The 2023 version of the Kiowa County Fair & Rodeo is nearly upon us, and much planning has gone into providing a quality county fair that attracts an array of people from all walks of life. This year the Kiowa County Fair board has worked diligently to maintain and add to the usual popular aspects of attending the Fair that will be held this week on September 6, 7, 8, 9 at the Fairgrounds in Eads.
The Fair Board is a committee of volunteer citizens, appointed by the Kiowa County Board of County Commissioners, tasked with the daunting job of planning, organizing, and executing the large annual event. This year’s Fair Board has focused on the livestock sales, exhibits, parade, chuckwagon breakfast, barbeques and an array of Western and rodeo events.
Wristbands will be sold at the booth just west of the grandstands during the Fair. Wristbands will only be required for the barbeques and grandstand entry for the rodeos. They will not be required for general admission into the fairgrounds. The cost will be $8 for one day or $15 for both Friday & Saturday, the 8th & 9th of September. There will be two Barbeques again this year including Beef on Friday and Pork on Saturday.
The events in particular are varied including the following rodeo events designed for competition and enjoyable watching:
- Wednesday: SECCC Barrel Race at 6:00 pm
- Thursday: Dog Trials at 1:00 pm; Team Roping at 6:00 pm
- Friday: CPRA Rodeo and Horse Races at 1:00 pm; Mountain States Ranch Rodeo (Calcutta/6:00pm) 7:00pm
- Saturday: CPRA Rodeo and Horse Races at 1:00pm; Ranch Bronc Riding (Calcutta/6:00pm) 7:00 pm
Not associated with the work of the Fair Board is the inclusion of the Dino Encounters brought to the Fairgrounds during the Kiowa County Fair by a group of interested community members and businesses. Dino Encounters is an interactive and educational experience owned and created by former Eads High School student Keri DeWitt who will be visiting Eads with her collection of fun and educational activities.
The Dino Encounters includes Dinosaur Rides; a 78-foot T-Rex inflatable obstacle course; Inflatable Cretaceous Gyroscope Rides; Fossil Exhibits & Digs; Prehistoric Mini Golf game; Agricultural & Dinosaur Themed Displays; STEM Activities; Life-Like Dinosaur Puppets; and Jurassic Genius Augmented Reality Dinosaur Experience.
Obviously, if you have a dinosaur lover in your life you really need to be in Eads during the Kiowa County Fair to take in all the unique fun and excitement.
The Dino Encounters activities will be located in different areas at the fairgrounds including inside the Legion Hall, outside in the area west of the Legion Hall, and in the area of the old sale barn.
Entry into the Dino Encounters is $5 per day or $10 for all three days (Thursday-Saturday). Wristbands can be purchased at the Legion Hall ticket booth. CASH only.
The hours for the Dino Encounters are 9:00 am to 9:00 pm all three days including Thursday (Sept. 7), Friday (Sept. 8) and Saturday (Sept. 9) with a short closure on Saturday during the Parade.
Volunteers are still needed to help with the Dino Encounters at the Fair. If you have a couple of hours to offer and are interested in a new experience of fun and adventure, give the organizers of the Dino Encounters a call and offer up your time. Kip Peck (719) 688-2587, Claire Prince (803) 312-2364, Doug Uhland (719) 688-0336.
