Lincoln County Fair & Rodeo celebrates community, competition and tradition

The 58th Annual Lincoln County Fair & Rodeo brought another week of competition, exhibits and community tradition to Panaca, wrapping up Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Lincoln County Recreational Park and Fairgrounds.

This year’s rodeo brought more bronc riders into the arena and featured the fair’s first bareback rider. Breakaway roping was another highlight, drawing an enthusiastic response from the crowd throughout the competition.

Lincoln County High School show choir seniors helped open each night of rodeo during the royalty introduction. Michael Heath performed the National Anthem Friday evening, followed by Maggie Gloeckner on Saturday. As the anthem filled the arena, the rodeo royalty proudly carried the flags on horseback, adding to the tradition of opening each night’s events.

Keeping the action moving throughout the rodeo were announcers Chad Steele and Chassy Scott. Robin Simmers handled the books and entries, while Kylea Lytle and Robin Bradfield served as timers. Jim Cole assisted at the barrier.

Some of the biggest cheers of the weekend came for the fair’s youngest competitors. Mutton bustin’ remained a crowd favorite, bringing families out to watch little ones climb aboard and take their turn riding sheep.

The event held additional meaning this year as both Friday and Saturday nights of the rodeo featured a dedication to the memory of Jule Durfee Wadsworth, who passed away Feb. 18. Wadsworth was remembered for her involvement with mutton bustin’ and for years of service to the Lincoln County Fair.

Wadsworth was a driving force behind the renewal of the fair beginning around 2005. She and her husband, Matt, brought the idea to the Lincoln County Farm Bureau, which agreed to spearhead the effort. Wadsworth later served as chairman of the Fair Board for years and was known for greeting fairgoers, helping feed crowds and stepping in wherever she was needed.

Her service extended throughout Lincoln County’s agricultural community. Wadsworth served as secretary-treasurer of the Lincoln County Farm Bureau for 23 years. She was also a 4-H leader and served on the 4-H Council and Lincoln County Conservation District. She worked with LCHS FFA students preparing for soils, range and plant identification competitions.

The youngest participants had another opportunity to take center stage during Saturday’s Pee Wee Rodeo. Children competed in mini barrel racing, pole bending, flag racing and dummy roping. Reata earned the title of Mini Cowgirl, and Layton was named Mini Cowboy after earning the highest overall placements. Each went home with a belt buckle.

Youth participation continued through the livestock portion of the fair, with approximately 18 sheep and six pigs shown this year.

Cindy Shakespeare traveled from Loganville to provide a livestock clinic for 4-H and FFA participants, giving local youth an opportunity to learn while working with their animals.

Something new was also waiting inside the exhibit hall this year. Two 4-H members brought their prize chickens to share with fair visitors. While there was no formal showmanship demonstration, the young participants were able to introduce visitors to their animals and talk about the work involved in raising them.

Exhibit Hall organizer Cindy Higbee said the building was filled with entries from 4-H members and residents from across Lincoln County. Participants ranged from children around three or four years old to senior citizens.

“It’s incredible how much local talent we had to share,” Higbee said.

Higbee thanked everyone who brought items to display and the many volunteers who helped make the exhibit hall possible. She hopes even more residents will participate next year and help fill the building with exhibits showcasing the talent found throughout the county.

Much of what happens during fair week is also made possible by volunteers working behind the scenes. First responders provided coverage throughout the weekend, while members of the Victory Life Church Lifeline youth group and LCHS Drama Club helped collect entry fees Thursday through Saturday. Special thanks were also extended to Michael “Coach” Collins and Duane Wadsworth, along with the many others who gave their time throughout the week.

From volunteers working behind the scenes to children stepping into the arena and exhibitors proudly sharing what they raised or created, the fair once again showcased the people behind Lincoln County traditions. Organizers extended their appreciation to the sponsors, volunteers, competitors, exhibitors and community members who helped make the 2026 Lincoln County Fair & Rodeo possible and said they are already looking forward to next year.