Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo brings five days full of fun entertainment, food, live music, carnival rides, and rodeo shows to the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, some 20 minutes west of Las Cruces. Traditional rodeo events are the heartbeat of the fair.
Rodeo, a high energy competition, has been attracting visitors since 1966 when the fair was first held. Riders from all across the region come here to compete for money and prizes in bull riding and breakaway roping competitions. Before the rodeo show kicks off, visitors can go meet the cowboys and cowgirls in the Fan Zone. This area also offers activities for kids and adults.
Along with Rodeo, there are many unusual competitions the fair is proud of. An antique tractor show with its tractor parades across the fairgrounds. A baking contest and crazy hat competition. The day is packed with activities and fun when you visit over 75 amusement rides and try food in over a hundred food booths.
After all the great activities, don't forget to fuel up. Local cuisine and refreshing beverages can also be the reason to visit the fair. The food court will impress you with local food that can only be found here.
This annual fair is royalty among the other local events as it has a queen. Each year the fair chooses the two most intelligent and representative ambassadors of Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo. The princess and the queen must demonstrate exhibiting excellent sportsmanship and represent the fair publicly the following year. The Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo Pageant usually takes place in late summer.
