Country Roots and Cowboy Boots: 54th Annual Ramona Junior Fair

Hard work and hometown pride were cause for celebration as the community came together to support local youth who raise, show, and sell their animals at the annual Ramona Junior Fair. The RJF featured animals from July 26 through Aug. 2, and the Ramona Country Fair with rides for patrons was held Aug. 1-3.

From early morning feedings to late-night barn checks, these kids poured their hearts into raising everything from lambs and pigs to rabbits, goats, and cattle. And that week, all their hard work was on display for the community to see.

Club members also participated in events throughout the week, including water slides and volunteer time in the snack shop for contestants, friends, families, and buyers. The groups participating included Ramona FFA, Ramona Wranglers 4-H, Ramona Stars 4-H, Ramona Paisanos 4-H, and 4-H, FFA, and Grange clubs from surrounding areas such as Valley Center and Julian.

The week kicked off with a horse show and a dog show, followed by shows featuring goats, sheep, swine, beef, and rabbits, as well as displays of creations made by kids in the home economics group. The kids worked so hard and exhibited enthusiasm and intensity in the ring while showing their animals in front of the judge.

During the busy week for fair kids, the Ramona Steering Committee put on fun activities each day. After the opening ceremonies, there was a pizza and movie night under the stars. On Tuesday, there was a water balloon toss, slip-n-slide, kickball, and line dancing. On Wednesday, there was a frozen t-shirt contest and parent/peewee showmanship; a game of cornhole on Thursday; and on Friday, there was hay bucking.

The RJF livestock auction was held Saturday, Aug. 2, and Kahoots Feed and Pet sponsored the buyer’s lunch.

The RJF teaches life skills and brings families and generations together. It is organized and operated 100% through volunteer efforts. Leaders from the community and participating 4-H, FFA, and Grange Clubs have come together to make this fair possible.

The Ramona Country Fair was located right next to the RJF at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center at 421 Aqua Lane. At the Ramona Country Fair, there was a cornhole competition, amusement rides, carnival games, craft beers and local wines, food, and a variety of vendors, including craft and commercial booths, barrel racing demonstrations, an off-road car show, and live music.

San Diego Country Estates resident Charles Brown came to the Ramona Country Fair to listen to live music, enjoy beer, and let his kids enjoy the rides. Brown enjoys the small-town festivities with his family. “It’s for the kids to have a great time and for us to have a beer,” says Brown. He said that this year, his youngest daughter, Eva, was able to ride most of the rides with her big sister, Daisy. Brown added that, after the rides, they went over to listen to live music while their youngest danced the night away.

From rides and games to prize-winning livestock, the Ramona Junior Fair and Country Fair remind us that community spirit, hard work, and tradition are alive and well in our town. Whether you are cheering in the bleachers or having fun on the rides, these fairs aren’t just events; they are a celebration of Ramona itself.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.