A brand to ride for

To the theme of “A Brand of Its Own”, this year’s Crook County Fair will officially kick off next week, bringing all the events and entertainments it has long been known for.

Entertainment

Begin fair week on July 25 with the ice cream social at 3:45 p.m. The next evening will bring a 4-H/FFS volleyball tournament, while the Muley Fanatics Family Fun Night is scheduled for July 27 at 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Tuck into a pancake breakfast cooked by your elected officials at 7 a.m. on July 28. That evening, a youth dance will take place at the rodeo grounds along with a concert from Tris Munsick, a modern cowboy band hailing from Sheridan.

Young attendees can learn about horticulture at the hoop house on July 26, 28 and 29 with a day of 4-H activities and are invited to enjoy Story Time with Miss Tonia at 10:30 a.m. on July 26 and 27. Adventure Zone Inflatables will be available for bouncing fun on the afternoons of July 26 and 27.

Parade day will begin on July 29 with the bike relay in the parking lot of Sundance Elementary, followed by the parade itself at 10 a.m. This year’s parade marshals are Jerry and Judy Ista of Hulett.

After the parade, this year’s Crook County Rodeo Royalty will be crowned at the arena at 11:30 a.m., with a buyers and community BBQ to follow at 3 p.m. before the junior livestock sale at 5 p.m.

Rodeo

Rodeo events this year begin with the youth rodeo on July 22 at 10 a.m., followed by team roping at 4 p.m.

On July 25, the calcutta will open for the ranch rodeo at 6 p.m., followed by the ranch rodeo itself at 6:30 p.m.

The youth rough stock rodeo will be held on July 27 at 5:30 p.m.

All rodeo events will take place at the arena.

Animal Shows

This year’s animal shows will be spread throughout fair week, to include:

Horses – 8 a.m. on July 23

4-H dogs – 9 a.m. on July 24

Dairy cattle and goats – 8 a.m. on July 26

Goats – 9 a.m. on July 26

Swine – 5 p.m. on July 26

Sheep – 8 a.m. on July 27

Poultry and rabbits – 3 p.m. on July 27

Cats – 3 p.m. on July 27

Guinea pigs and pocket pets – 4:30 p.m. on July 27 (or immediately after rabbits)

Beef – 9 a.m. on July 28

Wool – 1:30 p.m. on July 28.

Exhibits and Events

For static exhibits, the week begins on July 25, when 4-H, FFA and open class exhibits are due between 8 a.m. and noon. 4-H interview judging begins at 10 a.m. and style revue judging at noon; FFA static and open class judging begins at 1 p.m. with the public fashion revue at 3 p.m.

Other events during fair week include the Sundance Rod & Gun Club fishing derby from July 27-29, with weigh-ins at 5 p.m. each day. Meet and greet live Braunvieh cattle (otherwise known as Swiss Brown) on July 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. at the Big Barn.