County fairs due in August

Summer time: It’s simultaneously the carefree pinnacle of students' year and the Iditarod of parenthood. Unbridled freedom follows an unrecoverable nosedive to boredom and the impending zombie-child apocalypse. Still, more than any other season, summer offers numerous opportunities to forge lasting memories with loved ones.

Enter the Curry and Roosevelt county fairs.

Fair organizers are still finalizing some things with both the Curry and Roosevelt fairs. The Curry fair will be Aug. 13-17, and the Roosevelt fair Aug. 27-31.

Curry

For nearly a century the Curry County Fair has brought together people from all walks of life in a celebration of community and summer fun. The 99th annual fair promises the beloved staples alongside some exciting new attractions including Grammy Award-winning musicians. Wrights Amusements Carnival will again supply rides, but those who prefer secondhand thrills can watch the daily death-defying acts of the Distinguished Daredevils and those of Brigade FMX (freestyle motocross).

The fair has always been a showcase of artistic talent and this year will preserve that tradition. Every day, Joe's Spray Can Artists promise a display of artistry using a variety of tools and materials. For a more home-grown arts and crafts experience, stop by the Home Arts Building to see handcrafted items made by county residents.

This year's fair boasts a star-studded lineup of musical performers. Thursday’s country night features Stoney LaRue. Friday night brings the junior livestock auction, followed by the Drake Hays Band. Saturday is Tejano night, with a show from Grupo Mezcal, Rick Fuentes & Brown Express, and Grammy Award-winning headlining act Los Palominos.

Roosevelt

After an idle week between the fairs, Roosevelt County will put on its own show. A stroll around the grounds will reveal sewing, metal working, crafting, roping, turtle racing, greased pig chasing, and more. The fair will also Bennett's Amusement Carnival rides.

Two new events will be featured in this year's fair: Cowboy Polo and the Antique Tractor Show.

Talents will be on full-display in a demonstration from Jett Sharp Team Roping and in the ornate, personal creations found in the Home Arts Building. Each night will see musicians take the stage with a lineup including the Joe Trevino Band (8 p.m. Aug. 27), Stateline Band (8 p.m. Aug. 28), Tylor Brandon Band (8 p.m. Aug. 29 and 30), Randall King (10 p.m. Aug. 30), and The Delk Band (8:30 p.m. Aug. 31).

Both fairs offer discounts and promotional days throughout the week. Information is available online at facebook.com/currycountyfair and rooseveltcountyfair.com.