The 85th annual Garfield County Fair and Rodeo is ramping up the fun this year with a spectacular kick-off weekend beginning July 22. The always popular parade down Railroad Avenue in Rifle at 11 a.m. provides a festive start to the new Fair-a-Palooza event, which features shopping, food trucks, demonstrations, live music, dancing, comedy, and more from 12 to 8 p.m. at the Garfield County Fairgrounds.

The excitement continues with the new ranch rodeo team competition that takes place on Sunday, July 23, and the always popular family rodeo on Tuesday, July 25. These events showcase our local talent and community pride.

Through July 30, Garfield County’s 4-H youth are participating in general projects, contests, and displaying their livestock, so swing over to the fairgrounds to admire their hard work and dedication to our western heritage. Don’t forget to check out the open exhibits offerings on display in the South Hall.

If you feel the ground shaking under your boots, then you know it’s time for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Xtreme Bulls and PRCA and Women’s Pro Rodeo Association (WPRA) ProRodeo events, on Wednesday, July 26, and Thursday, July 27, respectively. Come out and see some of the toughest athletes on the planet tangle with these furious four-legged whirlwinds.

Country music star Chris Janson is headlining the fair and rodeo concert on Friday, July 28. Kicking off the show is Nashville country artist Chase Wright. Tickets are on sale now. The smash and crash of metal hails the arrival of the brave demolition derby drivers on Saturday, July 29. This event sells out, so be sure and grab your tickets. The Strongest of the Strong competition gets the adrenaline flowing at 9 a.m., followed by the Summer of Thunder car show at 10 a.m.

The Monster Truck Insanity Tour rolls into the fairgrounds on Sunday, July 30 at 2 p.m. This year’s fair concludes with regional act Cojunto Revelacion headlining the Sunday concert, with opening acts Tres de Oros and Prohibidos de la Sierra laying down the grooves. All are welcome to enjoy food, music, and dancing at this family event.

Mix in the always joyous carnival, delicious vendor chow, and much more and this year’s fair and rodeo is going to be an event to remember. Tickets and more information are available at garfieldcountyfair.com.