General Info

Welcome To The

89TH ANNUAL
LEA COUNTY FAIR & PRCA RODEO

2025 Theme:

"Celebrate the Bounty of Lea County"

AUGUST 1-9, 2025

Come enjoy the arts & crafts showcase, carnival, concerts, Xtreme Bulls Event, PRCA Rodeo, Livestock Shows, Commercial Vendors, and enjoy some of the best fair food in the area!

GATE ADMISSION

FREE ADMISSION until 5:00pm daily

Free 1st Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday All Day!

Adults (age 13 & Older) - $10.00 Children (age 6-12) - $5.00 Children 5 & Under - FREE

***NO REFUNDS*** ***NO RE-ENTRY***

***ABSOLUTELY NO LAWN CHAIRS ALLOWED IN THE GATE***

2025 Lea County Fair & Rodeo Schedule of Events

Fair Schedule

2025 Fair & Rodeo In Memory of & Dedication

In Memory of - Nellene Gilmore

Nellene Gilmore moved to Lea County in the second grade, her family settling in Eunice and then Lovington. She graduated from Lovington High School in 1958, married Marshall Griffin and started her family. She became a 4-H mother when her oldest daughter, Marsha, turned 9 and they bought show lambs. That first year, they had a lamb named Stockings, who became the very best friend to the entire family. Becky and Eric followed suit and they showed livestock for many years including lambs, steers, pigs and rabbits. Her children laughingly remember her beating a rattlesnake to death with a cotton rope during an excursion of escaped animals. She was supportive of all aspects of being involved in the fair community as well, supporting other projects such as sewing and baking. Her daughters fondly remember that she could take them shopping and if they picked out an outfit, she could turn it inside out in the dressing room and go home and make it exactly or add any other embellishment that they asked for which made her an excellent teacher for home economics projects! Nellene also hauled the kids all over for judging practices and competitions for wool, livestock and range, patiently listening to many sets of reasons. In the late 60’s there was a group of parents the day before the Sale of Champions that decided to put together a breakfast. They each went home that night and made it happen in one night, thus beginning the tradition of the Buyer's Breakfast that we still celebrate today. The cowboy coffee rig that you see still in use is the rig that Marshall built that very night. Most of all, she is remembered as an incredibly involved 4-H mother, supportive of every activity and the Lea County youth.

In Memory of - Cheron Thompson

Cheron Thompson of Hobbs, New Mexico was suddenly taken to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, June 14th. She was an amazing wife and mother, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, and friend, who loved her children and family fiercely. All who knew her appreciated and cherished her quips, her infectious laugh, her calming nature, and steady love. She was loyal and hard working as an office manager for several oilfield service/equipment companies and various other businesses. She took pictures of the beautiful New Mexico sky as a way to relax and shared those pictures with a caption “Relax and enjoy the view.”

She was caring, funny, and kind, and her family was her life and joy! She supported them in all their endeavors whether by volunteering in their activities, driving them around and following them, tending to aches/wounds, laughing with them, cooking for them, talking to and just listening to them. She loved the Lord and she loved her dear friends as well as her family.

We are heart broken in our loss, but know she is healed and resting well in Jesus’ loving embrace.

She is preceded in death by her parents Johnny and Janyce Causey, and her father - in-law Gene Thompson. She is survived by her husband of thirty-three plus years, Mike Thompson; her daughter Taylor Ibison (Son-in-law Jared Ibison); her son Cody Thompson; her sister DeDe Burke, (brother-in-law John Burke); her mother-in-law, carol Ann Thompson; sister-in-law, Charlotte Cusic and Jeannie Ortega (husband Omar Ortega); nephews, Kyle Burke (wife Kayla), Adam Burke (wife Baylie), Kelby Clack (wife Jordyn), Kallum Clack; niece Chelby Gibbs (husband Stetson Gibbs) and several great nieces and great nephews. She is also survived by her lifelong best friend Barbara Cecil.

