“Country Pride-County Wide” Fair Highlights

People were on the move during this year’s Sand and Sage Fair and Rodeo, whether they were young kayakers, racing around on go-carts, heading for the heavens with a bungee jump or taking a bounce or two while competing in the weekend rodeo at the Prowers County Fairgrounds.

The local forecast cooperated with all the planned outdoor activities, including last week’s concert, to the Saturday morning parade, downtown sales and vendor displays and various 4-H showmanship contests.

One crowd-pleaser included the Tiny Tot Showmanship Contest at the fairgrounds pavilion.  An assortment of youngsters, all ages up to seven and all sizes, presented their prized animals, all sizes, species and types, to the Prowers County Commissioners, from horned toads to sheep and chickens.  Each entry received a silver dollar and ribbon from commissioners Schnabel and Marble.  Due to a death in her family, commissioner Buxton-Andrade was not able to attend.

A tasty barbecue and lively music was offered during the Friday and Saturday Chuckwagon affair as the Yampa Valley Boys performed on-stage both evenings.  Trina Hainer and Toni McPherson combined their talents for the traditional Friday night pie auction, raising $800 which will be combined with an estimated $1,000 from the Fair Board’s ham and bean dinner.  Board member Toni McPherson said the combined proceeds will be used as seed money for the bleachers restoration project.  While the barbecue was served, the fairgrounds crew was at work preparing the arena for the competition events.  The two Chuckwagon Beef BBQs were provided by JBS Five Rivers, 4 States Feeders, Heath & Turpin and the City of Lamar.  Lamar Thriftway was honored with the annual Fair Appreciation Award for their service over the past year.

By Russ Baldwin