County fair and rodeo celebrates major milestones in August: Here's what to know
It's never too early to start thinking about the Larimer County Fair and Rodeo.
In addition to celebrating the 140th anniversary of the fair this year and 20 years at The Ranch, the Larimer County fairgrounds in east Loveland, it's also celebrating the 75th anniversary of the PRCA Rodeo.
Last year, about 90,000 people visited the fair over its run. This year, the fair board hopes to attract more than 100,000 visitors for the rodeo, carnival, entertainment, 4-H events, food and fun.
"It's a free community event; there's no charge for parking and a lot of free entertainment," said Laura Boldt, fair competition coordinator.
Fair and rodeo history artifacts will be on display throughout the grounds, including the program from the second PRCA Rodeo.
One thousand reusable totes with the fair logo will be available to visitors each day. A party Aug. 5 will bring together people who helped dream up The Ranch. And a Ranch-themed cider from a Firestone cidery will be available, as well as other branded foods.
The Ranch began to take shape in 1998, when voters approved a one-year sales tax increase that allowed the county to buy 242 acres of land off Interstate 25, north of Crossroads Boulevard. A year later, voters passed another tax measure to build The Ranch. The first fair was held at The Ranch in 2003.
Here's a little background and what you need to know to participate:
When is the Larimer County Fair this year?
It will be Aug. 4-8.
What does it cost to go to the Larimer County Fair?
It's free to attend, with free parking.
PRCA Rodeo celebrates 75 years
The PRCA Rodeo will kick off at 7 p.m. each night Aug. 6-8 at the Budweiser Events Center. All three nights include eight rodeo events, including mutton bustin' for little ones, bareback riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, barrel racing, tie down roping, team roping and saddle bronc riding.
Aug. 6 is Military and First Responder night. Aug. 7 will be 4-H Youth Night, and Aug. 8 will be Bobblehead Night.
Ranch Director Conor McGrath said this year's rodeo purse has been increased, and he expects that will bring in more participants and packed houses.
"I encourage people to get their tickets early," McGrath said.
Tickets go on sale July 1.
When is the parade and how do I participate?
The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 29.
The theme this year is Through the Decades to honor the 140 years of the fair.
Application deadline is at 4:30 p.m. July 21. The parade starts in downtown Loveland and moves along South Railroad Avenue to East Sixth Street and down U.S. Highway 287.
Information about rules, applications, sponsor opportunities and more are available at treventscomplex.com/events/larimer-county-fair.
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4-H Youth exhibits kick off the fair
While the fair and rodeo runs the first week of August, 4-H events and exhibitions begin in early July with various events culminating in the Junior Livestock Sale at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at the MAC Equipment Inc. Indoor Arena.
Each year, about 225 youths participate in the livestock sale, which helps them generate money for college.
Buyers can donate the animal/meat to the Food Bank for Larimer County for a tax write-off.
Volunteers are still needed
Volunteers, called Ranch Hands, are still needed to help assist with traffic control at the parade, help greet, hand out schedules, provide information to visitors, provide golf cart transportation on the fairgrounds and serve visitors at the pancake breakfast.
Boldt said the county hopes to get 100 volunteers over the five days of the fair, each working about a four-hour shift. Volunteers get a free T-shirt, refreshments and training.
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What about the carnival?
The fair committee is still securing bands and entertainment, but the carnival will feature more than 20 rides including some "good choices" for little children, Boldt said.
Carnival Americana has been the carnival provider in the past.
There will also be a free children's area with large blocks, a jump castle, an obstacle course and more.
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This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Larimer County Fair and Rodeo celebrates big milestones: Save the dates
