BYTODD G. DICKSON

The Las Cruces Bulletin

From Bengal tigers to vintage tractors, a wide variety of attractions and exhibits awaits at the 2009 Southern New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo, which kicks into full gear this weekend.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Turquoise Circuit finals continue through Saturday, Oct. 3, at Pete Domenici Arena, and there’s a big list of musical entertainers including the Eli Young Band, Kid Fiddlers and the Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference.

Fair admission Friday and Saturday nights also includes the Southern New Mexico Speedway’s season finale.

Throughout the weekend there are hundreds of science, crafts, arts and garden exhibits, livestock shows, animals, family acts and carnival rides to make the fairgrounds off Interstate 10 west of Las Cruces this weekend’s destination.

The fair hours are 8 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Carnival hours are from 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are $5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Weekend general admission tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children between 7 and 14. Children 6 and under get in free.

Of note is Law Enforcement Recognition Day on Saturday. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., DARE Town will be set up by the Sheriff’s Building where free fingerprinting will be offered, as well as canine demonstrations, McGruff the Crime Dog and vehicles on display. At 7 p.m., the Police Athletic League will hold a boxing exhibition in the Livestock Sale Barn.