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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
It’s fair time in Box Elder County, and that means many folks will travel to Tremonton this week for fun at the annual Box Elder County Fair and Rodeo. The tradition dates back to 1925, when it began as not much more than a humble gathering. But through the years, the Box Elder County Fair has grown both in attractions and popularity, and these days it is one of the largest in the state.
I recently talked with fair board president Bill Smoot who for 16 years has overseen the annual event. Bill told me that the fair’s large beef and dairy exhibits, large sheep show and extensive collection of chickens and rabbits rival even those presented at the State Fair. But it’s Box Elder’s Junior Livestock Auction that truly puts it ahead of the rest. Last year, the event helped sell 621 head of livestock, which resulted in proceeds totaling nearly $500,000, all of which went to the young people who participated. Bill said they use the money for college tuition and church missions.
In addition to the livestock, Box Elder’s fair features an expansive arts and crafts display, including, fine art, photography and needlework. And, of course, there’s a large section of winning baked goods and canned items. For kids, the petting zoo offers a chance to see baby ducks, potbelly pigs and this year, an unusual six-legged sheep.
But a trip to Tremonton will get you more than a “look-see” at livestock and craft exhibits. After all, this is a rodeo, too, which means there’s a wealth of western entertainment from bucking bulls to barrel racers. And there’s plenty of good old-fashioned food as well with Dutch oven cooking, chuck wagon breakfasts and the famous Farm Bureau hamburgers.
The Box Elder County Fair and Rodeo officially begins today with the annual parade through Tremonton. Events are scheduled every day this week, including an auctioneers competition tonight, cowboy poetry Friday night and the Junior Livestock Auction on Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
