After COVID-19 precautions nixed nearly the entire Park County Fair in 2020, this year’s event is set to look a whole lot more normal.

On tap for July 27-31, the fair’s marquee grandstand events will include the traditional demolition derby and pig mud wrestling, along with a motocross race, a concert and a brand new American Ninja Warrior-inspired obstacle course. The carnival and midway will also return.

In planning the 2021 fair, Park County Events Administrator Audra Jewell said fair leaders have been aiming to make this an event everyone can enjoy — particularly with money being tight for both the county government and local residents.

“I think we’re going to be able to have great shows,” Jewell said, “but we’ve been very mindful of the cost — not only to our budget, but to the budgets of our patrons, really trying to make it economical. Because we know everybody wants to get out.” 

Last year’s fair was limited to livestock shows, the Junior Livestock Sale and a free concert, meaning the fair effectively generated no revenue for the county. As a result, the budget for free stage and grandstand entertainment at this year’s fair has dropped from around $128,000 in 2019 to about $75,000. 

For example, instead of bringing in a household name — like past performers Keith Urban or the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band — the Park County Fair is turning to an up-and-coming act, the Sam Cox Band of Oklahoma, and Powell’s own Tia LeeAnn Ibarra will open the show. The Sam Cox Band describes itself as a mix of red dirt, country and rock.

“I think they’re going to put on a really great show,” Jewell said.

Since the fair’s costs are dropping, so are the ticket prices. Getting into the bleachers for the Thursday, July 29, concert will cost $10 — and that includes the day’s $5 admission to the fair.

“We’re hoping that that gets a lot of people out here,” Jewell said of the lower prices. 

Tickets to watch local residents tackle the American Ninja-style Yellowstone Motors Challenge on Wednesday, July 28, will also cost $10; ditto for the Friday, July 30, motocross, sponsored by the local group Race 4 Recovery. As for the ever-popular demolition derby, set for Saturday, July 31, tickets will remain at 2019 prices ($18 for general admission). Meanwhile, it will remain free to watch youth and adults grapple with greasy, dirty pigs on Tuesday, July 27.

Hopping aboard the Ferris wheel or other carnival rides brought by Carnival Midway Attractions will also cost the same amount as 2019, Jewell said. She said fair organizers are excited to have the company returning for another fair.

“They make sure that the things that are important to us from a safety [perspective], and who they bring in to run their equipment and stuff, matches with the things that we find of value,” Jewell said.

Tickets for the fair’s events go on sale Monday, June 7.

As for the free stage performances and other attractions coming to the grounds this July, fairgoers can expect to see a mixture of performers who travel across the country and local talent.

“We’ve really tried to find local groups that are awesome and haven’t had … an opportunity to be on our free stage,” Jewell said.

Beyond the entertainment, the fair will also feature the traditional variety of exhibits and a series of livestock shows, culminating with the Junior Livestock Sale on Saturday, July 31.