Champion team ropers Speed Williams and Rich Skelton at PRCA Rodeo, August 29, 1999. Photo: Rick Rosen

Colorado State Fair

One of the oldest Western fairs in the nation, older than the state itself, the first Colorado State Fair was established in 1872 by a group of Pueblo businessmen. The Colorado State Fair is Pueblo's largest event, drawing over 700,000 people from around the entire state during the 17-day celebration held the last weeks of August and the first week of September. The fair centers around the same traditional activities as those of the early fairs held since 1872: livestock, agriculture, canning, baking, needlework, flowers, art, industry, and education. It also has traditionally hosted PRCA Rodeo action. Elaborate fireworks, monster trucks, BMX bike racing and world class concerts featuring performers such as Moody Blues, Willie Nelson, Chicago, and Glen Campbell have been added in recent years. The State Fair's goal remains the same as it has been all along: to enlighten, instruct and astonish.

Originally submitted by: Wayne Allard, Senator.

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