Southern NM State Fair: Livestock and Poultry

During my visit to the Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo in Las Cruces, I seemed to have spent a lot of time in the livestock and poultry areas.

There were plenty of cows, goats, rabbits, sheep and poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks). The only animals I didn't see were horses. I later found out that the horse stalls were in a stable area away from the others. Too bad. I would have liked to have looked them over.

Here's a sampling of the animals I did see:

 

Today At The Southern New Mexico State Fair

Above, the rabbit pavilion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I spent three and a half hours at the Southern New Mexico State Fair in Las Cruces.

Above, this cow posed for me. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I spent much of my time in the livestock area where judging was taking place on goats, pigs and sheep. I also roamed the different pavilions of poultry and rabbits and the pens where cattle, pigs, goats and sheep were kept. I was disappointed not to see any horses. I guess we can't have anything.

Above, some of the vintage Coleman lanterns. Some were made for Sears. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The area where the rides are wasn't open, not that I was going on any.

One pavilion contained model railroad sets. The biggest was in 'N' gauge and quite elaborate. Another pavilion had Coleman lanterns and stoves dating back to the 1900s. That was interesting.

Above, a row of goats for judging. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The few photos here was from my phone camera. I have to upload the photos from my Canon camera either tonight or tomorrow. I will be attending the rodeo tonight. That starts at 7:00.

Above, some turkeys in the poultry pavilion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After the fair, I went in to Mesilla for lunch at the Cafe de Mesilla. I had an excellent chicken enchilada lunch. Following that, I went back to the KOA to rest up for a few hours.

Above, a collection of dairy cows. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

So far, it has been an enjoyable day.

The Bi-County Fair

Above, the fair's main entrance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I decided to head over to nearby (26 miles) Prewitt, New Mexico for the annual Bi-County Fair.

It was a nice, sunny day with a few clouds and temperatures in the mid-80s.

Above, the entrance's sign. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I arrived, I passed the entrance and had to turn around. It consisted of a small dirt road. To say that this was the smallest fair I've ever been to could almost be an understatement. Perhaps the Hawthorne (California) Community Fair (do they still have that?) was a little bit smaller, but at least it had rides. The Bi-County Fair had none (they would draw more people if they did). It is mainly for the 4-H Clubs of Cibola and McKinley Counties.

Above, one of the 4-H entries. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What I saw were outdoor pens of pigs, goats and cows. The was a separate building with rabbits and poultry (chickens, ducks, turkeys, etc.). The snack bar shared the small indoor rodeo arena. There were a few vendors present and a separate building with art, quilts, photography and cooked goods for judging. There's an outdoor rodeo arena with a big grandstand.

Above, the outdoor rodeo grounds and grandstand. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

They don't charge for admission or parking, the sponsor (Marathon Petroleum) covers these.

Above, this has got to be one of the biggest bunnies I've ever seen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The fair staff were friendly and were easy to strike up a conversation with.

Above, the indoor arena. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is interesting that this fair is so small, considering that it is for two counties (Cibola and McKinley Counties). I would hope they add a "fun zone" of rides in the future. It would draw more people.

Above, one of the vendors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I wasn't expecting Goliath-sized fairs like the Los Angeles and Orange County Fairs, but at least it was something to so and get out of house. I may return for their rodeo.

I'm not done with fairs yet. The Navajo Nation Fair will take place next week in Window Rock, Arizona.

More photos:

Above, geese and turkeys. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, one of several relaxing hogs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the cow section. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Col. Sanders's main ingredient. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, more chickens. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, things are just ducky with this one. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a couple of turkeys. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the rabbits and poultry building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, getting coiffed. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a hog being led to the shower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, being returned to his pen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, it's a hog's life. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, another photo of the huge bunny. Photo by Armand Vaquer.