People living in Utah’s urban cities — and anywhere else in the state for that matter – should plan to take an “old-fashioned break” this week and visit the annual Sanpete County Fair.

The fair provides people with the opportunity to take a step back in time and experience life the way it once was in rural Utah. The old-fashioned celebration features some of the many county fair traditions started decades ago, such as cattle and horse shows, rodeos, pet shows, carnival rides and more.

The fair, which is held at the county’s fairgrounds in Manti, continues this week through Saturday.

Highlights Aug. 22 and 23 include a Cowboy Poetry concert at the Manti High School auditorium Monday at 7 p.m. The event features Don Kennington “The West’s Favorite Poet.” Tuesday, there will be a 4-H horse show at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 24, is day that a lot of the popular attractions open, including the Midway Carnival, which will feature rides and games such as a giant slide, scrambler and zipper. The midway opens at 6 p.m. Wednesday and will be open Thursday through Saturday from noon to close.

The Exhibition Building also opens Wednesday, featuring local art and photography, crafts, food, flowers and other items. Hours of operation are Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Another popular attraction, the Small Animal Barn, will swing its doors open at 10 a.m. through to 6 p.m. The barn is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Also on Wednesday, there will be team sorting competition at 6 p.m. where local cowgirls and cowboys will try and sort cattle in numeric order. That night, there will be a talent show at the Ephraim Middle School featuring local Sanpete County performers. Winners will move on to perform at the state fair

Fair highlights of Thursday, Aug. 25, include beef, lamb and swing judging; small animal judging; local talent shows from 4 to 6 p.m. in front of the Exhibition Building; a 4-H goat show; and a Demolition Derby at 7 p.m. The annual derby will be held at the fairground arena. The popular event includes cash prizes for first through third places, as well as prizes for the “wipe-out winner” and for the “most aggressive driver.” Cost for the event is $10.

On Friday, Aug. 26, the Third Annual Antique Tractor and Farm equipment show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., The event is being promoted as a show and not a contest, which means it’s open to any kind of farm machinery in restored or working condition. At 10 a.m., there will be an antique tractor pull

A Dutch oven cook off will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. The event allows the county’s finest “outdoor culinary experts” to test and match their skills. Trophies are awarded for first, second and third place.

There will be musical performances at 7 p.m. by the local group, LuDon and SoundQuest, and the IMPRA rodeo by Broken Heart Rodeo Company at 8 p.m. The rodeo features award-winner riders, horses and bulls.

Saturday, Aug. 27, the day begins early with a 7 a.m. “fun run” and an 8 a.m. EMT breakfast and rooster crowing contest. A livestock sale will begin at 10 a.m., along with the BLM wild horse auction.

Other events include mud volleyball, local talent shows, a clown show, horse pulling competition, pie-eating contests, and an antique car show from 6 to 7 p.m.

A mammoth parade will be held at 5 p.m. down Main Street in Manti. The event will feature the royalty from all local cites, along with fire and ambulance departments, floats and other attractions.

At 7 p.m., LuDon and SoundQuest will perform again and the IMPRA rodeo continues for a second night.

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