Why the Apache County Fair Dates Have Moved to August

We want to share openly with our community why the Apache County Fair will now take place two Wednesdays before Labor Day each year, beginning this August.

After COVID-19, many carnival companies across the country went out of business. Today, only a handful remain—and competition for their schedules is extremely high. Over the past three years, we’ve been fortunate to welcome one of the best carnivals in the business. The first two years were on a trial basis, to see if our fair could support them and if they would accept us as a long-term venue. Thanks to your incredible attendance and enthusiasm, they agreed to commit to us. This year marks the first year of our five-year contract with them.

The only available weekend they can offer us falls in August. In order to continue bringing you and your families the full fair experience—complete with rides, games, and midway fun—we adjusted our dates.

We know this is a change from our traditional September schedule. We hear and understand the desire to return to the old dates, but right now it is not in the fair’s best interest—or even possible—to do so. Until the carnival’s schedule opens up for another option, August will remain our permanent timeframe.

A few things we want to highlight:

  • We’re grateful. Having a top-quality carnival is a privilege many small fairs can no longer offer. We’re thankful they have trusted us with a long-term contract.
  • The weather is manageable. While it’s August, our mountain community does not see the same extreme heat as the Valley. It’s still a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Entries still fit the rules. Anything made, grown, or produced after last year’s fair up until this year’s fair is eligible to enter—so you have the same amount of time to prepare as always.

We are committed to preserving the heart of our fair: a free, family-friendly celebration of agriculture, education, talent, and community. We appreciate your understanding, your support, and your excitement as we embrace this new chapter together.

 

Jennifer Frieden & Tiffany Willis
Apache County Fair Managers