As the Archuleta County Fair celebrates its 75th anniversary — happening this Thursday, July 30, through Sunday, August 2 — the community is proud to recognize the young women serving as the 2026 Fair Royalty, along with several exceptional super volunteers whose dedication has helped the Fair and local 4-H program thrive.
Representing this year’s fair royalty are Junior Princess Jonna Forrest, Princess Nicoletta Ibram and Queen Faith Lee. Each brings her own talents, enthusiasm and love for the community to this special role.
Jonna Forrest is a spirited 9-year-old who brings the perfect combination of focus and fun to everything she does. Although she may be known for her signature “serious face,” those who know her best describe her as silly, funny and full of life. Forrest enjoys basketball, singing, dancing and taking on new learning adventures. She is devoted to her family, has a strong heart for her faith, and loves serving others and caring for animals.
Nicoletta Ibram has been an active member of 4-H for the past six years. This year, she is raising chickens and goats to show at the county fair. Ibram also serves as a 1st lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Through the program, she continues to develop her knowledge of aerospace, leadership, and drill and ceremonies. Outside of 4-H and Civil Air Patrol, she enjoys playing the piano, wakeboarding, skiing and caring for her goats.
Faith Lee is a home-school student preparing to enter her senior year of high school. Already involved with the fair through 4-H, Lee is excited to serve as queen and give back to an event that has played an important role in her life. She looks forward to promoting the fair throughout Archuleta County and encouraging others to become involved. In her free time, Lee enjoys dancing, reading, crafting and making music.
Super Volunteers
In recognition of the fair’s milestone anniversary, the Archuleta County Fair is also honoring Cherie Ford, Sandy Bramwell, and Kent and Sharon Jennings as its 2026 super volunteers.
Cherie Ford’s involvement with 4-H and the Fair began after her son joined 4-H Cloverbuds in 2015. She participated in numerous projects, including livestock, archery and shooting sports, and later showed livestock at the Fair. Watching the dedication and hard work of local young people inspired Ford to become more involved.
Ford volunteered with the Livestock Committee and began serving as its president in 2020. Through her leadership, energy and commitment, she has supported countless exhibitors and helped strengthen the livestock program.
After living in Pagosa Springs during her middle and high school years, Ford returned with her family in 2014 so her son could be raised in the community and close to family. She enjoys Pagosa’s small-town pace, spending weekends outdoors, working with her family’s animals and playing games together. One of her favorite parts of the fair is catching up with community members and watching the young exhibitors compete in the livestock shows.
Sandy Bramwell was selected as a super volunteer following 44 years of service to both the Fair and the 4-H program. She first volunteered while her children participated in 4-H and continued helping when her grandchildren became involved.
As a project leader, Bramwell taught young people how to groom their market steers and prepare them for the show ring — an experience she remembers as one of the most rewarding parts of her involvement. She also taught dance lessons to 4-H members and served as the club leader for the original Shady Pine 4-H Club.
Bramwell’s involvement with the fair board began in 1982, and she served for nine years. During a time when many residents were unaware that Archuleta County had a fair, she worked alongside others to build community support and find sponsors for its contests and activities.
Her many contributions include establishing the fair royalty program, fair lady recognition, the chili cook-off and a car-driving contest that later became the tractor-driving contest. She also helped secure judges, schedule events and prepare the annual fair book for printing.
Bramwell also participated as a fair exhibitor, entering cake decorating, flowers, crafts and oil paintings. She values the fair as a place where residents can share their talents, celebrate local traditions, and reconnect with friends and neighbors.
Kent and Sharon Jennings were also selected as 2026 super volunteers. Their service began in 2016, when Kent Jennings helped mark and set up the parking areas and monitored parking during the fair. Sharon Jennings coordinated volunteers and assisted at the admissions gate.
Both later joined the Archuleta County Fair Board, with Kent Jennings serving for seven years and Sharon Jennings serving for nine. Their years of dependable service and willingness to step into important roles have contributed greatly to the fair’s success.
Kent and Sharon Jennings moved to Colorado to enjoy the cooler mountain weather and a more relaxed lifestyle. They enjoy hiking, observing local wildlife and visiting interesting destinations throughout the area.
The Archuleta County Fair has always been about more than exhibits, competitions and entertainment. It is a celebration of agriculture, youth, creativity, tradition and community. As the fair marks its 75th anniversary, the 2026 royalty and super volunteers represent both its promising future and the generations of service that have made it possible.
The Archuleta County Fair proudly congratulates Forrest, Ibram, Lee, Ford, Bramwell, and Kent and Sharon Jennings. Their leadership, service, and community spirit are an important part of what makes the fair such a treasured Archuleta County tradition.
This year’s Archuleta County Fair will kick off Thursday, July 30 and continue through Sunday, August 2, at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds.
Celebrate 75 years of the Archuleta County Fair
Get ready for four unforgettable days of family fun as the Archuleta County Fair celebrates its 75th anniversary.
This year’s fair will be packed with livestock shows, rodeo action, live entertainment, delicious food, contests, vendors, exhibits, children’s activities and plenty of opportunities to celebrate our community’s agricultural heritage.
With so much happening throughout the fair, you won’t want to miss a moment. Be sure to check the official schedule ahead of time and plan your visit around the events your family is most excited to see.
Whether you come for the animals, entertainment, food, competition or simply to spend time with friends and neighbors, there is something for everyone at the 75th Archuleta County Fair.
Mark your calendar, check the schedule and join us for this exciting community celebration.