Garfield County Fair news

Upgraded Fairgrounds Facilities Developing for 2007 Garfield County Fair

For immediate release
June 21, 2007

Nothing has "stalled" the increase to nearly 200 horse stalls at the Garfield County Fairgrounds over the last few months.  In addition to the building of an entirely new barn with 36 stalls, the existing horse stalls at the fairgrounds have been leveled and replaced.  Power facilities and lighting are also readily available in stall areas as well. 

That is not all that horses will find to their liking, 800 tons of sand has established new footing in the arena.  Event broadcasters will speak from a newly-built “crows nest” above the arena and new pipe rail fencing is surrounding the outdoor arena.

“The main outdoor arena has now shrunk by 50 feet in length and width,” says Dave Ebeler, Garfield County fairgrounds manager.  “This makes it more accommodating for equestrian activities, easier for people to handle livestock and gives us a better edge on all-around maintenance.  The new fencing replaces chipped and aging wood fencing and outdated chain link fences, is safer for our riders and aesthetically looks much better.”

Currently the dirt parking lot at the fairgrounds is being graded for new asphalt.  Twenty new recreational vehicle (RV) parking facilities have been added and all RV parking has new 50 amp breaker boxes for each spot. 

The industrial sized kitchen at the fairgrounds now has an outdoor entrance, allowing usage for kitchen activities without interruption of meetings held in the event hall.  Plans are on the grid for future remodeling of the North and South Event Halls housed under the grandstands with dropped ceilings, new paint, a sound system, and air conditioning and heating, according to Ebeler.

Future plans also involve covering the livestock weigh-in scales and the building of an outdoor patio eating area.  Soon a new marquis sign will greet fairgrounds visitors at the entrance of the facility. 

Merchandise vendors are invited to present their wares during the Garfield County Fair at the new facilities in Rifle August 3-12.  Vendor spaces are ten feet by ten feet in size, but vendors can reserve larger spaces as well.  Vendors are accommodated surrounding the base of the grandstands where the heaviest foot traffic is during the fair. 

Information, recreation and merchandise booth fees are only $50 for the fair.  Vendors may work the booths during busiest fair hours and are not required to be open at all times during the ten days of events.  Food vendors have already reserved eight booths and duplicate items are not booked.

“The fair is a great place for vendors to showcase retail items, artistic pieces, photos, leatherwork and clothing,” says Ebeler.  “The new facilities will not only benefit those attending the fair with livestock and horse needs, but also the retail folks who participate in the fair.”

Fair vendor forms are online at this site under Entry Forms and are due back to the fairground by July 1 .  Vendors may also call Fairgrounds Manager Dave Ebeler at 625-2514 to receive one by fax, email debeler@garfield-county.com, or stop by the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle at 1001 Railroad Avenue. 

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