87th Valencia County Fair to have pie-eating contest

BELEN—It’s time for hay stacking, frog racing and pie eating at the 87th annual Valencia County Fair.

The fair runs until Sunday, Aug. 11. Saturday, Aug. 10, is the featured day, which includes the annual parade and main attractions, such as the chile cook off at noon and frog race at 1 p.m.

The theme for the parade this year is “Oh the places you’ll go, Valencia County!” from Dr. Seuss.

The parade is sponsored by the Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce, and will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday on South Main St.

The Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rhona Baca Espinoza said there will be a few Dr. Seuss inspired floats in the parade, as well as the Belen High School Intensity Marching Band and horse groups from across the state.

“If kids want to come ride their bikes in the parade, that would be awesome,” said Espinoza. “We just want to get the community involved and promote the Valencia County Fair.”

The county fair will be hosting a costume contest following with the theme of the parade at 12 p.m.

Danny Goodson, president of the Valencia County Fair Board, said there will be food vendors, arts and crafts vendors and music by the Daniel Solis Band.

The Bennett Amusement Carnival is returning this year and will run from Thursday, Aug. 8, through Aug. 11.

Valencia High School junior Lacie Ash is involved in 4-H and FFA and has participated in the county fair events for many years. She encourages young people to come to the fair.

“I think it’s a good experience to see all of the animals and all the hard work that’s put into the animals.” Ash said. “It’s also really fun to see everybody from the county and see all of your friends.”

There will be more livestock this year, according to Goodson, because there will be a beef production class.

All of the indoor 4-H exhibits will be at the fair this year, too, which, according to Ash, is new. She said the FFA will also hold a pie-eating contest between local chapters.

The buckle ceremony will be at the show arena at 1:45 p.m. and the junior livestock auction will be at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

“We’re excited and we want people to come,” said Goodson. “There’s plenty for people to come and see and have some fun.”

For more information on new changes or rules, visit the Valencia County Fair Facebook page.