For Elbert County residents, the week-long, free-admission County Fair at the Fairgrounds is a highlight of the summer. This year will be no different as fans of the rodeo, 4-H Club, and Colorado’s agricultural communities flock to our corner of paradise. Each day boasts a bevy of exciting activities for spectators and participants. Here are just a few of the wonderful events we’re looking forward to this year:
Saturday, July 29th
Mountain States Highland Cattle Show
When: 10 am
Where: Horse Pavilion
If you’ve never seen Highland cattle in person, you won’t want to miss this. These shaggy, long-haired cattle are known for their rich milk, protective mothering, and meat that is markedly lower in cholesterol than other cattle. They are from the rugged Scottish highlands and live very well in Colorado’s harsh conditions. Check out this cattle show to learn more and purchase high-quality products from Highland Cattle ranchers.
Sunday, July 30th
4-H Rocketry Fly Day
When: 7 am
Where: Far East Fairgrounds Pasture
4-H Club isn’t just about raising livestock and learning modern land-management methods; students also learn how to build and fly their own rockets. After learning about rocket building and the science of propulsion, these 4-H club members build their own rockets and gather at the County Fair to send them flying. Pack a thermos of coffee and a lawn chair for front-row seats at this exciting showdown.
4-H Ranch Horse and Horse Roping
When: 8 am
Where: Both main arenas
These events showcase the discipline and commitment that 4-H students of all ages have dedicated to their horses and the skills it takes to raise, train, and manage horses. Watch riders gallop around the arena, rope cattle, and work in perfect harmony with their animal.
Monday – Wednesday, July 31st – August 2nd
The majority of events taking place in the middle of the week are specific to producers, 4-H club members, and vendors. Animal check-ins and weigh-ins will occur throughout the day. Swine, beef, poultry, and rabbit shows will occur in tandem and are open to the public. Check out the schedule of events here.
Thursday, August 3rd
Master Gardeners Education and Silent Auction
When: 8 – 6 pm
Where: Ag Building Meeting Room
Listen to Colorado’s Master Gardeners discuss current challenges related to climate, soil, and water access throughout the state and propose creative solutions that hobby gardeners can apply to their own patch of earth. Bid on an item during the silent auction or come with gardening-related questions you’d like professional answers to.
Friday, August 4th
Save the Cowboys Pancake Breakfast
When: 8 – 10 am
Where: Behind the main arena grandstands
This free breakfast is a great way to meet other locals and rub elbows with rodeo cowboys and cowgirls. Load up on tasty pancakes to fuel the rest of your day at the Elbert County Fair.
Saturday, August 5th
Master Gardener Special Presentation: Special Bees + Pollinators
When: 9:30 am
Where: Ag Building
This free seminar teaches everything one would want to know about honey bees. Learn about bee colonies, hive health, and the crucial place honey bees hold in produce production. Be sure to snag some free local honey at the end!
Saturday at the County Fair is the Core Energy Family Free Day. Bring everyone out for a day of delicious treats, fun shows, and exciting exhibits. Start the morning by visiting the kid-friendly “Touch a Truck” activity, grab some BBQ around 11 am, then cheer on cowboys and cowgirls during the traditional rodeo in the main arena. The afternoon continues with “Mutton Bustin”, horse-pull competitions, and a free concert by country music legend Matt Stell.
Looking to bid on livestock? The Junior Market Sale kicks off at 1 pm, complete with a live auctioneer and a paddle call. There’s never a dull moment at the Elbert County Fair!
Sunday, August 6th
Start the morning at Cowboy Church, then stop off at the Kiddie Corral for slides, a corn pit, trains, and more! A parade and an ice cream eating contest take place mid-day adjacent to the fair’s final rodeo, which concludes this annual event in true Western style.
The Elbert County Fair reminds local residents how much we all rely on the agricultural community in Eastern Colorado. Let’s celebrate their dedication and hard work to the land, its animals, and its people this July and August.
The Independence Community knows how important it is to cultivate a connection between one another and the environment. Our neighborhood incorporates plenty of open space, trails, and parks to do just that. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy living in Elizabeth, Colorado, where time moves slowly and people appreciate the stuff that makes life worth living – community, mother nature, and time spent with each other. Contact us to learn more.
The 2023 Elbert County Fair is gearing up for a full week of exciting activities, including rodeo competitions, kids’ carnival games, pancake breakfasts, and stock shows. You won’t want to miss it!