Neither mud puddles nor cow patties could keep agriculture- and adventure-minded eastern New Mexicans from enjoying a trip to the Eastern New Mexico State Fair Tuesday, with ongoing livestock shows and carnival rides beckoning area residents to the annual affair.
Tuesday morning featured the Market Swine and Breeding Doe shows, followed by the Market Goat Show. Today the Wether Dam Show is at 8 a.m. and afterwards is the Market Lamb Show. Livestock shows continue with market heifers and British steers at noon and poultry showmanship at 1 p.m.
Lena Zeile, from White Rock, was at the fair helping her daughter Adeline show her blackface sheep “Waffles” in the show. Adeline said she had been showing for six years.
Rachel Reagan, from Clovis, was in the livestock shed helping her daughter Annalise, 6, and son Asher, 10, show market goats, lambs and rabbits. Reagan said they were able to garner a best-of-breed award for their Holland Lop in the rabbit competition.
Annalise said she loved attending the fair.
“Everyone is so nice,” she said.
Playing with her friends is her favorite part of the fair, Annalise said.
Savannah Trammel, 16, of Roswell was showing a market heifer. She said she scored “six out of seven. Savannah said her favorite part of the show was “seeing all the people.”
Over on the carnival side of the fair, Michelle Silva, who works with Mi Via, a state-sponsored service for the developmentally disabled, was keeping a close eye on two of her clients as they rode on one of the less intimidating rides.
“They love this,” Silva said. “But I have to be real careful because one of them gets nervous.”
She noted her client was laughing and was having a good time.
“She’s doing OK,” Silva said.
Livestock exhibits at the Eastern New Mexico State Fair continue through Thursday, with the carnival open through Saturday. Today is Senior Day at the fair, with free gate admission for anyone age 55 and older.
