Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Toad races, talent show and rolling pin throwing — it's fair time

Clara Garcia News-Bulletin Staff Writer; cgarcia@news-bulletin.com

Bosque Farms For nearly 70 years, the Bosque Farms Community Fair has been an event that not only brings family and friends together but keeps the tradition of rural New Mexico alive.

This weekend marks the 69th annual Bosque Farms Community Fair, which some say is one of, if not the longest running, community fairs in the country. From Friday, Aug. 1, to Sunday, Aug. 3, residents and visitors will gather together at the Bosque Farms Rodeo Arena and at Cowboy Hall to celebrate the community.

The fair board, which is made up of all volunteers, works throughout the year to plan the unique events that draws thousands to the annual fair each August. From toad races and the rolling pin throwing contest to the backyard barbecue cooking contests and the white elephant bingo game, the Bosque Farms Community Fair is a three-day event that has something for everyone to enjoy.

While the fair is known for its old-fashioned traditional events such as the foot races and greased pole contest, the fair board also enjoys coming up with new ideas, such as a few years ago with the amateur barbecue cooking contest.

Maggi Geddes, president of the fair board, said while there are no new events planned for this year's fair, it should still be a great event for the whole family.

"They get to see their friends, and it's a good time," she said. "The weather looks like it's going to be pretty good. There's various things that they can do, including things for the kids."

One thing that has changed for this year's fair is the lack of a parade marshal. Geddes said the board approached several people with the honor, but all refused the position.

"As far as I can remember, this is the first time that we haven't had a marshal," Geddes said. "But that's OK, it'll still be a great parade and a great fair."

Those interested in participating in the parade on Saturday morning should go to the South Loop near Margaret Drive at 8:30 a.m. Several months ago, Geddes asked the public for volunteers to help judge the exhibits.

The Bosque Farms Community Fair wouldn't be the same without the indoor exhibits, which will be judged on Friday at 2 p.m., such as baked goods, farm produce, sewing, flowers art and canning. The toad races begin at 7 p.m. on Friday followed by a talent contest at 8 p.m.

Saturday is the busiest time for the fair with the parade at 9:30 a.m. and the car show starting at 8 a.m. The money pit will open at 10 a.m. and the footraces and rolling pin throw in the arena will begin at 10:30.

The greased pole contest is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to noon and the backyard barbecue contest is at 5 p.m. And don't forget the family dance beginning at 7 p.m.

On the last day of the fair, Sunday, Aug. 3, the white elephant bingo and pet parade begins at 1 p.m. with a bake walk at 2:30 p.m.

E-mail this story Printer-friendly version