The final weekend of the Chaffee County Fair produced numerous highlights across a variety of events.
On Saturday, Aug. 3, the Antique Tractor Pull featured numerous exhibitors. Among them, a steam-powered Minneapolis Moline from 1916. The Minneapolis Moline, the oldest tractor in the show by a few decades, is owned by Wes and Steve Stratman.
The 1916 steam-powered Minneapolis Moline.
The 4-H market animals were auctioned off Saturday evening. On Sunday, it was announced that the animals made over $250,000 collectively, the highest amount ever made from the Chaffee County Fair livestock auction.
On Sunday, Aug. 4, The Steer Riding Finals headlined the slate of early-afternoon activities. Caleb Camp took home first place; managing to keep himself atop his steer for 8.85 seconds.
Cairen Lake placed second with a time of 3.82, and Abel Flowers placed third with a time of 2.88. You can watch Flowers’ run in the clip above.
The Chaffee County Fair and Rodeo Royalty coronation took place immediately after the steer riding event.
The 2019 Fair Royalty included Emma McWhirter (Princess), Maia Lee (Lady in Waiting), and Haley Ahlene (Lady in Waiting).
Annalise Watts, the 2018-2019 outgoing Queen, passed the crown to 15-year-old Maia Lee and her horse, Sabi, who will represent Chaffee County at county fairs and rodeos for the 2019-2020 year.
“[This] means so much to me,” expressed Maia after her coronation. “I’ve worked hard for this.”
Maia also credits her horse Sabi for their mutual success. “I have an amazing horse,” she said.
Maia recognizes the challenges the Chaffee Rodeo Royalty program has faced in the past. During her tenure as Queen, Maia says she is committed to doing everything she can to build the program.
“I hope to get more people interested in the Chaffee Rodeo Royalty program,” she explained. “As many people know, we’ve struggled in the past, getting people for the Chaffee County Fair and Rodeo Royalty.”
Maia says she hopes other girls in Chaffee County will consider Chaffee Rodeo Royalty. Maia, after a few years in the program, knows how rewarding it can be.
“I’ve had such a great few years doing this,” said Maia.
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