding the two events separately will work out.

Ackerson indicated that gates for this year's Fair will not be calculated until after the Rodeo, which will be held this Friday and Saturday in the rodeo arena on the fairgrounds in Glenns Ferry. Events begin at 8 p.m. both nights. The cost is $6 for adults and $3 for seniors and youths ages 6-12. Children five and under will be admitted free. Those costs are lower than previous years.

The rodeo also will feature the Cowgirls of Kuna, who will provide a dance floor and serve beer.

Each year offers learning opportunities, she said, and the 2008 fair is no exception. "We are going to work on getting different kinds of vendors in the midway to draw more interests."

She is hoping to attract more crafters for next year's fair, and will actively be seeking potential participants as the year progresses.

Overall, Ackerson is pleased with the results of this year's event. She said that, despite the current economic situation, Elmore County residents continue to support the event.

Ackerson, said she has received a lot of "good feedback" about this year's fair, however.

The first part of the week focused on 4-H and Optimist Youth program events and shows which concluded on Saturday with annual Livestock Sales and Buyers Luncheon. Ackerson reports that sales were high for both clubs

In his estimation, 4-H member John Accord believes exhibitors were fewer this year. His Limosin steer won Reserve Overall Champion in Showmanship.

Events for the public began on Wednesday with the opening of the Exhibit Hall, midway and carnival.

Paradise Amusements Carnival furnished the rides and midway games for this year's fair.

Last year the previous carnival company cancelled at the last minute, leaving the Fair Board with the challenge of finding an alternate source of entertainment for youths. Bouncin' Bins came to the rescue with large inflatable toys.

Despite previous opinions expressed by Fair Board members that a carnival does not a fair make, Ackerson admits that the carnival did make a difference.

Paradise Amusements Carnival has already agreed to furnish the carnival for next year, Ackerson said.

Participation in the Open Class exhibits was down, Ackerson noted, except in the photography division, which had 136 exhibitors. Ackerson said the economy, specifically gas prices, may have been one reason for fewer displays.

Vendors and concessions along the midway offered a variety of items, from pottery to electronic and digital equipment.

The Youth Rodeo was held Friday evening and drew an appreciative crowd as youngsters showed off their rodeo skills.