2011 San Miguel Basin Fair and Rodeo, Norwood, July 22-24

20 Jul 2011 San Miguel Basin Fair and Rodeo, Norwood, July 22-24

[click “Play” to hear Eileen’s interview with Lo Snyder]

By Eileen Burns

Grab your cowboy hat and boots folks, The San Miguel Basin Fair and Rodeo is in town and promises to be jam packed full of events and competitions for everyone in the family.  From the adrenaline rush of a pro cowboy taking a wild and thrashing 8 second bull ride around the arena, to little Johnny next door, hanging on with sheer guts, as he tumbles through his first mutton busting competition, Norwood Colorado is the place to be this weekend.  The fair grounds are located just 40 minutes from downtown Telluride, on Wrights Mesa.  The CPRA Rodeos will take place both Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 7:00 pm.  Entry fee to Rodeo is only $9.00.  There will be plenty of vendor stands with food, pop and beer, including the kids’ favorites: sno-cones and cotton candy.  

“This year’s fair and rodeo is a family event, offering something for everyone,” claims Lo Snyder, president of the Norwood Roping Club, which hosts the Rodeo each year.  If you can make it to the fair grounds Friday morning, you won’t want to miss the Junior Rodeo, kicking off at 9am.  These talented athletes have been competing all summer around the region and are in top shape for this weekend’s competition.  Bring the kids and stop by the BBQ on Saturday, starting at 11:30 am, where you can then preview all the 4H animals that will be up for auction, beginning at 1:00 pm.  

You don’t have to be a cowboy or cowgirl to take part in the rodeo either, just sign up your little one for the mutton busting competition, in which children ride sheep, or the popular stick horse race, which is for the tiny little wranglers.  Adults can take a stab at a new event called steer dragging, and by the sound of it, could be a dirt eating experience, so don’t wear your Sunday best if you’re thinking of giving it a go.

Throughout the weekend there will be an open fair and art show in the New All Purpose Room at the Norwood High School, located at 1225 W. Summit Avenue.

For those of you looking for a little late night evening entertainment, you’ll want to come dressed to dance.  Immediately following the Saturday night rodeo, the Hitching Post, at 41087 Grand Avenue, will be hosting the country band, Vanishing Breeze, beginning at 9:00 pm.  (There will be a cover charge.)  

For a complete schedule of events for the San Miguel Basin Fair and Rodeo, beginning July 22nd in Norwood Colorado, visit www.sanmiguelcounty.org/fair or call 970-327-4321.

rodeo photos courtesy of Regan Snyder; Rope, Hat & Boots, Clint Viebrock