Rodeo  is opening act for nine days of San Juan County fair

The San Juan County Fair begins nine days of activities with the 23rd annual Blue Mountain Roundup Rodeo at the fairgrounds in Monticello. The first performance is Friday, July 31, beginning at 8 p.m. The rodeo continues the following night, Saturday, August 1, at the same time.

Cowboys and cowgirls from all over the West will compete for almost $20,000 in prize money at the rodeo.  The roster this year will feature contestants who, in the past, have been qualifiers for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

Buster Webb’s W/A Rodeo Company of Bloomfield, NM will provide the stock and will showcase some of the top bucking horses and bulls in the nation.

The rodeo is just the beginning of a busy San Juan County Fair. Other activities on Saturday, August 1 will include a 5K race at Loyds Lake, the Four Corners Shootout at Bull Hollow, and an open horse show at the fairgrounds.

On Tuesday, August 4, the Monticello High School wrestlers will host a Navajo Taco dinner at the fairgrounds, followed by the Little Mister and Miss Wrangler Contest.

The talents of six local beauties will be on display at the annual Miss San Juan Pageant, which begins at 7 p.m. at Monticello High School. See page 9 for photographs and biographies of the contestants.

The fair continues with a full schedule of events on Wednesday through Saturday.

Some of the events on Wednesday, August 5 include the Farm Bureau Talent Find at 6 p.m., the opening of exhibits at 7 p.m., and a mud volleyball tournament at 7:30 p.m.

Some of the events on Thursday, August 6 include the Junior Livestock Show at 1 p.m., 4H style review at 4 p.m., and Emerson Drive live in concert at 7:30 p.m.

Key events on Friday, August 7 include the Jr Livestock awards at 5 p.m., a locals rodeo at 7 p.m., and family movie night at 9:30 p.m.

The culminating day of the fair is Saturday, August 8, with events throughout the day. They include the Lions Club breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m., the Silver Stage Band in concert beginning at 11:30 a.m., the Junior Livestock auction at 1 p.m. and the Blue Mountain Youth Rodeo at 8 p.m.

Art Adair will be honored as the Fair Volunteer of the Year. The fair is under the direction of Anna Thayn.

A schedule of events is available to download here.