It’s the final countdown for the annual San Miguel Basin Fair and Rodeo. With just days left before the blast off happens, all of those working behind the scenes are focusing on making the fair a great experience for Norwood and surrounding communities who participate or visit. The Norwood Chamber of Commerce invites you to join in on the fun July 14-28 at the fairgrounds in Norwood.
The festivities open with the dessert contest on Saturday, July 14. Folks are invited to submit entries or come and enjoy the tasting that follows. Youth are eligible to win awards too, and the Fair Board has said they really want kids to be a part of it. (Contestants must live in San Miguel or West Montrose counties, but anyone can come and get samples!)
Horse show happens on Sunday, the following day, and the audience will be amazed at what local kids from Telluride to Redvale can do with their equines.
That same weekend, community events like the pet rock contest, the greased pig contest, the best dressed pet show and the community dance take place. All are invited.
Open Fair is set to be bigger than ever this year, and superintendent Becky Hannigan wants all to know they can bring anything from artwork to photography and eggs and canned pickles to be judged. Contact one of the fair board members for a complete list of items that are eligible to entered. (Again, participants must live locally; all visitors are welcome.) This special part of fair means a lot to local crafters, artists and gardeners – and it’s one the Fair Board takes seriously. It’s also one they’d like to see increased participation in.
Livestock shows happen through the week, and what’s cuter than seeing local kids show their prized lamb, goat, pig, steer and more at the Event Center? Shows happen daily, and the Fair Board invites all to come and see the stock, visit with the kids, and also take part in the junior livestock auction that happens July 21. A free barbecue is planned for those who’d like to attend the sale. The purchase of animals is open to all.
Rodeo happens the following weekend, and the chamber hopes you’ll come out for the show, also held at the fairgrounds. Barrel racing, roping, bull riding and more will take place. Food vendors, beer booths and kids activities (including junior rodeo and the mutton’ busting) help make the rodeo even better.
For those that need a place to stay overnight in Norwood for the 2018 fair or rodeo, check out local hotels like Backcountry Inn, the Back Narrows Inn and Norwood Inn. Some VRBO options exist too, like the JAM Ranch and others. Options for coffee, spirits, groceries and restaurants are within walking distance to the fairgrounds too.
For Norwood, the fair and rodeo are part of a decades-old tradition, one that celebrates the western way of life, and brings people to town to celebrate that. There will be something for everyone, and the chamber invites you to come out and enjoy yourself.