County fair kicks into high gear

Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Caleb Cook cleans the ears of his lamb, Magnum, prior to showing the animal at the county fair. Photo by Brian S. Orban

The Elmore County Fair started celebrating its 105th anniversary when it opened to the public earlier this week in Glenns Ferry.

Looking to "stirrup some fun" for people across southern Idaho, fair officials invite people to take a step back to the past and take part in a tradition that boosts a sense of community and family.

Gate admission is $3 per day for those ages 7 and up with free entry for those up to age 6.

The county fair honors all service members and their families today, July 14, during military appreciation day. All active duty members receive free gate admission during the day. In addition, school- and college-age students with current student ID also get free fair admission all week.

The Idaho Cowboys Association and Idaho Professional Cowboys Association Rodeo highlight this year's rodeo with events scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Featuring stock saddle bronco riding, the rodeo prize pool includes $2,500 in additional money with a top-five ride off scheduled the Saturday evening.

This year's rodeo purse is the largest the county fair has offered in years, "which is sure to make the competition fierce and super fun to watch," said Shae Burns, county fair manager.

"If you're a cowboy, come give the best stock around a try," fair officials added. "If you are a spectator, get ready for a wild ride. It's a great show."

Admission to watch to the Idaho Cowboys Association Rodeo is $9 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for youth with those up to age 5 able to join the rodeo free, plus gate fees. However, there are no additional costs to see the Elmore County Optimist Junior Rodeo on Thursday.

This year's entertainment lineup includes a series of concerts and live shows starting today, Burns said. They include nationally recognized animal and reptile expert Corbin Maxey, up-tempo country music by The Randy Richards, contemporary classics by Carmel & The Closers, country favorites by singer and songwriter Kelly Mack as well as fortune telling by local radio personality Psychic Sheila.

"We have a huge variety of new and different yummy fair food that is sure to bring a smile to your face," Burns added.

Meanwhile, the county fair midway comes to life as Paradise Amusements Carnival brings an assortment of rides and attractions for the young and the young at heart. The carnival opens from 5 to 11 p.m. through Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday. Carnival presale tickets are $18 each and available at Paul's Market in Mountain Home or The Corner Market or at the Stop in Glenns Ferry and good for one day at the fair.

During the weeklong festival, the fair displays an assortment of 4-H and Optimist group animals as well as home arts exhibits during its series of competitions.

"Actually, the largest competition in Elmore County can be found in the exhibit hall (at the fair grounds)," Burns said. "Each year brings bigger and better, new and unusual entries."

The annual competition is open to any county resident, and entry categories include crafts, cooking, canning, photography, produce, flowers and sewing. Entry rules and guidelines are listed in premium books available at D&B Hardware or Paul's Market in Mountain Home or Corner Market, Hometown Hardware or Southside Market in Glenns Ferry.

Meanwhile, children and teens representing local 4-H and Optimist groups, as well as open class participants, showcase various animals and livestock along with other crafts and projects they made since the last county fair.

"These kids work all year long on an animal or a project that they bring to the fair," fair officials said. "Whether or not they win a big ribbon, it's about taking pride in a job well done."

As part of this year's other preparations, fair officials recently honored four local teens as their rodeo queens. Appearing at the Daniel Dopps Memorial Rodeo last week, the royal court includes Senior Queen Heather Dobbs, Teen Queen Marissa Hardy, Junior Queen Kayla Jenkins and Princess Preslee Bowman.

For more information on the county fair, call its main office at 587-2136, extension 287, or the fairgrounds at 366-2964. Details on the fair are also available online at www.ecfr.weebly.com.