PREWITT, NM – The 54th annual Bi-County Fair, a community event in Prewitt, New Mexico, is gearing up to celebrate its rich history and community ties. The fair, which originated over five decades ago as a response to a need for local youth to showcase their animals, has grown into a bi-community gathering that fosters camaraderie and showcases a mix of exhibits and events.
The fair's roots trace back to Ambrosia Lake, located north of Grants, where it was initiated by families such as Gladys and Adrian Berryhill on their ranch. Created before Cibola was its own county, the fair emerged as an alternative to the distant Belen location which was 89 miles away, offering a platform for young residents to display their animals. Following a brief stint in Ambrosia Lake, the fair eventually found its permanent home in Prewitt, thanks to the generosity of the Elkins family, who donated the fair and rodeo grounds, according to the fair Executive Director Patrick Jaramillo.
Set to take place from September 1 to 3, the Bi-County Fair welcomes the community, with participants from Cibola and McKinley counties showing their livestock and participating in the rodeo. The event unites the various communities of Cibola and McKinley counties, showcasing a range of activities, from animal shows to Future Farmers of America exhibits, as well as a closely affiliated rodeo with the Prewitt Roping Club.
The fair's schedule is full of engaging activities, according to Jaramillo, beginning with animal and exhibit check-ins on August 31. The following days feature indoor exhibit judgments and shows, animal shows including market lamb, market goat, and market beef, a pet show, animal costume contest, stick horse race, rodeos, public speaking contests, and 4-H games. Jaramillo said the highlight of the fair is the Junior Livestock Sell on Sunday, where businesses and supporters purchase livestock, providing a platform for youth to showcase their hard work and dedication to their trade.
Jaramillo said that the fair is proud to be free to the public thanks to a rotation of sponsors who support the event by waiving admission charges to the fairgrounds. These advertisers ensure that the event remains open to individuals from all walks of life, matching the fair’s spirit of community engagement. Jaramillo thanked H&R Block of Grants, Sacred Wind Communications, Continental Divide Electric, Red Bolt Broadband, and Homestake Mining Company and all of the event sponsors for their support.
This year's theme, “Celebrating Our Traditions,” honors the fair’s heritage while simultaneously embracing the future. The event organizers envision continued growth, with plans for upgrades and fresh additions to the fair's offerings. Each year, efforts are made to introduce something novel, even if modest in scale, in addition to the core attractions.
The fair's strong ties with the NMSU Cooperative Extension Office in both Cibola and McKinley counties are indicative of the event's collaborative spirit and dedication to promoting agricultural awareness. Jaramillo thanked both Extension Offices for their support of the youth in their communities and the bi-county fair.
As the 54th Bi-County Fair approaches, residents and visitors alike eagerly anticipate the celebration of a legacy built on unity, hard work, and a shared commitment to preserving cherished traditions. The fair serves as a testament to the enduring value of community- driven events that bring people together in a spirit of camaraderie and shared experiences.