The Verde Valley Fair will run from Wednesday to Sunday, May 3 to 7, at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds at 800 E. Cherry St. in Cottonwood.
Fair director Coleen Gilboy noted that the fairgrounds host events year-round and on almost every weekend, which can include anything from weddings and reunions to gem and mineral shows. She said that attendees can expect a lot of animals this year, including 40 turkeys.
“It is a complete fair of our community,” Gilboy said. “It’s just a really good time.”
Gilboy observed that the fair always attracts people who are both very young and very old. For those who don’t want to ride the carnival rides, there are the animals, arts and crafts, vendors and fair food to enjoy.
The fair will open at 4 p.m. on Wednesday with an entrance fee of $4; admission is cheapest on that day. This year’s theme is “God Made a Farmer,” based on radio broadcaster Paul Harvey’s famous speech at the 1978 Future Farmers of America convention.
Rodeos are scheduled for both Friday and Saturday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. at the arena. Entry to the rodeo is included in the price of admission.
The first Verde Valley Fair was held in 1965 in downtown Cottonwood. Both the fair’s organizers and the Verde Valley Fair Association strive to promote youth development by providing an educational and entertaining event that allow the Future Farmers of America, 4-H and other youth groups to showcase their skills to the public.
The Verde Valley Fair Youth Livestock Auction will be the culmination of a yearlong project for some of the exhibitors; raising steers takes about 14 months. The auction will be held on Saturday, May 6, at 3 p.m. at the Show Barn. In addition to selling their livestock, youth exhibitors can win awards such as Grand Champion and Senior Showman.
Thursday, May 4, will be Buddy Day, which allows attendees to purchase one wristband at the regular price and another for half price from 2 to 7 p.m. Entertainment will include Dangerously Fun Juggling, Adam the Great and Lanky the Clown.
Sunday, May 7, will be Sunday Fun Day. Entertainment will include Steve’s Fun Balloons and a chainsaw carver.
There will be a free shuttle from Riverfront Park to the fairgrounds on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 4, 5 and 6, from 4 p.m. to midnight.
Friday’s main stage concerts will include performances by:
- Cannot Be Caged, 3:30 p.m.
- Through the Blood, 5 p.m.
- Silent Treatment, 7 p.m.
- Room Zero, 9 p.m.
Saturday’s main stage concerts will include performances by:
- Ransomed Outlaw, 5:30 p.m.
- Double Blind, 7 p.m.
- Aces ’N’ Eights, 9 p.m.
