The 2026 Emery County Fair concluded its festivities in Castle Dale, featuring a high-stakes nighttime pursuit known as "Fugitives of Freedom" at the Millsite Golf Course. The event, which took place on Friday, July 31, saw participants attempting to navigate rugged terrain while being pursued by law enforcement and search and rescue teams armed with paintball markers.
Teen Night Pursuit Details
The "Fugitives of Freedom" event was a centerpiece of the fair's teen night, designed to challenge participants as they attempted to cross the Millsite Golf Course property. According to the Emery County Business Chamber, the activity involved navigating uneven, rocky, and steep terrain while evading capture by Sheriff's Deputies, search and rescue personnel, volunteers, and event staff.
To ensure safety during the pursuit, the Chamber required all participants to wear safety goggles and light-colored clothing that could withstand stains from the paintballs. The event was structured in stages, with the first two games designated for participants aged 13 to 18, followed by a third game open to individuals aged 13 to 99. The Emery County Business Chamber noted that participants had to sign waivers acknowledging inherent risks such as physical exertion, weather conditions, and the possibility of being struck by paintballs.
Diverse Fair Schedule
The fair, which ran from July 30 through August 1, 2026, was held under the theme "Built on Freedom. Powered by Generations." The schedule of events included a wide range of community activities, such as a free swim day at the Aquatic Center on July 28 and a special little luau on July 29.
Other scheduled activities included a Bob Ross Paint-A-Thon on July 30, a various assortment of rodeo events including the Cowboy's Memorial Rodeo, and a patriotic firework show. For younger attendees, the fair offered a "Battle of the Babies" for ages 0-2 and a "Kids $1,000 Battle for Bingo" for ages 5-17. The diverse schedule also featured musical performances, such as a concert by the Route 10 Band and a final concert by Kaleb Austin on Saturday, August 1.
Vendor Rules and Fair Bucks
The Emery County Business Chamber hosted a variety of vendors throughout the fairgrounds, offering goods to attendees. To maintain organization, the Chamber implemented a system where vendor booth fees were converted into "Fair Bucks," a local currency used at vendor booths during the weekend. Vendors were reimbursed for these bucks on Saturday night, following the conclusion of the fair.
Local vendors were given preference for consumable goods, with a limit of no more than two vendors for the same food or beverage products. The Chamber required all vendors to provide their own tents, canopies, tables, and chairs. Additionally, any vendor selling food or drink was required to hold a food handlers permit through the State of Utah and provide proof of business insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence.
Exhibits and Categories
Exhibits played a major role in the fair, with the Emery County Recreation Center serving as a primary location for registration and displays. The Emery County Business Chamber established strict guidelines for the 2026 exhibits, requiring all entries to be the sole work of the exhibitor and completed within the previous year. Participation was limited to residents of Emery County, and previous fair entries were not permitted for re-entry.
The exhibition categories were extensive, covering everything from woodworking and leatherwork to ceramics and scrapbooking. Agricultural exhibits included a wide variety of produce, such as corn, okra, potatoes, and various fruit and vegetable preserves. The Chamber also hosted specialized divisions for different age groups, including adults, seniors 65+, teens 13-18, and youth 12 and under.
Extension Services Support
The Emery County Extension office, part of Utah State University, provides research-based community education in the region. The office focuses on several key areas, including agriculture, natural resources, business and community, and youth development through the 4-H program.
Rowe Zwahlen, the Emery County Director for the USU Extension, oversees programs related to agriculture and horticulture. The extension services aim to provide expertise specific to the needs of the county, supporting local residents through various initiatives such as the 4-H program, which offers project-based learning for youth in grades 3 through 12.
Community Impact
The 2026 Emery County Fair served as a significant community gathering in Castle Dale, combining traditional agricultural exhibitions with modern entertainment. By integrating local business through the vendor program and providing specialized events like the Teen Night Fugitive chase, the fair aimed to fulfill its mission of being powered by generations of local residents.
