What the Delta County Fair and Rodeo Is
The Delta County Fair and Rodeo is the county's centennial fair, held in early August at the Delta County Fairgrounds, 403 Fourth St., Hotchkiss. The 2026 fair ran August 1 to 9. It brings together 4-H and FFA exhibitors from Cedar Edge, Delta, Paonia, Hotchkiss and Crawford with livestock shows, a ranch rodeo, community night and Heritage Hall exhibits. The week wraps up on Saturday with the Junior Market Livestock Sale and a parade.
Livestock Schedule (2026)
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug 2 | Horse show (English and Western), 8 a.m., Event Center |
| Aug 3 | Rabbit check-in and weigh-in, 5 to 7 p.m., Small Animal Barn |
| Aug 4 | Swine weigh-in, 7 to 9 a.m., Livestock Barn |
| Aug 5 | Goat show, 9 a.m., Event Center |
| Aug 6 | Swine show 8 a.m.; sheep show 3 p.m. |
| Aug 7 | Beef show, 10 a.m. |
| Aug 8 | Junior Market Livestock Sale, 1 p.m., Event Center |
| Aug 9 | Barn cleanup and exhibit release, 8 a.m. to noon |
Sheep and goat weigh-in runs 9 to 11 a.m. and beef weigh-in 11 a.m. to noon in the Livestock Barn. Poultry check-in is 5 to 7 p.m. in the Small Animal Barn, with the poultry show at 1 p.m., rabbit show at 3 p.m. and dog show at 4 p.m. Calendar dates are tentative, so confirm in the Fairbook. Missing your species' weigh-in window means you cannot show at the fair.
What 4-H and FFA Exhibitors Can Enter
The 2026 Fair Book lists 4-H/FFA and Open Class swine, dairy cattle, goat, beef cattle, sheep, poultry and rabbit shows; a 4-H horse show; FFA Agriculture Mechanics and Field and Forage; 4-H/FFA Garden; 4-H General Exhibits; Individual and Family Resources; Foods and Nutrition; Fashion Revue; Shooting Sports; Dog Obedience and Showmanship; Premier Exhibitor, Round Robin and Pee Wee Showmanship; and Open Class in Heritage Hall. Interview judging is July 31 at 9 a.m. in Heritage Hall. Shooting sports contests were held July 16 and 18 at the Eckert 4-H Range.
Rules and Fees
- Animals sold at the Junior Market Livestock Sale cannot be shown again at other shows.
- Record books must be bound in ACCO or brad-style binders (three-ring binders no more than 1 inch thick) and, with buyer thank-you notes (stamped, addressed envelopes), are due September 4 at 4:30 p.m.
- Riders age 17 and under need a certified helmet or a notarized liability waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
- Camping wristbands are $30 per person. Open fires, alcohol and dogs are not allowed in the camping area, and generators must be off after 10 p.m.
- A replacement fair sale check costs $50. Veterinary care is paid by the exhibitor.
Why the Sale Matters
Exhibitors use sale earnings for the next animal, a car or savings. Livestock shows are judged during the week, and the ranch rodeo gives youth a chance to compete in western tradition. Nearly 300 children, adult leaders and volunteers take part in Delta County 4-H projects year-round.
Where and Who to Call
Delta County Fairgrounds, 403 Fourth St., Hotchkiss, CO. Delta County 4-H office, 525 Dodge Street, Delta: 970-874-2195. Camping passes: 970-874-2199.
Official Links
- 2026 Fairbook (Delta County)
- Delta County 4-H News, July 2026 (PDF)
- KVNF: Delta County Fair brings community together
Colorado County Fairs: The Essentials
Colorado county fairs run through local CSU Extension offices, so every county sets its own dates and deadlines. In 2026 they ran from San Miguel's July 10-19 fair through Delta County's August 1-9.
Deadlines
Garfield County required fair entries on FairEntry.com by July 1 at 5:00 pm with no late entries. Delta County's pre-entry forms were due June 26 at 4:30 PM. Market animals are tagged at spring weigh-in.
Rules
Counties often require Meat Quality Assurance training for new exhibitors and set weight ranges. Washington County's market hogs run 220-300 lbs and lambs 100-170 lbs.
The junior sale
Garfield sells only blue and red ribbon animals. Delta requires two buyer invitations per exhibitor and a 5 percent consignment fee. Thank-you notes are expected. Confirm 2027 dates with your Extension office.
More to know
Elbert County's fair ran July 25 to August 2 in Kiowa, and Washington County's fair week began July 20. The Colorado State Fair is in Pueblo. Interview judging for general 4-H projects happens just before fair, and record books are often due soon after.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Colorado Cattlemen's Association Mid-Winter Conference
Winter policy conference of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association at the Denver Marriott West in Golden, set for Dec. 14-15, 2026.
- National Western Stock Show
Sixteen-day stock show and rodeo at the National Western Complex in Denver, with open breed shows, an auction of junior livestock champions, pro rodeos and horse shows. The 2027 dates are posted.
- Colorado State Fair & Rodeo
Eleven-day state fair and rodeo at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo. Fair organizers have announced Aug. 27 to Sept. 6, 2027; the 2026 fair ran Aug. 28 to Sept. 7.
- Western National Roundup
Four-day 4-H and FFA event in Denver with livestock and horse judging, quiz bowl, public speaking and parliamentary procedure contests. Held each year; the most recent dates were Jan. 7-10, 2026.
- National Western Stock Dog Trials
Cattle and sheepdog competition during the opening days of the Denver stock show. Held each year; the most recent dates were Jan. 10-13, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.