Grandstands events canceled at annual fair and rodeo

Livestock show and sale are still taking place

PRESS RELEASE
May 26 2020

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Ticketed grandstands events at this year’s Garfield County Fair and Rodeo have been canceled due to concerns over COVID-19 limitations on the amount of people that may safely congregate. The Garfield County Fair Board and Board of County Commissioners are evaluating whether other smaller fair offerings can still take place. All updates and new information will be announced on garfieldcountyfair.com.

The annual 4-H / Future Farmers of America Junior Livestock show and sale is being held online, and open class displays and judging are still scheduled.

“We’ve had a lot of requests from the public not to cancel the fair,” said Levy Burris, Garfield County Fair Board Chairman. “A lot of the community is still looking forward to the event.”

The Friday night concert, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) ProRodeo and Xtreme Bulls, demolition derby, monster trucks and the carnival are among the events that are canceled.

The open class exhibits feature arts and crafts, photography, gardening skills and more. The livestock show and sale are the culmination of the hard work and dedication of Garfield County’s youth.

“The fair is not canceled, it’s just happening in a different manner this year due to COVID-19,” said, Garfield County Fair and Events Coordinator Cassidy Evans. “While the larger grandstands events won’t be taking place, we are exploring what traditional events might be held for our community fair competitors. This year’s fair is a celebration of our citizens and I can’t wait to see all the entries!”

More information is forthcoming as plans are developed, and as safety guidelines from Governor Jared Polis’ office evolve. The fair takes place from July 27 through Aug. 2 at the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle. Please check www.garfieldcountyfair.com in the coming weeks for any scheduled events.