SAFFORD — Trey Andrews, Parks director for Graham County, said people should expect plenty of new things to see and experience at this year’s Graham County Fair.
“We definitely have a lot more this year,” Andrews said. “We’ve got a lot more vendors (and) we’ve got some different acts in the entertainment department. So, yeah, it’s definitely going to be a different fair.”
The fair, with the theme “Remembering our past while looking into our future,” opens Thursday at 5 p.m.
Judging for swine, goats, rabbits, poultry and pigeons will take place Thursday; along with judging of field crops, horticulture, floriculture, all home economics, art, photography, hobbies and crafts, and foods.
On the stage will be the instrumental and band portion of the Rising Star Talent competition, along with performers Skip Banks, Wildman Phil, The Clean Cut Band and headliners the Outlaw Mariachi.
Friday starts with the Fair Parade down Main Street in Safford at 10 a.m., followed by judging of beef cattle and sheep.
Entertainment Friday includes dance and gymnastics in the Rising Star Talent competition; and performers Skip Banks, Wildman Phil, Take Cover!, the Safford Dance Academy, Safford Karate, Bo Titla, Safford Cheer, and headliners The Clean Cut Band.
Saturday starts with the livestock auction, followed by the vocalists taking the spotlight in the Rising Star Talent competition. Entertainment includes Skip Banks, Wildman Phil, Happy and the Ghosts, the Cole Trains and headliners Huckleberry Road.
Sunday the fair is open from noon to 5 p.m. for plenty of midway and ride fun.
There are also a number of events anyone can take part in throughout fair weekend, including a 5K run, cornhole tournament, disc golf tournament, diaper derby, frozen T-shirt contest, sack race and three-legged race.
Admission to the fair is $6 per day for those 11 and older, $5 for seniors 65 and older, $2 for children 6-10, and free for children under 2. Unlimited ride wristbands are $30.
