The 2025 Santa Cruz County Fair set an attendance record, drawing immense crowds to the Sonoita Fairgrounds in September with art exhibits from local participants, culinary exhibits and competitions, high school bands, carnival rides, food, 4-H and FFA livestock competitions and various other demonstrations.
An unforeseen monsoon storm on Friday evening resulted in some flooding and led to the postponement of several livestock competitions.
The weather improved the next two days, allowing participants and spectators to enjoy the many activities, exhibits, rides and vendors.
The newly added Demolition Derby on Saturday evening brought a “standing room only” crowd. Many local families with their children came for the noise and chaos that only cars bashing into one another can bring.
The county fair upheld its tradition of local contests and entertainment, dating back to around 1914.
4-H/FFA Grand Champions
Members of the Rio Rico Rattlesnakes 4-H Club, Sonoita Mustangs 4-H Club, and Tombstone and Rio Rico High Schools’ FFA programs competed in the 2025 Santa Cruz County Fair Livestock Show. 81 animals were auctioned off at the Junior Livestock Auction. Sales totaled $275,257, with $9,982 raised for scholarships.
Grand Champion County Bred ‘N Fed Goat
Rori Prentice
Grand Champion County Bred ‘N Fed Steer
Ali Lopez
Grand Champion County Bred ‘N Fed Lamb
Arabella Matthews
Grand Champion County Bred & Fed Goat
Rori Prentice
Grand Champion County Bred ‘N Fed Swine
Arabella Matthews
Grand Champion Breeding Doe
Rori Prentice
Grand Champion Market Goat
Rori Prentice
Grand Champion Breeding Gilt
Arabella Matthews
Grand Champion Market Swine
Ciena Beyer
Grand Champion Market Lamb
Ellissa Bird
Grand Champion Breeding Ewe
Laura Keith
Grand Champion Market Steer
Ali Lopez
Grand Champion Heifer
Morgan King
Grand Champion Turkey
Cole Keith
Grand Champion Chicken
Alexander Ohlde
Grand Champion Laying Trio
Faith Keith
Grand Champion Rabbit
Arely Favela
Grand Champion Intermediate. Dog
Paxton Clark
Grand Champion Jr. Dog
Charlotte Gudenkauf
Grand Champion Sr. Beef Showmanship
Mia Lopez
Grand Champion Int. Beef Showmanship
Ian Corona
Grand Champion Jr. Beef Showmaship
Morgan King
Grand Champion Sr. Lamb Showmanship
Ellissa Bird
Grand Champion Int. Lamb Showmanship
Laura Keith
Grand Champion Jr. Lamb Showmanship
Miranda Cass
Grand Champion Sr. Swine Showmanship
Kaydee Zerbel
Grand champion Int. Swine Showmanship
Arabella Matthews
Grand Champion Jr. Swine Showmanship
Ellie Robbs
Grand Champion Sr. Goat Showmanship
Ellissa Bird
Grand Champion Int. Goat Showmanship
Rori Prentice
Grand Champion Jr. Goat Showmanship
Seven McMaster
Grand Champion Sr. Chicken Showmanship
Ellissa Bird
Grand Champion Int. Chicken Showmanship
Faith Keith
Grand Champion Jr. Chicken Showmanship
Seven McMaster
Grand Champion Int. Rabbit Showmanship
Laura Keith
Grand Champion Jr. Rabbit Showmanship
Charlotte Gudenkauf
Grand Champion Sr. Turkey Showmanship
Ellissa Bird
Grand Champion Int. Turkey Showmanship
Laura Keith
Grand Champion Jr. Turkey Showmanship
Jax Raley
Grand Champion Non-Market Sr. Round Robin
Tomas Sanchez
Grand Champion Non-Market Int. Round Robin
Faith Keith
Grand Champion Non-Market Jr. Round Robin
Charlotte Gudenkauf
Grand Champion Market Sr. Round Robin
Ellissa Bird
Grand Champion Int. Market Round Robin
Laura Keith
Grand Champion Market Jr. Round Robin
Seven McMaster