GILBERT, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Celebrating heritage and a growing legacy in Monroe County, the West End Fair attracts nearly 200,000 people each year.
Walking through the barns at the West End fairgrounds in Gilbert, you quickly learn, even royalty gets their hands dirty.
"I have 11 sheep here, 4 cows, I think 9 rabbits, and then a goat," stated Abigail Smith, exhibitor/2025 West End Fair Queen
The queen's coronation helped kick off day one of the West End Fair, where Abigail Smith received her crown and queen title.
“Anyone would be amazing for it, but I was really excited.”
Smith, along with other royals, is extra busy now in addition to their normal duties as exhibitors.
"I get to show people more of the livestock and the stuff that we do around the animals that we work with," said Isabella Haley, exhibitor/2025 West End Fair Junior Miss Princess.
They say the crowns are fun, but it’s only a title. The real achievement is working together and getting others involved.
Giving kids free haircuts before coming school year
"Making the memories is a bunch of fun, being able to have the people here to make the memories with it’s awesome," explained Grace Smith, exhibitor/2025 West End Fair Junior Miss Queen.
"Tons of events, you know, out and about in the community, just being a good role model to younger girls and trying to get them also in the program. Have them realize that it’s a great thing," stated Falon Schaefer, 2025 West End Fair princess.
The fair runs through Saturday, offering all the usual fun. But also free activities that highlight the hard work of our local farmers and agriculture. Such as its new agri-golf, mini golf with a putt of learning and farmer for a day, giving kids the chance to learn where their food comes from. (nats)
In its 103rd year, fair directors say the community makes the annual event thrive.
"Our churches, food pantry, we have our schools, the PTOS run stands, so a lot of people in our community area are benefiting from people coming to the fair and enjoying some awesome homemade food," expressed Jen Rufo, director, West End Fair Association
Along with the generations of those who make it all happen.
"My father did it before me, I’m doing it, and someone’s going to do it after me, and we have to keep that tradition going. Change it, do new things, but also keep some of those traditions. That’s important," stated Julie Weiss, assistant secretary, West End Fair Association.
The West End Fair in Gilbert runs through Saturday and opens every day at 2:00 p.m. For children and adults with sensory issues, Tuesday, the fair will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with reduced lights and sounds for a calmer fair experience.
