Thomas County Fair Parade Kicks Off 2025 Fair Week with a Crowd-Pleasing Parade

The 2025 Thomas County Fair officially launched on Tuesday, July 22, with its annual parade, drawing residents and visitors alike to downtown Colby for a lively celebration of agriculture, community, and tradition.

The parade, a staple of Fair Week, began at Fike Park and traveled south down Franklin Avenue before turning west on West Cedar Street, ultimately concluding at the Thomas County Fairgrounds. The route was lined with enthusiastic spectators waving flags, cheering on floats, and collecting candy tossed from passing vehicles.

This year’s theme, “’Twas the Night Before the Fair,” brought out creative entries from across the county. The event featured a vibrant mix of participants, including local businesses, political representatives, nonprofit groups, and plenty of spirited youth.

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The Thomas County Sheriff’s Office led the procession, followed closely by the Thomas County Fair Board riding atop a truck and trailer. A fire department mascot, a Dalmatian in a fire suit, delighted children along the route, while the Colby Fire Department showcased its fleet of engines.

Local and state officials joined in the fun, including State Representative Adam Smith, State Senator Rick Billinger, and the Thomas County Commissioners—all riding in style in a classic late-model car. Jada Tubbs of the Thomas County Community Foundation and Luke Tubbs Chiropractic also made appearances aboard golf carts.

Agriculture was front and center with American Implement, Colby Ag, Lang Diesel, and other local dealerships rolling out an impressive convoy of tractors, sprayers, combines, and other farm equipment. Farmers & Merchants Bank tossed candy to the crowd, and McCarty Dairy brought smiles with their “cow-on-a-trailer” setup. Roof Masters Roofing, Great Western Tire, and Mittens Trucking each brought their own industrial flair to the mix.

Community organizations played a big role as well. Play 315, the nonprofit raising funds for a new Colby playground, joined the lineup, as did Options Domestic & Sexual Violence Services and the Thomas County Democrats. Rocks and Rockets, a local youth group dedicated to science fairs, added an educational twist to the festivities.

Colby Community College was well-represented with a large group of students and staff walking the route, and local radio stations— 100.3 The Ride—helped keep the energy high with music and announcements.

The parade also paused to honor the late Deputy Brandon Gady, a former Thomas County resident who passed away in Phillipsburg on June 27. A tribute semi truck rolled through in his memory, drawing emotional applause from those who knew and admired him.

The ever-popular barrel train made its appearance behind a tractor, giving local kids a ride they won’t soon forget. Tubbs Racing also towed a race car through the route, reminding fans about what lies ahead on Friday night’s races.

With a healthy dose of local pride, patriotism, and pure fun, the 2025 Thomas County Fair Parade once again proved to be the perfect kickoff to fair week—a celebration of the people and traditions that make Thomas County a special place to call home.