BOX ELDER COUNTY – By Ellen Cook, Headliner Media Specialist – August 3, 2021
After more than a year of cautious gatherings, controlled interactions and just plain missing out on normal activities, Box Elder County is ready to move on and move forward – Fair Forward.
The 2021 Box Elder County Fair, August 20 and Aug 23-28, will again be the place to be for fun, family, food and festivities. As last year’s celebration severely limited most public participation, the fair board, headed by Jan Rhodes, is eager to see things get back to normal.
The county commissioners stated in their fair message, “After such a challenging year we all need some fun. For young and old, this is the most anticipated event of the year. It represents the very best of our county. It is a time for everyone to reconnect with family and friends. Now, we need that more than ever.”
This year’s theme, “Fair Forward,” tells that tale and totes the annual event as the place “Where Generations Share the Magic.”
Part of that magic will begin at 6:30 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 20, as the popular country group, Lonestar, kicks off concert night in support of Nucor Utah Honor Flight. The band’s hits include “Come Cryin’ to Me,” “Amazed,” “I’m Already There,” and “Walking in Memphis.” The quartet has been entertaining music lovers for nearly 30 years and is sure to be a hit with the crowd at the fairgrounds rodeo arena.
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This year submitting entries is just a click away and can be done through the county’s online entry systems at boxeldercounty.org/fair, a process encouraged but not required. Using a computer or mobile device, exhibitors can check in or find out results in record time. Deadline for online entries is Monday, Aug. 23. Full instructions are available in this year’s fair book, available throughout the county.
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The ever-popular Golden Spike Rodeo will run Wednesday through Saturday during the fair. Wednesday will feature the PRCA Bronc Riding Classic, while Thursday, Aug. 26, will be Family Night. Friday’s colorful statement will be Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night, and Saturday will sparkle in stars and stripes as Patriot Night. Laughs, lumps and little cowboys and cowgirls will be featured Thursday-Saturday with mutton bustin’, kids stick horse race and the calf scramble.
New this year will be the WPRA Wilderness Circuit Breakaway Roping event. Women’s breakaway roping is growing in popularity and is becoming a major event at many rodeos. Crowds can look forward to some expert calf roping from some talented cowgirls.
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Absent last year because of COVID-19 restrictions, the parade will again be part of the fair and will roll down Tremont Street on Wednesday evening. This year’s grand marshal will the late Ann Henderson, USU extension agent and a fixture in the 4-H section of the fair each year.
The toe-tapping sounds from the bandstand will provide a little of everything for the listening ear. Adding to the long list of entertainment available will be Sage Junction, Fab Folk, John Burrows, Bleached Blondes Band and the hilarious and never predictable talents of Hypno Hick. The Beatles tribute band, Imagine, will return to the fairgrounds, as with Mariachi Zavala, Sunshade N Rain, Rough Stock and the Benson Sisters. Malibu Revue will bring back music from the 50s and 60s, Jared Rogerson will add cowboy rock to the mix, and Proclaim will add a contemporary Christian element. Also on the docket are Ty Pebley, Nick Whitesides and Sarah Bertola.
Just off the bandstand, the City of Fun Carnival will hold a wealth of chills and thrills, beginning Wednesday night at 6 p.m., with One Ticket Night, with all rides just one ticket. The remaining nights, tickets are two, three or four per night. Discounts will be offered for early purchase of tickets or wristbands (See fair book for details).
Other activities to look for include the Great Basin Antique Tractor Show, Paws for Applause & 4-H Pet Show and, of course, Saturday’s Junior Livestock Auction. Exhibitors will be showcasing their projects from sheep to strawberries, chocolate chip cookies to chickens.
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So, make the 2021 Box Elder County Fair the place to be to make the 2021 magic happen. Don’t miss the opportunity to move Fair Forward with family.
To quote the county commissioners, “It is all about a generation sharing their talents and knowledge with the younger generation so that this great tradition may continue for years and years. It is moments like these that make our county great with that special kind of magic! …There is nothing like the hustle and bustle of hometown pride. You will never find a better example of that than here in Box Elder County.”
