County Fair 101
Photography: Mark Maziarz
For 101 years, folks have flocked to Coalville for the Summit County Fair. From the livestock show featuring youngsters’ prize pigs to the metal-crunching demolition derby, the fair is a beloved summertime tradition, with close to 20,000 visitors venturing to the fairgrounds (202 East Park Road) annually. This year, the fair kicks off with the demo derby on August 7 and ends on August 14 with two nights of the PRCA rodeo. While simply moseying over to the fair pretty much guarantees a country-tinged good time, some must-do activities require just a smidgeon of advance planning.
Begin mapping out a fair adventure by visiting the website for a schedule of events and ticket prices, as well as entry rules and regulations (summitcounty.org; 435.615.3221). The fair really gets hopping by 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 12, when all of the exhibits are up and running, and continues at full throttle throughout the weekend. Peruse the 4-H and livestock competitions, fine arts and home arts exhibits, food booths and farmers’ market, or participate in competitions ranging from archery to art projects. For pint-sized entertainment, there’s a pet fest, calf riding, sheep riding and a kids’ rodeo. For grown-up wranglers without horses, an ATV rodeo provides a motorized take on the sport. Stick around on Friday and Saturday afternoons for musical entertainment and dancing, and be sure to grab a spot early for the wildly popular hypnotist show—people seem unable to keep themselves from returning year after year.
Festival Roundup
The Oakley Rodeo, July 1, 2, 3 & 5
The 75th annual, always-popular (and often quickly sold-out) professional rodeo features barrel racing, calf roping, bull riding and fireworks. 435.783.5734 or oakleycity.com
Wasatch County Fair Days, Aug 2–7
From hula-hoop contests and baby Olympics to a demo derby and country market, this event in Heber City is an annual hometown hit. 435.657.3240 or co.wasatch.ut.us/fair
Rockport Dam Jam, Aug 13–15
Bluegrass musicians and fans gather at Rockport State Park’s Old Church campground for the 17th annual weekend-long jam session, with potluck dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings. Day-use and camping fees apply; otherwise, the “dam jam” is free. 435.336.2241 or stateparks.utah.gov
Midway Swiss Days, Sept 3–4
Celebrating the town’s Swiss heritage, this festival features 200 booths of handcrafted wares as well as entertainment and eats. 801.234.0673 or midwayswissdays.com
Heber City’s Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Buckaroo Fair, Nov 1–7
The 16th annual event has everything from top-notch concerts and cowboy poets (of course) to horse shows and harmonica workshops. 435.654.2352 or hebercitycowboypoetry.com
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