ALBUQUERQUE, NM (September 4, 2018) – Out at the Fair® (OATF™), a family-friendly celebration of the LGBTQ+ community – is set to return to the New Mexico State Fair (NMSF), and scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 9, 2018, at Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque, in partnership with Albuquerque Pride. Originally launched at the San Diego County Fair (SDCF) in 2013 as an "Unofficial Gay Day at the Fair," OATF™ became an official Fair event in 2014 and renamed "Out at the Fair." Through the years, it has garnered many Fair industry awards, including the prestigious Barham Award, bestowed by the Western Fairs Association in 2018.

After five years of increased success, OATF™ crossed state lines to New Mexico in 2017, as part of an expansion plan that intends to spread a message of diversity and inclusiveness to Fairs nationwide and abroad. The event went back to its roots by starting as an "unofficial" event, and inviting the community to attend the Fair and be part of a group photo. Droves of excited LGBTQ+ folks came out for a day of fun and celebration at the NMSF. The group photo represented only a tiny fraction of the hundreds of LGBTQ+ folks that came for OATF™. As a result, Fair officials decided to bring back OATF™ as an official Fair event in 2018.

This year's activities start at the Villa Hispana stage, with family-friendly entertainment, activities, and prizes. Guests are invited to visit the official OATF™ merchandise booth to receive a free rainbow flag (while supplies last), as well as other LGBTQ+ community-based organizations exhibiting throughout the day. At 10 a.m., "Gay Uncles” Pauly and Monks take the stage to begin their emcee duties. The group "Blame in on Rebekkak" follows at 11 a.m., with the official Opening Ceremony at noon, featuring a rainbow ribbon cutting with event organizers and Fair officials. OATF™ Kid Games will take place 12 – 5 p.m. during performance breaks, in front of the stage. Popular magician and Fair favorite Sheldon Casavant will amaze fairgoers at 12:30 p.m. with his amazing hand tricks, and at 2 p.m. Girlboy will perform their soul-hop, dance-folk, queer magic music.

The party continues at 3:30 p.m. with international DJ dirty KURTY, and at 4 p.m., iHeartRadio personality Alexander Rodriguez takes over emcee activities. The Glam Gals, featuring Glam Guys, take the stage at 5 p.m., featuring drag performers Erica Foxx, Kevi Kev, Trey C. Michaels, Vilette Stratton, and CeCe Knight Jones. The now traditional OATF™ Group Photo takes place at 6:30 p.m. in front of the stage, and at 7 p.m., American Idol® finalist David Hernandez closes out the day with his powerful voice and affable personality. Out at the Fair® is free with Fair admission. While enjoying a full day of family-friendly fun, guests are encouraged to use the official #OATF™18 Snapchat filter and hashtagging OATF on social media using #OATF, #OutattheFair, and #OATF18.