Craig Daily Press

Moffat County Fair coordinator Carol Haskins paused, crunching the numbers in her head.

Eventually, with the aid of pencil and paper, she estimated that close to 200 people came to the Second Annual Open Barbecue Cookoff and Dessert Contest on Saturday.

The barbecue, which allowed diners to vote on their favorite cooked meats and desserts, kicked off a cascade of events scheduled to take place later at the 90th Annual Moffat County Fair.

The cookoff went well, Haskins said, adding that the competition offered attendees a full meal.

Kelly Hatten and Darren Wilde were among four competitors who were busy preparing their meat selections for a growing crowd that waited near the Moffat County Fairgrounds Pavilion on Saturday night.

“We’ve been here since last night,” Hatten said. “We camped out last night, and we started the grills off first thing this morning.”

Hatten and Wilde chopped as they spoke, tossing slabs of brisket, chicken and various cuts of pork into waiting pans, which then were shuttled inside the pavilion.

Wilde, who participated in the event last year, said his goal this time around was to win.

He came back this year “because I got beat last time,” he said, “by a sheep.”

Wilde got his wish this year, wining the crowd’s favor with his brisket.

Peggy Bailey took first place in the desserts division with her Mississipi Mud cake.

The Third Annual Wes Hert­zog Memorial Bronc Match followed the cookoff. California resident Cody Horwedel took first place, winning $2,000 in cash, a custom saddle worth $3,000 and a belt buckle.

A dance at the Fairgrounds Pavilion finished off the night, with music provided by Snake Oil Band. About 250 people came to the dance, Haskins said, or roughly the same number as last year.

A sunrise service at 7 a.m. on Sunday started the second day of fair activities. Co-pastors Phillip and Karen Gibson lead the service, which four people attended.

“It was a downer, as far as the (attendance) numbers,” Phil said.

Nonetheless, he said, the success of the service wasn’t measured by a headcount.

“So far as the message … the enthusiasm and the participation, it was very uplifting,” Phil said. “You have you take that into consideration, too.”

The fair continued in a competitive vein Sunday afternoon with the Open Dog Rally-O, a contest that highlighted dogs’ obedience to their human handlers.

Youths from K-9 Kids, a local 4-H club, and adults showcased their dogs’ obedience and their show ring skills at the competition.

Imelda Hernandez, 16, was waiting to compete Sunday afternoon with her dog, Milo. The pair took first place last year, she said, but she had doubts about whether or not history would repeat itself.

“I’m not sure about this year,” she said. “I’m about to find out.”

Hernandez had little cause for concern.

She and Milo took first place again in the competition’s senior division.

Julie Hall, K-9 Kids leader, said she’d like to see more people sign up for the competition next year. This weekend, seven people participated in the Rally-O.

In contrast, about 20 people competed last year, Hall said.

“Everybody has a good time that does it,” she said. “It’s a very fun event for both handler and dog.”

Bridget Manley can be reached at (970) 875-1795 or bmanley@craigdailypress.com.