I sat down with Zoe Smith to talk about how she felt this year’s Eureka County Fair went and what she learned during her first year as Fair Board Secretary. Zoe was hired later in the planning stages, stepping into a role where many activities, schedules, and vendors were already set by the board, and long-standing traditions.
Despite getting a late start, Zoe was very positive about this year’s fair. She was pleased to see more than 40 branding teams participate, along with 22 youth branding teams, and over 40 youth rough stock entries The Lady Vandals high school volleyball team also made an appearance at the fair and held a watermelon-eating contest and Cow Pie Bingo for fairgoers, in order to raise money for the team.
Zoe emphasized that none of these events would be possible without the individuals who organize and manage them. The Gymkhana, a long-held fair tradition, was organized this year by Adriane Tibbits. Participation has grown steadily over the years, but this year saw even more kids than expected. Zoe credited the event’s success to the many volunteers and parents who help with each activity.
Travis Gallagher continued his long-time role organizing the Corn Hole Competition, Horseshoe Competition, and Mud Volleyball. Thanks to his experience, these events ran smoothly throughout the weekend.
Saturday night was reserved for the rodeo, with Jess Jones/Outlaw Broncs organizing an exciting and memorable show for participants and fairgoers alike.
Food options were plentiful. Cook's Steakhouse operated out of the main cook shack, serving local Saddler Ranch beef. Other vendors included Vegas
Valli Taqueria, O.L.L.E Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Gelu Italian Ice, and Ma & Pa’s NdN Taco Truck.
The Exhibit Hall offered space for vendor booths, including Westrek from Utah, Lutts Creek Ranch Wear from Ruby Valley, Gideon Bible distribution from the Community Church in Eureka, the Eureka Senior Center Dart Game, and a Scrabble Tournament. Dorothy Rowley organized the Exhibit Hall Entries, which showcased handmade arts and crafts, photography, farm-grown vegetables, and homemade desserts.
On Sunday, the fairgrounds hosted the Annual Rhonda Garavanta Memorial Roping, made possible with stock from Tommy Lee Livestock of Fallon.
Throughout our conversation, Zoe repeatedly noted that the fair’s success belongs to both the board members and the many volunteers who donate their time to keep every aspect running smoothly. The local community is what makes the fair special, by showing up, participating, and pitching in wherever help is needed.
Although the fair has wrapped up, Zoe’s work as Fair Board Secretary is far from finished. She must follow up on prize payouts, finalize records, and prepare quarterly reports for the commissioners. Once that’s complete, planning for the 2027 fair begins.
Zoe felt this year’s fair was a tremendous success. She is grateful for the experience and excited to begin preparing for next year. She hopes to add advertising in the arena and expand advertising in the program. Securing additional vendors is also a priority to offer more variety for fairgoers. She has a few other ideas to bring to the Fair Board, reviving traditions that have faded away and introducing new events to draw even more participants and spectators. If anyone has any suggestions for what they would like to see at next year’s fair, please email [email protected].
