PUEBLO — The 2024 Colorado State Fair is right around the corner! Here's everything you need to know about this year's event that's keeping Colorado culture alive.
The fair is happening at the Colorado State Fairgrounds, which are located on Beulah Avenue.
This year's fair begins Friday, August 23 and runs until Labor Day, which is Monday, September 2. Below is when the fair will be open:
- Monday – Thursday: 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- Friday – Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Labor Day: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
What you need to know about this year's Colorado State Fair
Where can I park?
Parking is available in the Colorado State Fair lot, which is located south of the fairgrounds between Mesa Avenue and Northern Avenue. It is $5 to park Monday-Thursday and $10 Friday-Sunday.
You can also park in the Hangar Lot, which you can access by heading south on Prairie Avenue between Small Avenue and Tulane Street.
Parking is $15.
There will also be a shuttle, which runs from the City of Pueblo's Main Street parking lot downtown to the fairgrounds. Shuttles will run every 15 to 30 minutes. The shuttle and parking are free.
The Colorado State Fairgrounds do have ADA parking along Beulah Avenue and Arroyo Avenue. Please note, the Arroyo Gate is not open to the public.
Scootaround will be offering mobility rentals at Gate 5 on Prairie Avenue. For more information or to make a reservation, visit Scootaround's website.
How much does the fair cost?
Below are ticket prices:
- adult gate admission: $15
- kids ages 5-12: $7
- children four and under: free
Below are carnival prices. There is a $2 fee for wristbands and cards purchased on site. Some specialty rides at the fair are not included:
- unlimited ride band: $40
- megapass: $200
- individual credit: $1
Are the carnival games fair?
Carnival games are a staple at the state fair, and every year, law enforcement agencies work to make sure the fair games are fair for everyone.
The Pueblo District Attorney's (DA) Office leads these inspections. The DA's Chief investigator, Troy Davenport, says some of the standards for a game to be fair include making sure the game is winnable, and the rules of the game are clearly posted and easy to follow.
"If you come to the Colorado State Fair with the expectation that you're going to play a game and potentially win and you don't and it's not winnable, then... it just creates a negative atmosphere for everybody," said Davenport.
The DA's Office says if you think a game is unfair, you should inform any uniformed law enforcement officer on the grounds. You can also go to the public safety building near the midway.
DA's Office making sure carnival games are fair at the Colorado State Fair
What can I eat?
Some people only go to the fair for all the great food. There are all the classics like turkey legs, corn on the cob and funnel cakes, but, there are also some unique selections like the World Slopper Eating Championship. A slopper is a hamburger smothered in Pueblo green chili.
On Friday's during the fair, each food vendor will offer a $5 item until $5.
Tasty food served up at this year's Colorado State Fair
Who's performing?
There are plenty of concerts happening at this year's Colorado State Fair. Below are some of the performers and the dates they will perform:
- Scott McCreery - August 24
- Trace Adkins - August 30
- Cody Cozz - August 30
- Ludacris - August 31
If you buy concert tickets before Friday, August 23, it does include admission to the fair as well. Click here for the fair's full concert lineup.
What events are happening?
There are plenty of events happening at this year's fair. One of them is the fourth annual Governor's Plate, where Colorado Governor Jared Polis will pick his favorite food truck among seven competitors.
Last year's winner, Stoke Pizza, is back to defend their title.
2023 Governor's Plate competitors battle for title
To view a list of this year's competitors and what foods they'll be creating, click here.
Will there be livestock at the fair?
Animal owners from across the state are getting ready for the different competitions during the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. This includes events with goats, pigs and other animals.
One participant, Laramie Sexton, told News5 she has been looking forward to state fair animal competitions all year.
"I'm really excited for (the Colorado) State Fair this year because I think I brought a lot of competition, and it's really fun because it's been in my generation of my family for a very long time," said Sexton.
Animal owners in the state prepare for competitions at the Colorado State Fair
The big competition for the animal owners will be the Junior Livestock Sale. That's happening Tuesday, August 27 at 2 p.m. at the Southwest Motors Event Center, which is located inside the fairgrounds.
How does the fair keep Colorado culture alive?
The Colorado Centennial Farms and Ranches event is a part of the agricultural celebration at the state fair. The event recognizes 20 farms and ranches across the state. One of them is the Pine Ridge Ranch in Elbert County.
"This is great, you know, big to be honored like this, you know, all the achievements my dad did, and I kept living there," said Harold Eurich with Pine Ridge Ranch. "(It) gives you a big... honor to be... recognized like this."
Agricultural events keep Colorado culture alive at the state fair
For more information, visit the Colorado State Fair's website.
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