From livestock and local exhibits to carnival rides, rodeo action, a demolition derby, a car show, a parade and plenty of food and entertainment, the annual fair offers something for nearly every age group.

The fairgrounds are located at 500 N. Main in Manti, and admission to the fairgrounds is free. Some individual events require tickets.

More information, including a complete schedule and tickets for ticketed events, is available at sanpetecountyfair.net.

Exhibits open Wednesday

One of the first opportunities to get into the fair spirit will be the opening of the Exhibit Building on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

Photo by Jaden Sorenson

The building will feature a wide variety of entries from residents throughout the area, highlighting the talents, creativity and hard work of local residents. Entries will showcase everything from traditional fair projects to creative works and other exhibits.

The Exhibit Building will be open from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Carnival and rodeo

The carnival opens Thursday at 3 p.m. and will continue Friday beginning at 3 p.m. and Saturday beginning at noon.

A carnival day pass is $35 and can be purchased through the fair’s website.

Thursday will also bring the first night of RMPRA Rodeo action, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Rodeo Arena. The rodeo will return Saturday night at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $9 for Thursday’s rodeo and $11 for Saturday’s performance. The rodeo will feature barrel man Danger Dave Whitmoyer, adding an element of comedy and excitement to the competition.

The Saturday night rodeo will be followed by a concert featuring country-rock band Jagertown, giving fairgoers an opportunity to continue the evening with live music after the rodeo concludes.

Learning about agriculture

The fair isn’t just about rides and entertainment. Agriculture remains at the heart of the Sanpete County Fair, and one of the best examples is the popular Fun on the Farm exhibit.

Fun on the Farm will be open Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The free exhibit provides children with a hands-on and entertaining way to learn about agriculture, including where their food comes from and the work that goes into producing it.

For many children, the exhibit offers an opportunity to make connections between the food they see on the dinner table and the farmers, ranchers and agricultural businesses that help produce it.

The fair will also feature showmanship classes, livestock exhibits and the Small Animal Barn, providing another look at the agricultural traditions that remain an important part of Sanpete County.

Friday brings demolition derby

Friday night will bring one of the fair’s most anticipated events when the Demolition Derby takes over the arena.

The action begins at 7 p.m., with drivers putting their cars to the test as they battle for the final running vehicle while spectators cheer from the grandstands.

Reserved grandstand tickets are $20, while general admission is $15. Children 2 and younger are admitted free.

Tickets are available online through sanpetecountyfair.net.

Earlier Friday afternoon, young animal lovers can participate in the Open Class Pet Show. The event is open to entrants 18 years old and younger and begins at 2 p.m. at the fairgrounds pavilion.

Saturday packed with activities

Saturday is traditionally one of the busiest days of the Sanpete County Fair, and this year’s schedule begins early.

The Sanpete County Commissioners Breakfast will be held at 7 a.m. at the fairgrounds pavilion. The breakfast is free and gives residents an opportunity to start the final full day of the fair with a community gathering.

At 10 a.m., the annual Junior Livestock Association Auction will begin in the Small Animal Barn. The auction is an important part of the fair’s youth agricultural program, giving young exhibitors an opportunity to showcase the animals they have raised and worked with.

Also beginning at 10 a.m. will be the annual Car Show, which will run until 3 p.m. on the south side of the fairgrounds near the pavilion. The show will feature a variety of vehicles and is another opportunity for residents and visitors to admire the work that goes into maintaining and restoring automobiles.

At noon, the Cattlemen’s Association Beef Dinner will be served at the fairgrounds pavilion.

For those looking to cool off, the Manti City Pool will offer a free swim from noon to 2 p.m.

The Horse Pulling Competition will begin at 1 p.m. in the fairgrounds arena, showcasing the strength and teamwork of the draft horses and their handlers.

At 2 p.m., the competition takes a lighter turn with the annual Pie-Eating Contest at the pavilion. Contestants will race to see who can finish their dessert first, with plenty of entertainment for spectators.

Mammoth Parade caps the day

At 5 p.m., attention will turn to Manti’s Main Street for the annual Mammoth Parade.

The parade provides a chance for local organizations, businesses, families and community groups to take part in one of the fair’s most visible traditions.

For many Sanpete County residents, the parade is one of the highlights of the fair, bringing people together along Main Street to celebrate the community and the conclusion of another fair season.

With the parade, Saturday’s activities and the evening rodeo and concert, the final day of the fair offers a full schedule from early morning through the evening.

A celebration of Sanpete County

While the rides, rodeos and demolition derby provide plenty of excitement, the Sanpete County Fair also serves as an annual showcase for the people and traditions that make the county unique.

The exhibits highlight local creativity, livestock events showcase the area’s agricultural heritage, youth competitions provide opportunities for learning and accomplishment, and community events bring residents together.

For families, the fair provides an opportunity to spend time together while experiencing everything from carnival rides and animals to live entertainment and competitions. For longtime residents, it is a chance to reconnect with annual traditions and friends.

With free admission to the fairgrounds and a wide variety of free activities mixed with several ticketed events, organizers have put together a schedule designed to offer something for everyone.

The Sanpete County Fair runs through Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Sanpete County Fairgrounds in Manti.

For complete schedules, event details and tickets, visit sanpetecountyfair.net.