The 48th Annual Sandoval County Fair promises a week packed with family fun and thrilling rodeo action from Monday, July 29, to Sunday, Aug. 4, at the county fairgrounds in Cuba.
The fair kicks off Monday with excitement building throughout the week leading up to a weekend full of shows. In addition to fan favorites such as the parade, rodeo, arts and crafts and delicious fair food, the county fair features circus performers and a concert.
“With all the new acts and new stuff, I just can’t see how it can’t be the best show we’ve ever had,” Tim Johnson, board president of the county fair, said.
This year, the fair is shaking things up with changes to its traditional events.
In the past, there were dances held on both Friday and Saturday. This year, while maintaining the Saturday dance tradition, the fair will also feature “Rockin’ at the Rodeo,” where three New Mexico bands will rock the fairgrounds for three hours.
The bands performing are Albuquerque-based Dirty Brown Jug Band, offering a mix of country, bluegrass and southern rock; Son Of Hwéeldi, a Native American alternative rock band blending rock, soul, blues and world beat; and Red Light Cameras, an indie-pop rock band from Albuquerque.
In addition, the fair will feature circus performance groups on both Friday and Saturday. Expect fire acts, juggling, stilt walkers, hula hoops, giant puppets and interactive performances tailored to children. Hailing from Santa Fe, these groups are Wildfire Tina and Wise Fool New Mexico.
Wildfire Tina mesmerizes with belly dancing, interactive fire acts, juggling and hula hoops. While Wise Fool New Mexico stands out as an award-winning nonprofit organization, recognized as the sole contemporary circus arts company in New Mexico.
Don’t forget the parade.
The parade draws such a crowd that it’s always standing room only, so arrive early to secure a prime spot along the route. Lineup begins promptly at 9 a.m. Saturday, with the parade commencing at 10 a.m. and making its way down Main Street/U.S. Highway 550.
“People are really getting excited about it,” Johnson said.
A unique event will be the 2nd Annual watermelon eating contest and the Chile Cook-off.
The cook-off features red chile exclusively, with a $50 entrance fee. Contestants vie for a grand prize of $500, $300 for second place and $100 for third place. There are giveaways and free raffles for all participants.
Another huge draw for the fair, starting at 10 a.m. Saturday is the Powwow.
“It’s a huge, huge performance and awesome to see if you’ve never been to a powwow before,” Marcos Martinez, secretary of the county fair, said. “I would argue that our fair puts on just an amazing, amazing powwow.”
Johnson and Martinez wanted to make sure the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office knew how much everyone at the fair appreciated their support with this year’s and last year’s fairs.
“We are going out of our way this year to make sure that we provide a very safe environment for everyone to attend,” Martinez said.
2024 Sandoval County Fair Schedule of Events
Monday, July 29
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 4-H indoor exhibit check-in (all exhibits and baked goods)
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open indoor exhibit check-in (all exhibits and baked goods)
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ranch booth set up
Tuesday, July 30
9 a.m. 4-H indoor exhibit judging
9 a.m. Open indoor exhibit judging
9 a.m. Royalty contest (Rodeo Arena)
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. RV daily check-in
Wednesday, July 31
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Small animal and livestock check-in
8 a.m Open Gymkhana sign-up
9 a.m. Gymkhana
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. RV daily check-in
1 p.m. Royalty contest (Community Center)
Thursday, Aug. 1, Senior Day
7-9 a.m. Small animal and livestock check-in
9 a.m. to 6 p.m RV daily check-in
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Exhibit Hall open
9 a.m. Senior Day activities
10 a.m. 4-H Rabbit Show (Feather and Fur Barn)
TF 4-H Cloverbud Small Animal Show (Feather and Fur Barn)
1 p.m. 4-H Poultry Show (Feather and Fur Barn)
3 p.m. Barrel Race exhibitions
4 p.m. Open Livestock Jackpots (Leeson Arena)
TF Adult Showmanship
TF Youth Lamb and Goat Dress-Up Show
6 p.m. Rodeo Grand Entry
6:30 p.m. 4-D Barrel Race (Rodeo Arena)
TF Mutton Busting
TF Steer Riding
TF Bull Riding
Friday, Aug. 2
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. RV daily check-in
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Exhibit Hall open
9 a.m. 4-H County Bred Meat Goat Show
TF 4-H Meat Goat Show
TF 4-H Breeding Swine Show
TF 4-H Market Swine Show
TF 4-H Market Lamb Show
12:30-2 p.m. 4-H Dog Show
2 p.m. 4-H Cloverbud Lamb and Goat Show
TF 4-H Replacement Beef Heifer Show
TF 4-H County Bred Steer Show
TF 4-H Market Steer Show
3 p.m. 4-H Round Robin Showmanship
6 p.m. Wild Fire Tina (Rodeo Arena)
6:30 p.m. Rodeo Grand Entry
TF Mutton Busting (Rodeo Arena)
TF NMRA Rodeo (Rodeo Arena)
TF Parade of Champions (during performance)
TF Wild Horse Race (Rodeo Arena)
TF NMRA Rodeo Slack (if needed)
9 p.m. to midnight Rockin’ at the Rodeo (music by Dirty Brown Jug Band, Son of Hweeldi and The Red Light Cameras)
Saturday, Aug. 3
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exhibit Hall open
9-10 a.m. Parade line up
9-9:45 a.m. Tailspin Roping Entry (Rodeo Arena)
10 a.m. Roping starts (Rodeo Arena)
10 a.m. Parade (Downtown Cuba)
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gourd Dancing (Powwow area)
10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Chile Cook-off
Noon Buyers Luncheon
1 p.m. Powwow Grand Entry
1 p.m. Parade awards (Leeson Arena)
TF Paula Enyeart Buckle Presentation (Leeson Arena)
1:30 p.m. Jr. Livestock Auction (Leeson Arena)
3:30 p.m. Watermelon Eating Contest
6 p.m. Royalty Coronation (Rodeo Arena)
TF Mutton Busting
TF NMRA Rodeo
TF Calf Scramble (during Rodeo Performance)
TF Wild Horse Race
6 p.m. Powwow closing
9 p.m. to midnight Dance (music by Austin Van)
Sunday, Aug. 4
9-9:30 a.m. Church services
10 a.m. Small animal and livestock check-out
10 a.m. to 2 a.m. 4-H and open indoor exhibit check-out
10 a.m. Animal Scramble check-in (Leeson Arena)
11 a.m. Youth Rodeo (Rodeo Arena)
11 a.m. 4-H Amigos Animal Scramble (Leeson Arena)
Schedule and events are subject to change.