Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsSelfie time for cowboys on rodeo night in Rocky Ford on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at the Arkansas Valley Fair.
The Arkansas Valley Fair considers itself the oldest continuously run fair in Colorado, and it kept that tradition alive last year during the COVID-19 lockdown by hosting just a few important traditions, including a watermelon giveaway, even as it canceled a lot of the big crowd pleasing events.
This year, the 144th in a row, it was back in full swing. From needlepoint to livestock judging, to a parade and rodeo, an amusement park and a demolition derby, the fairgrounds were brimming with folks from all over the region for five days, August 18-22. The pandemic felt a long way away. Here's a little of what we saw.
Be sure to listen to Colorado Matters live on Monday, or later on the show's podcast, to hear host Ryan Warner's conversations with a range of guests talking about life in the agriculture-driven community and the region. It's part of a two-week road trip the show is making around the state.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsLa Junta firefighters were among numerous first responders represented at the the Arkansas Valley Fair Parade along Main Street in Rocky Ford on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsMembers of the Rocky Ford High School Meloneers Marching Band on Main Street in Rocky Ford on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, during the Arkansas Valley Fair Parade.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsRocky Ford is famous for the millions of cantaloupe it produces each year, but Friday, August 20, was Watermelon Day at its Arkansas Valley Fair Parade, and National Guard trucks hauled piles of the fruit past spectators along Main Street to the fairgrounds.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsJose Martinez sells balloons to spectators along Main Street in Rocky Ford on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, for the Arkansas Valley Fair Parade.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsKids scramble for candy thrown by participants in Rocky Ford's Arkansas Valley Fair Parade along Main Street on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsShriner 3 Putt waves during the Arkansas Valley Fair Parade on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsWhile the in-person Arkansas Valley Fair was put on hold last year because of public health guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the 144th fair and parade tradition this year was embraced in person by young and old alike.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsSteer wrestling as the sun sets during the Colorado Pro Rodeo Association competition Friday evening in Rocky Ford, August 20, 2021, at the Arkansas Valley Fair.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsSteer wrestling as the sun sets during the Colorado Pro Rodeo Association competition Friday evening in Rocky Ford, August 20, 2021, at the Arkansas Valley Fair.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsRodeo night is a family affair in Rocky Ford on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at the Arkansas Valley Fair.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsCPRA breakaway roping Friday night in Rocky Ford at the Arkansas Valley Fair.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsRodeo night in Rocky Ford on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at the Arkansas Valley Fair.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsRodeo night in Rocky Ford on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at the Arkansas Valley Fair.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsGotta get the hat right on rodeo night in Rocky Ford on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at the Arkansas Valley Fair.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsHorse racing on Saturday at the Arkansas Valley Fair in Rocky Ford.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsPure summer.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsThe COVID-19 pandemic felt a long way from the Arkansas Valley Fairgrounds in Rocky Ford, Aug. 21, 2021.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsScenes from Saturday at the Arkansas Valley Fair in Rocky Ford, Aug. 21, 2021.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsThe grandstand, the bleachers, and any fence rail with a view were crowded Saturday night for the demolition derby at the Arkansas Valley Fair.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsThe grandstand, the bleachers, and any fence rail with a view were crowded Saturday night for the demolition derby at the Arkansas Valley Fair.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsThe grandstand, the bleachers, and any fence rail with a view were crowded Saturday night for the demolition derby at the Arkansas Valley Fair.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsScenes from the Saturday evening demolition derby at the Arkansas Valley Fair in Rocky Ford, Aug. 21, 2021.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsThe grandstand, the bleachers, and any fence rail with a view were crowded Saturday night for the demolition derby at the Arkansas Valley Fair.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsPulling a driver from the wreckage of an overturned truck during the demolition derby at the Arkansas Valley Fair. The driver walked away safe.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsLate evening dance Saturday at the Arkansas Valley Fair in Rocky Ford.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsLate night lemonade at the Arkansas Valley Fair.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsHelp wanted. The Arkansas Valley Fair ran through Sunday, August 21, 2021.
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