Since their beginning, county fairs and rodeos have served as a place for members of the community to showcase their projects –animals, crafts, homegoods and culinary skills – celebrating agricultural and Western heritage.
They have included an element of fun, and today’s fairs and rodeos have evolved into a vibrant summertime event with live entertainment, music, carnival games and rides. And something they all have in common: mutton bustin’ and 4-H showcases.
Mutton bustin’ is a popular rodeo event in which children, typically between the ages of 4 and 7, ride sheep. The goal is to hold on as long as possible.
4-H stands for head, heart, hands and health. It is a national youth development program for children 5 through 18. Whether it’s agriculture, science, civic engagement or health, the program provides real-life experiences.
Adams County
Date: July 30 – Aug. 3
Location: Riverdale Regional Park at 9755 Henderson Rd, Brighton
Website: adamscountyfair.com
The first fair in Adams County was held in 1904, but it wasn’t called the Adams County Fair. The opening day was actually known as Tomato Day because two teams representing Democratic and Republican opponents faced one another and on command, threw tomatoes at the opposing team.
But, according to the county, the fair dates back even further: 1888. Back then, monthly market days featured horse-and-plow races, as well as cattle being auctioned off.
Today, much of that can still be experienced – minus the tomato throwing.
This year’s fair will offer various 4-H livestock shows that include poultry, swine, sheep, rabbits, goats and other large animals. There will also be racing pigs and amazing dog acts.
Friends and families will also have the chance to meet Paz the Sports Guy, sit down for a caricature, watch demolition derbies, play games and ride carnival rides.
As for music, the county has some big names coming to town. They include Tyler Braden, Bayker Blankenship, Adrien Nunez and The Band Perry.
Then, on Aug. 3, Adams County is bringing back Dia de la Familia to celebrate community and culture, with performances by La Kumbre con K, Banda Arkangel, Charreada and more.
Admission to the fair is free. However, carnival wristbands range from $25 to $35 throughout the week.
Guests will also need a parking pass, which is $20. Those who pre-pay get $5 off. Get the pass at tinyurl.com/adams-county-fair-parking.
There will be a free shuttle to take guests from local schools to the fair.
Arapahoe County
Date: July 24 – 27
Location: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds at 25690 E. Quincy Ave. Aurora
Website: arapahoecountyfair.com
First held in 1906, the Arapahoe County fair is one of the county’s longest-standing community traditions.
There’s plenty to explore with the mix of classic rodeo-style events and more modern activities, like silent discos and trampoline shows.
In addition to some new carnival rides, there will be a handful of shows and attractions available each day of the fair. These include axe throwing, Canine Stars Stunt Dogs and the Perfection on Wheels BMX show. The Raptor Event Avian Show and Yucca Braiding take place July 25-27.
If some of the carnival rides are too intense for the younger children, the Kid’s Corral and Petting Farm will be open everyday as well.
Other performances include martial arts, a foot archery performer, Polynesian fire dancers, The XO Dance Band, hobby horse races, tractor pulls, the CPRA Rodeo and fireworks. There will also be a variety of contests, such as the livestock costume contest, knitting and crochet contests, jigsaw puzzle contests and the longest potato peel contests.
An admission ticket includes unlimited carnival rides, free parking, fireworks, stage entertainment and access to all the shows and attractions. However, some attractions – such as Midway Arcade Games, the Pours on the Plains event and Boots Not Suits Fair Kick-Off Dinner – require separate tickets.
Also, the tickets are only valid for one day. People will have to purchase a separate ticket if wanting to attend additional days.
Douglas County
Date: July 25 – Aug. 3
Location: Douglas County Fairgrounds at 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock
Website: douglascountyfairandrodeo.com
According to the Douglas County Library Archives, the county held a parade back in the 1950s as a way to promote the fair and encourage the community’s participation. It’s safe to say that plan worked – Douglas County now boasts a fair that is a 10-day event.
The carnival, fair, marketplace, kid’s corral, Discovery Ranch and the Kodiak Ranch petting zoo will be open everyday except for July 28-29. The times for these attractions vary by day.
Filled with homemade quilts, jams, jewelry, paintings and more, the marketplace – located inside the James R. Sullivan Events Center – is home to the creative arts, agriculture and floriculture exhibits, and the 4-H projects.
If you are interested in seeing animals, there will be some free animal shows including the Junior Division Dog Show, Farm Bureau Goat Roping, the Miniature Equine Show and swine and rabbit shows.
Other free events throughout the week include a parade on July 26 in downtown Castle Rock, a vintage car show, bake sale, fashion show, Captain Tall Tale and a pie eating contest.
A variety of free concerts will feature Jared Rogerson and the Rodeo Wreck, Kenya Reese, Ryan Chrys and the Rough Cuts, Wirewood Station, Jeffrey Alan Band and more.
And, to ensure accessibility to all, the fairgrounds has partnered with Developmental Pathways to host an accessible rodeo and fair experience called Unbridled Rodeo. The event, which will include roping, barrel racing and a mechanical bull, is designed for individuals with disabilities, lower mobility and/or with sensory sensitivity.
Some events that require additional tickets are: Dustin Lynch concert; Farm-To-Table Brunch; ProRodeo Bares, Broncos & Bulls Roughstock at the Rock Rodeo; mutton bustin’; ProRodeo Patriot Night; ProRodeo Sponsoship Appreciation Night; and ProRodeo Cowboys for Cops.
All rodeo ticket purchases include grounds admission. Grounds admission provides access to the marketplace, kid’s corral, food vendors, Midway stage entertainment, Hometown Rodeo and more special events.
Elbert County
Date: July 26 – Aug. 3
Location: 95 Ute Ave., Kiowa
Website: elbertcountyfair.com
While the Elbert County fair doesn’t feature a traditional carnival, in the sense of large and exciting rides, there is still much to enjoy for families and people of all ages.
The fair has a free Kiddie Corral area that includes small rides, bouncy houses and face painting. Additionally, the first day will include a dog show, cattle show and end the night with fireworks.
This year’s fair will also begin with a performance by The Walker Williams Band. Other music performances throughout the week will include High Plains Fiddle Fest, WMW Band and BlackHawk.
Although the fair became an official annual event in 1904, it was in 1934 that the fair moved to Kiowa and became recognized to focus on 4-H events, which continues to be a main focus.
Throughout the week, the youngest generation of animal enthusiasts will be showcasing their livestock, featuring dogs, hogs, horses, goats, rabbits, lambs, poultry, beef and dairy animals.
In addition to the team roping events and parade, one of the most exciting events will be the Young Gun Rodeo on July 26. This involves mini bronc, mini bulls, youth barrel racing and mutton busting.
While parking and admission to the fair is free, there are a few events that require the purchase of a ticket. These include the 4-H Fashion Revue Showcase, the BlackHawk concert and mutton bustin’.
Jefferson County
Date: July 26 – Aug. 3
Location: 15200 W. 6th Ave., in Golden
Website: tinyurl.com/jefferson-county-4-H-fair.
Jefferson County will be hosting a 4-H fair featuring some of the youths’ best work and projects.
The fair is free and open to the public and will take place in Exhibit Halls 1-3, the event center, silver spur arena, rodeo arena and horse stalls.
The Westernaires, a mounted precision drill organization, will also be performing at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds on July 23 from 10 a.m. 2:45 p.m..
Some of the Westernaires Red and White division horseback drill teams will bring an exciting and interactive performance. There will also be activities for all ages, including a petting zoo, face petting and interactive learning opportunities.
While the performance is free to attend, it is encouraged to RSVP, which can be found at westernaires.org/events.