A Montezuma County tradition will get under way Saturday.

The fun, food and exhibits for the entire family will continue through Aug. 5.

The judging of 4-H and FFA livestock, 4-H general projects and open classes will take place during the first part of the week, according to Jana Belcher, publicity chairman for the fair.

The rest of the week "is loaded with games, contests, demonstrations, live music, vendors, bull-riding, storytelling, a flower show and lots of great food," she stated in a news release.

A paint-horse show kicks off the events at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. This is followed by a miniature horse show on Sunday at 9 a.m. Open entries will be accepted Monday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Livestock events and judging continue throughout the week; for a complete list, please consult the schedule, available at the county extension office or montezumacountyfair.com

The exhibits hall is the place to take a gander at the crafts, arts and baking skills of others. Classes of exhibits include canned fruits, vegetables and meats; jams, jellies, butter, marmalades, preserves, garnishes, pickles, dried foods, homemade wine and homemade beer.

If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, check out all the baked goods: fresh bread, Southwest breads, homemade cakes, package cakes, fancy cakes, decorated cakes, candy, pies and cookies.

Also, get a taste of the world by viewing the foreign-baking section, which will feature entries of favorite international recipes.

No fair in this area would be complete without space for beef and bean recipes — come on down and see!

The handier among us will also be displaying needlework, including knitting, crocheting, embroidery, rugs, quilts, fancy pillows, tatting and other items. Clothing, weavings, ceramics and other handicrafts are added bonuses.

Rocketry is the exhibit for all would-be astronauts, while photography, woodworking and an art gallery will speak to the artistic side.

On top of all this, a variety of special events and booths is planned. According to Belcher, there will be a mechanical bucking machine, Big Air Jumper trampolines and slides, and games and contests sponsored by local 4-H clubs and businesses.

Citizens State Bank will host a money hunt and a greased-pig contest. If not fighting fires, Belcher said, Smoky the Bear will make an appearance. United Search and Rescue will return with its popular dunking tank.

Don’t miss the Casper Baca bull-riding on Aug. 3 and 4 (8 p.m.), stock-dog demonstration, mini-tractor pull, fashion review, and silent auction.

There will also be fun, tethered balloon rides, provided by Re/Max (weather permitting), and commercial vendors will offer their goods and refreshments. (Booths close at 9 p.m.)

Many miscellaneous events, including K-9 demonstrations and the unique chicken flying contest, will contribute to the festivities.

Taking center stage are the 4-H/FFA livestock sale on Aug. 4 at 5 p.m., the popular barbecue, which starts at 4 p.m., and the traditional Bob Banks Memorial Junior Rodeo on Aug. 5, starting at 9 a.m.

The entertainment lineup features the Country Showdown finals at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, and more than 20 local acts.

Scheduled to appear at various times in the Empire Electric Pavilion are the Four Corners Dancers, Ed Brewer, Janae Blaine, Tommy Gun and the Total Extremes, Wanda Martin, Beautiful Losers, David Nighteagle, Cortez Stompers, Mike McCluhan and Friends, the Line Camp Trailhands, Linda Malinsky and Friends, Dr. Steel and the Melody Makers, John Boniface, Southwestern Cowbelles, Abe and Alice of A-A Outfit, the Barbershop Singers, Jason Fournier, Misty Spore and the Jerry Brown Fellowship of Christian Cowboys.

All events will be held at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds east of Cortez. There is no charge for parking or attending the fair, although there are charges for certain specific events.

For more information, phone 565-3123.