The county fair may not be slated until September, but the Navajo County Fair Board already has some exciting plans in the works with a focus on this year’s theme, Spur Up Some Fun.
According Jme Baloo, the new events director for the fair, a big name talent is on the verge of signing a contract to perform at the fair. “I’m unable to release the name of the band until the contract is signed, but I’ve already had a verbal confirmation,” she said.
Due to the performance, there will be a shift in schedule for the week, with the fair opening earlier the first day, and a change in times for the junior livestock and open class showings. There will also be no Ranch Rodeo this year, which usually takes place on Sunday. “The band will be performing on Saturday night, right after the rodeo,” Baloo said. She anticipates that the contract will be signed within the next month and a formal announcement of the performers will be made at that time.
Baloo noted that other entertainment scheduled for the fair includes goat roping, reptile adventures, and familiar favorites Poppin’ Penelope and Farmer Phil. The board is also encouraging local talent to perform on the stage during the fair. There would be no pay for performing, but it would provide a great opportunity for public exposure. Anyone interested should contact Baloo at (928) 524-4757 during regular business hours.
During the April 6 meeting, a new member was added to the board. Jennifer Wilbanks of Winslow submitted a letter of intent and the board unanimously approved her as a member. There still remains one open position on the board. The bylaws require that the person be a current resident of Navajo County who has lived here for more than a year and is at least 18 years of age. A current board member must sponsor the applicant and a letter of intent has to be submitted to the fair office.
The board also approved the lowest bid offer by United Rentals in the amount of $6,466 to supply generators and light towers during the fair.
The public will also have an opportunity to win a new Polaris beginning May 1. The board will be selling raffle tickets for $10 each or six for $50.
It was noted that the Little Colorado River Horseman’s Association will offer barrel racing at the fairgrounds beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 16. On April 23, the Joseph City Rodeo Trash 4-H Club will host a pig sale in Martinez Hall and the Southwest Junior Rodeo Association will host an event, with both beginning at 8 a.m. The cost to enter the SWJRA event is $5 for those 6 and older. The cantina will be open.
The next meeting of the board will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, at the fairgrounds office in Holbrook.
