Fair Manager Casey Faunce said the dates of the former Tri-County Fair’s name were changed because last year numbers increased drastically the first two days of the fair and then dropped for the first time because it was on Easter weekend. This year’s event is Thursday, March 27, through Sunday, March 30.
“We will entertain thousands at this year’s event,” Faunce said, “and with the new events we scheduled I believe we will have a little bit of everything for the residents of Graham County.”
 The Graham County Spring Fair is Thursday, March 27, through Sunday, March 30, and features rides, a biker and ATV rodeo, a cowboy rodeo, singing, fiddle and dance contests and a horse sale. Photo by Jon Johnson |
“The horse race attendance increases each year because we have some of the best quarter horse racing in the state,” Faunce said. “With Freeport-McMoRan and the Eastern Arizona Courier helping sponsor and promote this great event, it really helps get the message to the public about just how fun and exciting this year’s Spring Fair will be. There will be something for everyone to see and enjoy.”
Following are some of this year’s activities:
Carnival
The carnival has added new rides and attractions for the thousands of families who attend each year.
This year’s schedule is Thursday from 5 p.m. to closing – ride all rides from 5-9 p.m. for $15 or $13 with a coupon; Friday from 5 p.m. to closing; Saturday from 1 to 11 p.m. - ride all rides from 1-5 p.m. for $15 or $13 with a coupon and ride all rides from 8-11 p.m. for $15 or $13 with a coupon; Sunday from 1-6 p.m. – ride all rides from 1-5 p.m. for $15 or $13 with a coupon.
Biker and ATV Rodeo
The rodeo is Friday at 7 p.m. Sponsors include Empire/Caterpillar, Haralson Tires, Boulevard Sales, Boulevard Glass, Gila Valley Cycle and Ski, Drew and the Crew Motorsports, and Desert Riders Motorsports. There will be cash prizes for all events and gift certificates will be awarded.
Events include a drag race with two classes, open and stock. The rodeo events will be Blindfolded Barrel Race, Rescue Race and the Switch. The Harley events will be Clothesline, PVC and The big Switch. Many events will require partners.
For more information call Jeff Faunce at 928-322-7062.Gymkhana & Barrel Racing Series
This is a six-month series for all age levels, including lead-line and stick horse classes.
Awards and high point awards will be given in all age groups and overall high point awards will be presented at the end of the series. Classes include barrels and poles plus other Gymkhana classes each month. There will also be a monthly jackpot class. Classes are $5 each, or ride in all classes, except for the 4D barrels, for $20. There is a family rate for families of three or more.
Age and level divisions include lead-line, 5 and under; pee wee, 9 and under; novice, 10-13; open, 10-13; novice, 14-17; open, 14-17; novice, 18 and over; open, 18 and over.
Raffles will be held monthly and each participate will receive one free ticket towards the raffle. There will also be a larger raffle presented to the winner at the end of the six-month series and a 50/50 raffle monthly.
The Gymkhana and Barrel Racing Series is the second Saturday of each month, except for the first one March 29 at 8 a.m. in conjunction with the Spring Fair. For more information call Debbie at 520-903-8449 or e-mail tntqphorses@aol.com.
El Moro De Cumpas Spring Horse Sale
The sale is Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Organizers expect 30-60 head of horses for sale and hope it will become an annual event. One of the best auctioneers in the state will conduct the sale, so everything should move at a steady pace. The auction will feature ranch horses, race horses and many yearlings.
Singing, fiddle and dance contests
There will be a youth talent show on the small stage Saturday at 1 p.m.
Singing categories and prizes include adults 19 and up, $75 first, $50 second, $25 third; age 13-18, $75 first, $50 second, $25 third; children to age 12, $75 first, $50 second, $25 third.
Square dance, tap dance and acrobatic categories include: adults 19 and up, $75 first, $50 second, $25 third; age 13-19, $75 first, $50 second, $25 third; children, $75 first, $50 second, $25 third.
Fiddle contest categories include: adults 19 and up, $75 first, $50 second, $25 third; age 13-18, $75 first, $50 second, $25 third; children to age 12, $75 first, $50 second, $25 third.
Graham County Family Cowboy Rodeo
The Graham County Family Fun Day Rodeo is Saturday at 2 p.m. It will provide an exciting time for contestants and fans as they watch families compete in different events such as the stick horse race, greased pig, chicken relay, calf riding, rescue race, family team roping, family calf roping, ribbon roping, men’s family calf dressing, boot race, calf scramble, grocery race, steer riding and women’s family calf dressing.
There are no entry or admission fees. There will be awards and prizes plus a special award for the family with the most wins. The event is sponsored by residents of Graham County.
James Reid, Juggler Extraordinaire
James Reid will present juggling and tricks Sunday at 4:30 p.m. He offers hilarious audience interaction while performing amazing feats.
James’ personal interaction keeps everyone involved throughout the show while he presents the spectacle of fire juggling and a dangerous sharp sword, juggling and hula-hooping, balancing aboard a wobbly rola-bola, bowling ball juggling, and the Diabolo, or Chinese yo-yo, which can fly about 100 feet into the air.
James saw a juggler for the first time performing on the streets of Tempe when he was age 8. He was mesmerized and immediately ran up and asked for a lesson. This stranger got James started as a juggler.
James practiced hard and received assistance from the Aerial Mirage Juggling Club. Several months later, James had his debut performance. Shortly after, James had his first appearance in front of crowds at The Tempe Festival of the Art. After 26 years James has performed for tens of thousands at festivals. He has received favorable reviews from corporations like American Express and Honeywell, and taught at schools from ASU to Villa Montessori.
Cutlines:
James Reid, Juggler Extraordinaire, will present juggling and tricks Sunday at 4:30 p.m. He offers hilarious audience interaction while performing amazing feats.
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