It’s Fair and Rodeo Week!

Put on your cowboy boots. And your starched jeans. Get your hat cleaned up, but make sure you wear your straw one and not your felt beaver.

It’s hot outside, but that won’t stop the show.

It’s fair and rodeo week in San Miguel County, and it all happens in Norwood July 20-27 at the fairgrounds.

Last weekend kicked off the festivities with the 2014 carnival. With rides, slides and other games, kids of all ages came out — despite very warm temperatures — to enjoy the annual fun.

Sunday, July 20, kids and adults alike took part in the greased pig contest and the dessert judging contest.

According to Pastor John Dotson, director of the Fair Board, this year’s fair is bigger and better than it has been for quite some time.

“I am really excited about this year’s fair, and we are bringing in more exhibitors and vendors and local businesses. It’s more than just a stock show,” he said.

Some of the organizations and businesses onsite include Flower Motors, Western Implement, Affordable Trailer, Murdock’s, Lancy’s Leather and U.S. Fish and Game.

The traditional judging of jams, jellies and crafts will take place.

All of the usual livestock events are scheduled for the week, and those 4-H kids are hard at work.

You’ll find them washing their lambs, feeding their rabbits and working their steers.

This week lamb, pig and beef shows will be held, and many a hard-working kid is hoping to earn a prized belt buckle.

The older kids are hoping to earn big in the junior livestock show, where community members come forward to support the kids’ endeavors through the purchase of an animal.

And others can still be involved, even if they don’t have an ag background. A best-dressed pet contest and a pet rock contest are also scheduled. The events are sponsored by 4-H and are open to all.

Locals and visitors alike are looking forward to the annual rodeo.

Held June 25-26, cowboys and cowgirls will demonstrate their roping and riding skills.

Friday kicks off the junior rodeo, and Saturday will host the open rodeo.

Afterward, country singer Jake Gill will perform Saturday night in the arena for an outdoor concert. Gill has opened for Jason Aldean, Wade Bowen, Chris Cagle and other country musicians, and he will play at cowboy church the next morning at 10 a.m. at the fairgrounds after the pancake breakfast.

The Fair Board reinstated the fair and rodeo royalty, and fairgoers will have a chance to meet the 2014 queen and her court.

Senior Queen Kaitlynn Arnold, Junior Queen Cortney Lemon and Princess Grace Harris will be at the fair, in the show rings and welcoming all.

All three girls have backgrounds in horses and represent the county in true ranching style.

The San Miguel County Fair truly represents the farming and ranching roots of the area.

And, the event is absolutely free.

All are invited to come out and celebrate the history and culture that many still live in the basin.