After 22 years, Grand County will again have a county fair to celebrate. And what a schedule: four days packed full of competitions, exhibitions, and entertainment for every taste and age over Independence Day weekend.
“We’ve got a little bit of everything for everyone,” said Angie Book, the director of the Old Spanish Trail Arena and mastermind behind the event. She reels off details of the events planned breathlessly.
“I’m really passionate about it. I’m really passionate about community events and community involvement,” Book said. She’s gathered a group of other organizers equally excited to plan the events.
“We just saw a lot of community members leaving town to celebrate Independence Day someplace else,” she said, “and we knew that Moab could do better.”
Grand County’s annual fair fell off over two decades ago due to a lack of funding. This year, the county chipped in to relaunch the event for the community.
“We’re trying to keep everything free and accessible for people this year,” Book said. “Next year, we’ll probably add registration fees for vendors and normal costs like that, since we’d like to start raising money for building stock pens and building up the 4-H program.”
“A county fair is so important for the younger generation, to learn where their food comes from and that there’s a larger world out there,” Book said. “And it’s also nice to hear that the old timers here are excited to have the event back as well.”
Friday, June 30
“On Friday, the exhibits will be open in the arena,” Book said. “Utah State University is spearheading that and doing all the judging.”
“We’re having a baby contest,” she said. “We’re getting so many entries. Everyone’s pretty excited to show off their baby.”
The Red, White, and Bruised Roller Derby will start at 6 p.m. at the arena’s pavilion in partnership with the Beehive Skate Revolution.
Saturday, July 1
An opening ceremony for the fair will be held at 8 a.m., with the Grand County Drill Team performing. A Car and Tractor show will be held throughout the day, and a Jr. Rodeo will be held beginning at 9 a.m., sponsored by the Red Rock’N Blue Rodeo Club.
There will be all the trappings of a fair for kids, including carnival games, concessions, face-painting and even pony rides from 10 a.m. to noon. Kids can also compete in a Power Wheel competition or try out an RC car race. Youth involved in 4-H will hold a stock show.
In the evening, the arena will host dance lessons with Cindy Montague before performances from the Sean Moon Band and Joey Rowland at the Grand Stage, beginning at 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 2
The festivities continue on Sunday, with a softball tournament throughout the day, a dog show from Underdog Animal Rescue and Rehab, and a county-wide talent show held from noon to 2 p.m.
Scales & Tails, an exhibition of exotic reptiles and birds, will be in the main arena from noon to 6:30 p.m. The evening will finish out with karaoke on the Grand Stage, beginning at 2 p.m., and evening softball games.
Monday, July 3
The softball tournament and exhibits will continue throughout the day, with a screening of Top Gun: Maverick under the stars beginning at 9 p.m.
Tuesday, July 4
Lineup for the Independence Day parade will begin at 7 a.m. on Center Street, for a start at 9 a.m. After the parade, there will be a Flag Presentation by the Grand County Drill Team and a ceremony honoring locals by the Moab Museum.
At noon, a volleyball tournament, a corn hole tournament and the First Annual Grand Family & Friends Games will begin at the arena. The games will include field classics like tug-of-war and potato sack races.
“I’m really excited about the Family and Friends Games,” Book said. “I’m encouraging everybody todo team-themed costumes and really get into it.”
At 3 p.m. there will be another first: the First Annual Grand Eating Contest. Hungry contestants can choose to compete in pie eating, hot dog eating or watermelon eating to win the prize and bragging rights.
The fair will close at 4 p.m. with the announcement of contest winners and a raffle drawing.
“I’m really excited to pull this whole thing off, and to see the community come together,” Book said. “I’m so proud of all the people coming together for this event.”
For more information on the events and how to enter contests, go to the Old Spanish Trail Arena Facebook page, call 435-259-6226 or email abook@grandcountyutah.net.
