ARTESIA — Preparations are currently underway for the 79th Annual Eddy County Fair, set to run July 23-27.

Entry forms for participation in Open Class exhibits, Lead Class, 4-H indoor exhibits and the Cake Contest are due by Sunday, June 30. Entry forms for the Junior Livestock Show and Queen Contest are due by Friday, July 12. Forms can be found online at www.eddycountyfair.com.

Open Horse Show entries will be accepted the day of the show, which will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 13, at the covered arena.

Interested vendors are asked to email vendors@eddycountyfair.com. This year’s fair will see the return of a carnival, which will run from 5 p.m. – midnight July 23-25, 4 p.m. midnight July 26, and 10 a.m. – midnight July 27.

The fair has also announced its 2024 concert lineup:

• Sanctus Real: 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 24 • Easton Corbin: 6 p.m. Thursday, July 25 • Jon Wolfe: 9 p.m. Friday, July 26 Other special events will include:

• Eddy County Fair Parade: Tuesday, July 23 The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and will run east on Main Street from Bulldog Bowl to Second Street. To enter, request a form by emailing jessica@artesiachamber. com.

• Flower Show: Wednesday, July 24 This year’s theme is “Through the Decades.” Create and set-up for design entries will be held from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. or until supplies run out. Horticulture entries will be accepted from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday and 8-10 a.m. Thursday.

• Wool Lead Show: Friday, July 26 Forms must be submitted by June 30; to request a form or for more information, email leadclass@eddycountyfair.com.

• Pecan Contest Auction:
Friday, July 26

Open to all Eddy County residents. Pecan product must be made by the exhibitor and include a complete recipe. Entries will be accepted from …

… noon – 1:30 p.m. Friday, July 25, at the Community Building kitchen. Best overall entry receives a cash prize of $500. Remaining portions will be auctioned beginning at 6 p.m. in the Livestock Barn Show Ring, with all proceeds benefiting the FFA and 4-H programs.

• Bullriding: Friday, July 26 The event will begin at 7 p.m. in the Artesia Horse Council Arena, with gates opening at 5 p.m. Admission is $15 per person. Those interested in entering are asked to text or call Kay-Lee Jo Bryant at 218-349-1861.

• Fire and Ice Competition:
Saturday,
July 27

The competition includes a Traditional Chili Cook-Off and Anything Goes Chili Contest, plus a Homemade Ice Cream Contest for children and a new Salsa Competition. For more information, contact AJ at 575706-9580 or Misti at 575-706-4547.

• Cornhole Tournament:
Saturday,

July 27

Cost is $20 per person. Check in at 10 a.m. in the covered arena; tournament begins at 10:15 a.m. Switch format with six games guaranteed. For more information, text Bradley Davis at 575-703-0469.

• Jack Rauch Anvil Toss: Saturday, July 27 The event will run from 10 a.m. noon in the covered arena. Registration will be held prior to the start.