Come Sunday afternoon following a county fair, the statement, “I am faired out,” is heard from many parents, volunteers, and participants. There are those of us that tend to overindulge in the fair activities and we can narrow it down to a few reasons for such. One, is that the county fair only comes along once a year and you have to make the most of it. We attend and get into as many things as we possibly can. Two, is that it is just so darn fun to hang out with friends and stay up a little later than usual enjoying the unique gathering of the community. Third, in the spirit of competition, it is challenging to enter the different events and see where your animal or your own personal skills are at in comparison. The only time I have attended a stock dog competition is at a county fair. The only time I have watched mutton bustin’ is at a county fair. The only time I am out every night is during the county fair.
On Monday evening, August 7th of the Sand and Sage Fair, the barrel racers of the Southeast Colorado Can Chasers took to the arena. Winning the peewees was Hadlee Milenski with a time of 20.63 seconds. Second was Stealy Lord with a time of 22.0 seconds, third was Harper Hawkins with a time 27.6 seconds. In the youth class the first division was won by Briley Seufer with a time of 18.481 seconds, second was Braya Ferris with a time of 18.875 seconds. In the 2D Jacee Kravig was first with a time of 19.52 seconds and second place was Madison Crane with a time of 19.63 seconds. The 3D was won by Taelyn Seufer 20.5 seconds and second was Stormie Lubbers 20.7 seconds.
The open barrel race had a tough field of 38 runners. There were three places paid in each division. The fastest time of the evening went to Mya Randall with at time of 18.205 seconds, second was Stephanie Spitz 18.214 seconds, and third went to Lindsey Cade 18.250 seconds. The 2D was won by Julie Dorenkamp 18.723 seconds, second place was Emily Carroll 18.741 seconds, and third went to Bianca O’Bryan 18.767 seconds. The 3D had LeeAnn Ridley winning with a time of 19.232 seconds, second was Karisa Brookshire 19.386 seconds, and third was Lysa Lucero 19.586 seconds. The 4D had Dallie Uratani place 1st 19.81 seconds, 2nd was Dawni O’Bryan 19.86 seconds, and third was Tori Hawks 20.1 seconds.
Tuesday evening featured the stock dog competition in the main arena. They maneuver three head of cattle through an obstacle course. Taking top honors was Becky Combs from Yuma with her dog, “Sadie.” Second place was Wayne Bamber with his dog “Pete.” Bamber is actually from Iowa and made the 12-hour trip for the competition. Third place was Ronda Pletcher also from Yuma, with her dog “Wick.” Sponsors for the event included 34 Cattle Company, Hanger Liquor Store, Mauch Farms, and Nate Miller Cutting Horses.
The Rick Wollert Memorial Ranch Rodeo was held on Thursday at the Sand and Sage Fairgrounds with 18 teams competing for the title. Taking top honors was Broken Spear Ranch with team members Austin Kuhn (ranch bronc rider), Shade Etbauer, JT Schalla, and Trent Sharon. Teams competed in the events of stray gather, trailer loading, ranch bronc riding, calf branding, and wild cow milking. Coming in second place was Jolly Ranch, third place was Cow Hand Social Club, and fourth place was DuVall Land and Cattle. The teams were also auctioned off in a calcutta. In Bid #1, first place was Gail Allen, second was Raymond Dorenkamp, third was Jim McCormick, and fourth was Dakota Eaton. In Bid #2, first place was Malone Cattle (Evan), second place was Lamar Veterinary Clinic, third place was Gary Turpin, and fourth place was Vic Doyle. Colorado Mills was the presenting sponsor and many other business help make this happen.
With more fairs still to go, I encourage you to get “faired out.” It means you showed up, supported your community, and had some fun along the way. The Ark Valley Fair is in session as of this writing, the Colorado State Fair is around the corner, the Kiowa County Fair is less than a month away, the Kansas State Fair is in mid-September, and the Holly Fair usually rounds out the area fairs in grand style.
Happy Trails.
