The Montezuma County Fair takes place July 25 to Aug. 1 and will have all the classics this year, plus some new events to attract a wider audience.
"We'll have the livestock shows, Ranch Rodeo, 4-H events, and crazy contests like lawnmower races and wild cow milking," said organizer Brandee Simmons. "But we're offering more to attract the non-ag community as well."
On Friday, July 31, the inaugural Montezuma County Music Festival will kick off in the outdoor arena at 7 p.m.
"The festival features all local bands, and entry is only $2," Simmons said.
The line up is Vanishing Breed, Repeat Offenders, The Epileptics, The Burnouts, Not Quite Dry, and The Wedding is Off. Each band will play for an hour.
"We're starting small, and our hope is to have it grow into an all-day event, with an eventual headliner," Simmons said. "It's our first concert in the outdoor arena, which has a roof now for shade and if it rains."
Also new this year is a motorcycle show featuring different styles of bikes on display, including American, Rat, Metric, and Trike. Trophies will be given for Best of Show.
"We wanted to offer something a little different this year and spark some interest in motorcycle riding," said organizer Grizz Seaton.
The event needs more participants to show off their bikes, and is looking for sponsors. Contact Grizz at grizzthebest@yahoo.com
By the way, a "Rat" style is the concept of keeping a motorcycle in minimal operational condition without consideration for appearance, said Seaton, an enthusiast of the category.
Frazier Carnival will set up at this year's fair, also a first. The carnival will run Thursday through Sunday and feature amusement rides such as the high-flying Vertigo, Giant Gondola Wheel, Bear Affair, and carousel, plus there will be games and classic carnival food.
The Cortez Colt Starting Challenge also returns this year on July 30 from noon to 3 p.m., and on July 31 from 8 a.m. to noon. The event at the outdoor arena features competitive horse training where participants try to halter, saddle, and ride a unbroken horse in the shortest amount of time.
Fan favorite, the demolition derby, is ramping up their event as well, said organizer Duane Bradshaw.
"This year, we're adding a truck derby and a side-by-side UTV barrel race," he said. "Our cash awards are have gone up and are significant for the winners."
New this year is a drawing whose winner is awarded a Ford LTD to run in the demolition derby.
"We'll provide the helmet and safety gear, and the winner gets to go crash the car in the race," Bradshaw said.
Tickets for the drawing are $10 and can be bought at Mountain Chiropractic.
More participants are needed for the demolition derby. For more information, or to enter, call Bradshaw at (970) 560-2930.
"We have a special grand finale for the end of the derby this year," Simmons said. "It's a secret, so all I can say is you don't want miss this."
Check out the 2015 Montezuma County Fair schedule at http://bit.ly/1SdVupX.