John Pitz, left, fair manager, talks with Twin Falls County Commissioner Don Hall before a press conference at the fairgrounds on Aug. 6.

FILER, Idaho— It’s nearing Labor Day, and that means the Twin Falls County Fair and Magic Valley Stampede are gearing up.

The fair — with this year’s theme of “Ribbons Rides & Rodeo” — is set for Aug. 28 through Sept. 2. The Stampede will take place nightly Aug. 29 through Aug. 31.

“We’re looking at a really good fair. Hopefully it’ll cool off a little bit,” said John Pitz, fairgrounds general manager.

And, as always, everyone’s pretty excited about the rodeo, he said during a press conference on Tuesday.

The Stampede is a premier event that draws top competitors from PRCA and WPRA. Quality bucking stock will again be provided by Sankey Pro Rodeo, featured annually at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Winning stock

Sankey stock took first place in the saddle bronc competition at this summer’s Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo and first place in saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding at the Big Sky Pro Rodeo in Great Falls, Mont.

The Magic Valley Stampede is one of the top 60 PRCA rodeos in the country for purse payout and is part of the PRCA National Finals Rodeo playoff series.

In addition to being a premier rodeo, competitors want to qualify for the NFR — trying to make the top 15 in prize money in their event to get an opportunity to a championship and even more money in Las Vegas.

Sankey is getting really good genetics. If a cowboy is doing his job, he can win on any Sankey stock, he said.

Last year’s stampede drew 497 entries, and the rodeo had sold-out attendance on Friday and Saturday.

Youth events

PRCA rodeo announcer Will Rasmussen will return to the rodeo arena this year. Austin Singly, an award-winning rodeo clown, entertainer and stuntman, will be also back to entertain the crowd and head up bull-rider safety.

The rodeo will hold a mutton bustin’ qualifier on Wednesday evening, with 60 slots available for the popular event. The top 30 little buckaroos — 10 each night — will compete at the rodeo.

The junior rodeo will also take place Wednesday evening.

For those wanting to watch the rodeo in style, the Golden Buckle Club — which raises money for the rodeo and local charities — offers VIP parking, dinner, cocktails and special seating.

The Stampede will also hold a Chicks ‘n’ Chaps clinic for women to learn about rodeo on Aug. 31, with drinks and appetizers. The event raises money to assist breast cancer patients in the community.

Headliner

The fair’s entertainment headliner this year is Nate Smith with guest Drake Milligan with a performance on Sunday, Sept. 1. A monster truck show will take place in the arena on Monday, Sept. 2. The fair also offers free entertainment at different stages on the grounds.

The Mighty Thomas Carnival is returning to the midway. Rides will roll from 3 to 11 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; noon to midnight Saturday and Sunday; and noon to 9 p.m. Monday.

The fair will also host 4-H shows, cultural competitions, a petting zoo, pony rides and the Twin Falls County Farm Bureau Ag Pavilion.

This will be Pitz’s last year as manager of the Twin Falls Fairgrounds. Taking over the reins will be Lydia Buffington, fairgrounds office manager.