This year’s Santa Cruz County Fair, which will be held during September 19-21 at the Sonoita Fairgrounds, promises to be a weekend of fun and entertainment. As always, there will be plenty to do, and the fair committee is particularly excited about several events that are new this year.
Sun Valley Carnival Rides will bring a carnival to the fair. Tickets for unlimited rides are for sale at the fairgrounds and through several local merchants.
The Sisters on the Fly will set up camp at the fair for the weekend. They are a national organization of freewheeling women who get together to enjoy the outdoors and to show off their vintage travel trailers, all meticulously decorated and outfitted.
Friday morning, September 19, the fair hosts School Day, providing free admission to all children under 15. Several activities are planned, including a magician, clowns, balloon animals, games, face painting, crafts, skits, and music. Special performances by the Peña Blanca Folkorico Group and the Challenger School Chorus will take place on the stage.
The Perishable Foods Contest—where fairgoers can sample dishes entered by our county’s cooks—also takes place Friday morning. This year there will be both adult and youth divisions.
Entertainment continues on the stage all day. Friday evening, the Rio Rico FFA is hosting a barbeque and dance, with music by Chuck Wagon and the Wheel Chairs. During the same time period the Colt Hagan Memorial Roping contest will be held in the arena.
Saturday features include a working stock dog demonstration, draft horse races, and a barrel racing competition. Bring your favorite pet to enter the pet show and pooch parade on the ramada, and come hear the acclaimed Rio Rico High School Jazz Band. And don’t be surprised to see Elvis himself up on the stage!
The Second Annual Santa Cruz Fair Talent Show will take place Saturday afternoon. Anyone interested in entering this competition is encouraged to contact Lars Marshall at 394-0230.
Following the talent show, there will be a dedication to longtime fairgrounds supporter Diane Collins, and the 4-H/FFA Parade of Champions. The ramada will then be turned over to the kids for a teen dance. The big event Saturday evening is professional bull riding, produced by the Dirty Money Cattle Company from Queen Creek. Riders will vie for the silver champion’s buckle and $1,000 in prize money.
The fun continues Sunday, starting with Cowboy Church, followed by live music by Jim’s Amazing Front Porch Band and Mary [text missing]
And everyone is encouraged to bring their jellies, preserves, pickles, baked goods, vegetables, photos, artwork, and crafts to Pioneer Hall on Wednesday, September 17, to be exhibited during the fair. You just might go home with a blue ribbon.
The Farmers Market at the fair, organized by Kate Tirion, is always full of great locally grown vegetables, meats, and one-of-a-kind items. Local craft vendors are encouraged to call the fairgrounds office at 455-5553 for information about becoming a vendor at this year’s fair.
Great food vendors, inflatable rides, even a mechanical bull, will all be there to add to the fun. See you at the fair!