The winning artwork was submitted by Cindy Parker Hill.  Painted in 1968 by Cindy’s mother, Becky Parker, the cover image is a humble but beautiful one, of the point where thorny West Texas desert gives way to the green fields and homes and businesses of the Dell Valley. We trust that, for all those whose lives are connected to this unique place, the image will strike the same chord that it did for us. It’s an image of coming home, and of a “Valley of Hidden Waters,” with a character, resilience and history all its own, tucked away off the beaten path.

The Fair is about coming home – and we welcome all those who return to Dell City for the weekend to gather with friends, family and former classmates and to meet newer arrivals who have staked their claim in this special place. We are pleased to share in celebrating the rural and agricultural traditions, the sense of community and the hope and hard work that, for more than 60 years, have cultivated this oasis in the desert.

Dell Valley has been home to Oklahoma natives Doyle and June Barker since the early 1960’s when they moved their family of four growing children from Snyder to a small farm house on the edge of the Hively place just north of town.  After farming for close to four decades, a lifelong dream was realized when the Barker’s sold their farm land to pursue cattle ranching, which they still enjoy today.

While Doyle kept busy with his farming and ranching pursuits, June worked at various businesses in town including the Mercantile, the Clinic, and Rio Grande Electric.  In 1975 she joined the staff of Dell Telephone Cooperative where she worked for twenty-six years; retiring from her position as Assistant General Manager in 2002.  During her tenure at Dell Telephone, June served for many years on the board of directors of the Arizona-New Mexico Telecommunications Association, serving as only the third woman in the history of the association as president.

While balancing work and family, the Barker’s always had time to support Dell Valley.  June was proud to be an active member of the Eastern Star.  In addition to being an active member of the Masonic Lodge, Doyle served on the Dell City ISD Board of Trustees and spent many years coaching Little League for his sons’  teams.  As the proud parents of four athletic children, Sharon, Larry, Randy and Dennis, they spent many years cheering on the local football, basketball, volleyball and track teams.  They were delighted to serve two tours as devoted Cougar Fans and never missed a home game and the opportunity to cheer on five of their grandsons who were also DCISD graduates!

The Barker’s were actively involved with the Dell Valley Hudspeth County Fair Association for many years.  Doyle helped build the Fairgrounds Arena and spent many hours there as a volunteer during the annual Fair Roping.  For years, June’s smiling face could be found on the other side of the Fair Grounds  - in the kitchen where she assisted other ranch wives preparing the Fair Bar-B-Que.  For the ranch wives who did the cooking in those days – only homemade would do!!  The delicious Fair Bar-B-Que fed hundreds every year!

Doyle and June recently celebrated their 64th Wedding Anniversary!  They are the proud parents of four, grandparents of thirteen, and great-grandparents of twenty-one and counting!

Congratulations D.D. and June, we look forward to honoring you both during the fair!

A few basic guidelines: the Fair Association is particularly eager to receive submissions related to the “Wild West Chile Fest” theme – so think of works that relate to chiles and chile production, which play such an important role in our local economy. More generally, the Dell Valley Hudspeth County Fair celebrates our rural, western and agricultural traditions and heritage – images that capture those traditions, and the distinctive beauty of the life and landscape of our region, are also encouraged. Photographs, paintings, graphic images, sculptures – submission from any visual medium are welcome. We’ll find a way to get the winning submission on to the cover of this year’s Fair Program!

Submissions will be judged by a three-member committee of Fair Association board members, who will be prohibited from submitting work of their own into the contest.

Images in digital format (pdf or jpg preferred) can be emailed, to drewinwesttexas@gmail.com. For paintings and other non-digital submissions, or for more information, contact Drew Stuart, at (432) 294-2830.

Directors briefly discussed the 2012 sponsorship program, budgets, and committees. A complete list of committees and chairs will be made available online following our next meeting, which is set for April 12, 2012, check our online schedule for complete details. Also, if you are interested in chairing an event committee or volunteering this year, please come to the April meeting.

The colors are always posted during the Main Street Parade.

The dates for the 2012 Dell Valley-Hudspeth Co. Fair and Wild West Chile Fest have been set. Mark your calendars and tell your friends the event will be held September 28th through 30th, 2012! Look forward to seeing you here!!!

The 2011 cover by Drew Stuart, captured our ranching heritage.

The  Fair Association is asking artists and photographers from around the county and those of you who still have an affinity for the area, to dust off your canvasses and cameras and enter our 2012 Fair Program Cover Contest. The contest is currently in the planning stages, but we will be seeking entries that best depict our annual theme Wild West Chile Fest. Stay tuned for more details.