In addition to the classic youth animal showing events, carnival rides and rodeo, displays of everything from Lego bricks to community photography prints will line the inside buildings of the Verde Valley Fair, which is slated from Wednesday, April 29, to Sunday, May 3, at Verde Valley Fairgrounds in Cottonwood.
“I have the remotecontrolled airplane club, and they brought their airplanes in and they’re already hanging from the ceiling, and it’s so amazing,” Verde Valley Fair Association Director Coleen Gilboy said.
The fair allows youth and youth organization members, including 4-H and Future Farmers of America, to participate in the animal showings,which go on throughout the five-day event.
“I have a couple favorite things,” Gilboy said. “Watching these kids show their animals, the Booster Show on Wednesday is that fun age where they’re just so excited.”
The Booster Show is the first show of the fair, starting at 9 a.m. and includes ages 7 and younger. Other showings include adult, senior and junior events for sheep, goats, pigeons, waterfowls, turkey, poultry, lamp, swines and cattle.
There will also be an animal auction on Saturday, May 2.
“We’re getting a rodeo Friday of Saturday night, and it’s $20 to get in the gate for anybody 6 and above,” Gilboy said.
She said the higher price for the rodeo is to help fund the maintenance cost and security and other related costs surrounding the rodeo.
The carnival, another staple of the fair, opens a little later in the day, usually in the afternoon.
“I have to have my funnel cake,” Gilboy said. “Don’t get between me and my funnel cake.”
The entry tickets online are $35 for presale. Parking gate tickets are $5.
“When you walk onto our property on Wednesday, they’re $45,” she said.
Gate tickets after presale are $10. The presale tickets are available until they’re sold out.
“Do you know when that’s going to be? Nope. And neither do I,” Gilboy said.
Gilboy is also a quilter, and will enter the some quilts she’s made.
“I do not allow them to be judged,” she said. “I don’t feel that that is appropriate being the director of the fair association.
“I just ethically can’t do that in my mind, but I just love going into that building and seeing what the rest of the community does in their spare time.”
Call (928) 634-3290 or go to vvfair.com for more information or to buy tickets.
Fair Hours
- Wednesday, April 29: $5, seniors 60 and older are free. Gates open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., carnival is 4 to 10:30 p.m.
- Thursday, April 30: $10, including seniors. Show military ID for free admission. Gates open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., carnival is noon to 10:30 p.m. Special: Between 2 and 7 p.m., if you buy a wristband, a buddy who is present can buy one for half-off.
- Friday, May 1: $20, including seniors. Gates open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., carnival is 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May 2: $20, including seniors. Gates open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., carnival is 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Sunday May 3: $10, including seniors. Gates open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., carnival is 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Special: For $25 at the ticket booth, receive fair entrance and a ride pass for all rides except Freak Out, which requires three credits. Purchase only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Admission includes livestock shows, community shows and exhibits, concerts and arena events.
Carnival rides, pony rides, side show attractions and games are additional fees.
