Summit County Fair 2023. Photo: TownLift // Randi Sidman-Moore

COALVILLE, Utah — Rodeos, carnival rides, demolition derby, livestock shows, and enough fair food to satisfy any craving — the Summit County Fair returns Aug. 1-8, bringing a full week of small-town tradition to Coalville.

Admission to the fairgrounds is free, with tickets required only for select events like the rodeo and demolition derby.

Whether you’re coming from Park City or live just down the road, here are five reasons to check out this year’s fair.

Three nights of PRCA rodeo action

The Summit County Fair’s signature event returns Aug. 6-8 with PRCA rodeo performances beginning at 8 p.m. each night.

Fans can expect bull riding, saddle bronc and bareback riding, barrel racing, team roping and more as professional cowboys and cowgirls compete in Coalville. Tickets are required.

The demolition derby kicks things off

Nothing says county fair quite like cars crashing into one another.

The demolition derby opens the fair Saturday, Aug. 1, at 7 p.m., giving spectators an early chance to experience one of the fair’s loudest and most popular traditions. Tickets are required.

Family-friendly fun — including a foam cannon

This year’s schedule includes plenty for younger fairgoers, from the Little Buckaroo Rodeo and Youth Pet Fest to carnival rides, games, and live entertainment.

One addition families may want to circle on the calendar is the Foam Cannon, with free sessions scheduled during opening weekend and again on Saturday during the fair’s busiest day. The carnival midway also returns Wednesday through Saturday with rides provided by Midway West Amusements.

Celebrate Summit County’s agricultural roots

The fair remains a showcase for local agriculture, featuring 4-H exhibits, home arts, fine arts, horticulture, and livestock competitions throughout the week.

Visitors can watch junior livestock judging, browse award-winning baked goods and produce, and attend the Junior Livestock Sale on Saturday, where local youth auction animals they’ve spent months raising.

Make a day of it on Saturday

If you only have one day to visit, Saturday packs in nearly everything the fair has to offer.

Start with the Park City Lions Early Bird Breakfast before lining Main Street for the 10 a.m. parade through downtown Coalville. Afterward, enjoy food vendors, commercial booths, carnival rides, entertainment, foam cannon sessions, and the final night of the PRCA rodeo.

Rather leave the car behind? The Park City Fair Shuttle will offer transportation between Kimball Junction Transit Center and the Summit County Fair in Coalville, making it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy the festivities without worrying about parking or traffic. Shuttle service is available on select fair days, with pickup and drop-off information, schedules, and parking details available on the Summit County Fair website.

The Summit County Fair runs through Aug. 8 at the Summit County Fairgrounds in Coalville. A full schedule of events is available on the fair’s website.