LOVINGTON, N.M. – There are a lot of great things to like about the 2013 Lea County Fair and Rodeo.
What’s the best part?
It’s one of the least expensive forms of entertainment anyone can find, and it features a world-class lineup from start to finish. From the opening of the carnival on Friday, Aug. 2, to the local team roping a couple hours later, there are nine straight days of action-packed excitement at the Lea County Fairgrounds on the east side of Lovington.
“I’m just thrilled at what we’ve put together this year,” said Dean Jackson, who is now in his eighth year on the Lea County Fair Board. “We’ve got the Texas Jamm Band featuring members of George Strait’s Ace in the Hole Band on the first Saturday, and we close with Josh Turner on the final Saturday. That’s pretty good stuff.”
Mixed in between is one of the most respected carnivals in New Mexico; the Lea County Xtreme Bulls event, which will feature the top bull riders in ProRodeo; the Wrangler Million Dollar Tour rodeo, which brings in dozens of world champions each year; the daily entertainment, including a ventriloquist, racing pigs and a two-person circus act; and plenty of concerts.
And what a concert lineup fairgoers will get to experience, all for the admission price of just $7.
– Tuesday, Aug. 6, the Randy Rogers Band with Morgan Frazier
– Wednesday, Aug. 7, Jeremy Camp
– Thursday, Aug. 8, Josh Abbott Band
– Friday, Aug. 9, Sara Evans
– Saturday, Aug. 10, Josh Turner
That’s just one side of the puzzle for fairgoers, though. The key to any fair and rodeo is how much the families are involved, from the local barrel race to the livestock shows, there are plenty of special activities planned.
“We’ve got great food for everyone every night,” Jackson said. “I think what’s so great about our fair and rodeo is that there is just so much going on that everyone can find something they really, really like. You’re not going to find that everywhere you go, but you’ll get it in Lovington.”
Quite possibly the most celebrated event happens during the annual sale, which enables youngsters from around the county to show off a year’s work and see the support they receive from the rest of the community.
“With our livestock show and the sale, it teaches the young folks responsibility,” said Dale Dunlap, a Lea County Commissioner. “It could pay off in the long run. The sale is what I like to see because there are so many people who turn out to support these kids.”
All told, the value is just one great part of the Lea County Fair and Rodeo, but there are many others over its nine-day run. It’s why more people take in the festivities every year, and why Lovington is a hot spot of activity every August.