The 86th Annual Lea County Fair and Rodeo has kicked off Friday. A whole slate of activities are planned for the week which includes a carnival, vendor booths, the PRCA rodeo, a concert series and more.

There will be three free days this year: Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. On these days there will be no cost for admission. Admission is also free on any day before 5:00 PM. Regular admission prices are $10 per person 13-years old and above ,and $5 for children age 6 to 12. Children 5 and under are free.

The Lea County Fair & Rodeo runs from Friday, July 29 to Saturday, August 6.

Vendor Booths

The Chaparral and Zia buildings will have vendor booths setup throughout the week. Vendor booths will first open Friday, July 29 at 5:00 PM and will open each day after that, other than Sunday and Monday, at 10:00 AM.

Many local businesses and organizations set up for the fair, as well as several out of town vendors. Visitors can expect to find a variety of specialized products for sale, such as clothing, jewelry, woodworking and metal crafts and more. Some booths also have raffle giveaways and many give away free promotional items.

In addition, food vendors will be set up inside and in the outside food court area.

Concert Series

A favorite staple of the Lea County Fair & Rodeo in recent years is the concert series which brings big musical acts to perform on an outdoor stage. There is no additional price for attending the concert series. Each concert begins at 9:30 PM and this year’s line up is:

• Tuesday, August 2: Randall King
• Wednesday, August 3: Zach Williams
• Thursday, August 4: Randy Rogers Band
• Friday, August 5: Joe Nichols
• Saturday, August 6: Cody Johnson

In addition to the evening concert series, there will be musical performances at 7:00 PM on Friday, July 29 as part of the Hispanic Heritage Celebration. This concert will feature Ramón Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte and La Leyenda.

PRCA Rodeo & Arena Events

The Lea County Fair & Rodeo hosts the PRCA rodeo each year at the Jake McClure Arena. Other rodeo events are also put on in the arena during the week.

The PRCA rodeo will include Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Steer Roping, Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling and Barrel Racing. The PRCA events are split into four performances, each beginning at 7:30 from Wednesday, August 3 to Saturday, August 6.

For more information about the PRCA rodeo, including current standings, visit the PRCA website.

The Jake McClure Arena will also host local team roping, Xtreme Bull Riding and Mutton Bustin’.

• Saturday, July 30th: 4-H/FFA Youth Horse Show at 7:00 AM; Mutton Bustin’ Slack at 7:00 PM
• Sunday, August 31: Local Team Roping at 4:00 PM
• Monday, August 1: Lea County Calf Scramble Championship (TBD)
• Tuesday, August 2: Xtreme Bull Riding at 7:00 PM
• Wednesday, August 3: PRCA Slack at 9:00 AM; PRCA Rodeo at 7:00 PM
• Thursday, August 4: PRCA Slack at 9:00 AM; 4-H/FFA Youth Horse Show at 2:00 PM; PRCA Rodeo at 7:00 PM
• Friday, August 5: PRCA Slack at 9:00 AM; Rodeo Queen & Princess Horse Competition at 2:00 PM; PRCA Rodeo at 7:00 PM
• Saturday, August 6: PRCA Slack at 9:00 AM; Special Rodeo at 4:30; PRCA Rodeo at 7:00 PM

Rodeo Queen and Princess Competition

Each year, a Lea County Fair & Rodeo Queen and Princess are coronated. There will be a Queen and Princess Luncheon on Friday, August 5, at the Entertainment Pavilion. This will include the speech competition. That afternoon will follow the Horsemanship Competition at the Jake McClure Arena at 2:00 PM.

The Rodeo Queen and Princess will be coronated at 3:00 PM on Saturday August 6 at the Jake McClure Arena.

Carnival

The carnival will be open at 5:00 PM each day of the Lea County Fair & Rodeo. There are separate fees for carnival rides, though no specific information has been shared yet. The carnival is an out-of-town independent company which set their own prices separate from the Lea County Fair & Rodeo admission.

The carnival rides will require tickets to ride. The average ride costs 3 to 6 tickets, and each ticket is $1. Unlimited ride armbands are available for $35.

• Tuesday, August 2: Dollar Night – All rides are $1
• Thursday, August 4: Canned Food Night – 2 cans of food and $25 for a armbands

No open-toed shoes are allowed for any ride due to safety concerns. Rides may also have height and/or weight limits.

Parade

The Lea County Fair & Rodeo parade will take place on Wednesday, August 3. The parade will begin at 4:00 PM. People wishing to participate in the parade may register with the Lovington Chamber of Commerce by Monday, August 1 by filling out an application online. Late entries may be accepted but will be placed at the end of the parade line-up.

Though the official route has not yet been released, the parade typically heads east down Ave D turning north on Main Street. However, due to construction on Main Street, a different route could be selected for this year’s parade.

And More!

The Lea County Fair & Rodeo also hosts 4-H/FFA youth animal competitions and a variety of arts & crafts competitions. Visitors are welcome to come and see the animals on show at the livestock pavilion and poultry & rabbit barn.

The arts & crafts items will be on display in the Yucca building which will open for viewing on Thursday, August 4 at 8:00 AM.

There will be a Fiddler’s Contest at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 6 in the Yucca building.

For more information about specific events, visit the Lea County website or download their PDF schedule online.