Dedication - Tyson Pierce

For nearly a decade, Tyson has been a familiar face at the Lea County Fair, serving as a dedicated Fair Board member for nine years. But his connection to the fair runs even deeper - long before he helped organize events, he was in the show ring himself, proudly exhibiting animals as a young competitor.

Born and raised in Lea County, Pierce has spent his entire life in the community he loves. Now, he continues the fair tradition with his own children, ensuring they experience the same excitement and values the fair instilled in him. “Fair week has always been a special time for our family,” Pierce said. “From the concerts to the carnival rides, and especially watching the kids showcase their hard work in the ring - it’s something we look forward to every year.”

In 2023, Pierce married the love of his life, Chelse Pierce, and together they are raising six amazing children - Conagher, McKayla, Madison, Jaden, Isabella, and Colton. Family is at the heart of everything he does, and he takes great pride in passing down the traditions and values he grew up with.

Known for his outgoing personality and deep commitment to his community Pierce has never met a stranger. His passion for Lea County and its residents has now led him to a new role in public service. In January 2025, he was elected as County Commissioner for District 4, a position he takes with great pride and dedication.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this community in a new way,” Pierce said. “The fair has been such a big part of my life, and I’ve loved every moment of my time on the board. Now, I look forward to working for the people of District 4 and making a positive impact for Lea County.”

As Pierce transitions into his new role, one thing remains certain - his dedication to the community will never waver, and fair week will always hold a special place in his heart.

Dedication - Vivian Flemens

The Flemens family moved to Hobbs in 1971. Vivian graduated from Hobbs High School and the New Mexico Junior College. Vivian began working as a travel agent in 1978, which gave her the opportunity of seeing the world. She became the owner and manager of Travel Unlimited and recently retired after 31 years. Vivian is the proud mother of her son, Nicholas and her daughter - in - law, Amy. Vivian serves as secretary of the Lea County Republican Party. When she served as a member of the Lea County Fair and Rodeo Board, Vivian states that it was one of the most rewarding experiences of her life and wished to thank Jonathan Sena for choosing her to serve on the board.

Dedication - Dalton & Trisha Greebon

Trisha and Dalton Greebon began volunteering with the Lea County Fair in the late 1980's. Dalton started as the Assistant Sheep Superintendent with Kent Jameson as the Superintendent. When Kent stepped down, Dalton took his place and served until 2023.

In 1993, Dalton and Amy Robertson started the Lea County Buckle Association. They collected money from donors so the fair kids could receive buckles for Junior and Senior Showmanship, Grands and Reserves and Marvin McClish Award. The tradition is still in place today.

Dalton helped cook at the Buyer’s Breakfast for many years and Trisha served there as well.

Trisha took Michael Taylor’s place as Assistant Goat Superintendent helping Lou Ann Byrum from 1999-2023. She was also a project leader for Monument 4-H for many years. Trisha helped FFA and 4-H kids with their animal projects, often donating the sheep she raised, feed, skills, advice and many hours to anyone who needed help. Trisha is a partner in TL/C Show Lambs with placings and winnings in Lea County and other counties as well.

Trisha and Dalton were volunteers with the Lea County Fair for over 30 years.

Dedication - Penny Kitchens

To have the 89^th annual Lea County Fair & Rodeo dedicated to me for my 45 plus years of volunteer work and support is beyond my imagination. I am humbled and grateful to the Fair Board and Commissioner Kimbro for such a honor and recognition. It has been my pleasure and honor to serve as the head of two different departments in Creative Arts for 40 plus years. The majority of these years were dedicated to the Porcelain China Painting Department which has been a passion and love of mine for many years. The past 10 years were as the head of the Baked Goods and Confections Department which I retired from in January 2024.

In order to do the work required to prepare these departments to accept entries, judging and finally display requires a team. I was fortunate to have a team of wonderful women in each department who worked with and beside me. I thank each of these women for being there because without them I would not be able to accept this honor.

It has been a blessing and pleasure to volunteer for all the years. Thanks for the memories. Thanks again to the Fair Board and Commissioner Kimbro.