Eagle County Fair & Rodeo kicks up its heels this week

Eagle County’s 74th annual Fair & Rodeo is set for Wednesday through Saturday, July 24 - 27 and CSU Cooperative Extension is offering ways for all community members to join in the fun.

From beautifully crafted quilts and knitted items to gardening, and baked goods, the Open Class competition offers something for everyone. Several friendly competitions are also scheduled during the fair.

Largest Zucchini Contest

Monday, July 22 at the Eagle River Center
Registration: Drop off zucchinis between noon and 6 p.m.

This is a special class just for fun that will be judged separately from the classes in the garden department. Zucchinis will be judged by weight.

Piggy Bank Contest

Wednesday, July 24 at the Eagle River Center
Registration: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Judging will take place at 6 p.m.

Learn the importance of saving money and setting personal goals by entering the Piggy Bank Contest. Banks must be made by youth from materials such as milk cartons, soda bottles, or other items of their choice, or they may decorate an existing piggy bank with markers, crayons, picture cutouts or fabric. Contestant may use the county fair animal of their choice; it does not have to be a pig. Banks must hold coins and bills, and cannot be larger than 12 inches tall and 12 inches wide. CSU Extension will donate a $25 educational savings account to the winner in each age group.

Pretty Baby Contest

Saturday, July 27
Registration: 9 a.m. at the Eagle River Center
Contest: 10 a.m.

Any child up to two years old may enter the Pretty Baby Contest. Parents can dress their little tykes in western attire for a chance to win the “Best Dressed for the Fair” contest. Or, maybe the child resembles one of the parents enough to win the “Looks Most Like Mom/Pop” category. Other categories include “Best Beach Wear Ensemble,” “Best Hairdo,” “Prettiest Smile in Eagle County,” and “Most Patriotic.” Contestants can enter all six categories, but can only win once. Winners in each category will receive a $25 educational savings account.

Open Class Exhibits

All open class non-perishable exhibits must be entered at the Eagle River Center between noon and 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 22. All perishable exhibits must be entered at the Eagle River Center between 7 and 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday July 23. Judging will begin at 9 a.m. on July 23. The Open Class exhibits will be open to the public on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For a complete list of Eagle County Fair & Rodeo contests and events or to view the contestant handbook, visit www.eaglecountyfairandrodeo.com, or for more information contact the CSU Extension office, (970) 328-8630.