From buckin’ bulls to beauty queens, the Summit County Fair (summitcountyfair.com) is brimming with local, small-town charm. Held through August 10 in Coalville, this event rounds up local cowboys, farmers, and fairgoers for everything from carnival games and horse shows to parades and rodeos. Here are our can’t-miss event picks.

Tour de Sunrise Family Fun Bike, Run, Walk Event

Start off the final day of the fair, August 10, with a family-friendly, eight-mile walk, run, or bike ride benefitting the Park City Sunrise Rotary Club. The event cruises the stretch of The Rail Trail along Echo Reservoir—four miles out and four miles back—and features water, food, and prizes at each station along the course. Participants can turn back early at any point. As the trail is mostly dirt, bring a mountain bike or sturdy walking/running shoes. 

PRCA Rodeo

Watch horses buck and cowboys fly at this Western rodeo on Friday and Saturday nights (August 9–10). Expect national-level competitors, rodeo veterans, and newbie bull riders at this thrilling competition. Tickets start at $5 for kids and $11 for adults. The night’s rodeo events include bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, tie down roping, team roping, and steer wrestling. Yeehaw!

Little Buckaroo Rodeo

Bring your bitty buckaroo to this all-kid rodeo held on Wednesday, August 7 and Thursday, August 8. Watch kids cling to sheep or calves (or tumble to the ground) during the always entertaining mutton busting and calf riding. Staying on for an eight-second ride is tougher than you think!

For more relaxed fun, watch the little cowboys and cowgirls race stick horses around a barrel in the rodeo arena. (Note: BYO stick horse if your little would like to compete.) But that’s not all! Sheep milking contests, boot hunts, barrel racing, goat tying, and breakaway roping round out this festive Western kid events. 

Parade

More than 70 floats, riders on horseback, decorated vehicles, and performing groups gather for Saturday's parade held along Coalville’s Main Street. Spectators can watch along Main Street and Chalk Creek Road where the parade ends. Parade begins at 10:00 a.m.; and be sure to arrive early for fun spectator activities.

Open Horse Show

Watch skilled local riders compete on horseback at this open horse show on Tuesday, August 6 in the fair park’s arena. From casual Walk Trot and Western Pleasure events to the fast and furious Barrel and Keyhole speed events, you can see how riders of every level command their horses to win big. Thinking of registering? Note that signing up is not restricted to Summit County residents and can range in ages from under seven to adults.

Youth Pet Fest

Is your kid obsessed with the family pet? Bring both to the Summit County Fair on Wednesday, August 7 for an afternoon of dog and cat contests where every pint-sized participant receives a prize. Let junior choose to draw his pet, participate in the pet-owner lookalike contest, or showcase Fido in the dog or cat competition.

Time-saving tip: Skip the parking and driving hassle and take a free shuttle to the fair from the Kimball Junction Transit Center. Transportation provided August 9 and 10. Another option: Head to Coalville for a free ride on the city’s transportation on August 9 and 10.