Larimer County Fair & Rodeo is almost here: 4 things to do there this weekend

Erin Udell, Fort Collins Coloradoan
·3 min read

Is it truly summer without a visit to the county fair?

The Larimer County Fair and Rodeo will once again take over Loveland's The Ranch Events Complex, 5280 Arena Circle, kicking off Friday with four days of live music, fair food, 4-H exhibitions, rodeo events and carnival fun.

Gates open at 4 p.m. Friday, Monday and Tuesday and at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Live music and outdoor vendors shut down about 10 p.m. each night, with the fair's Carnival Americana going until midnight Friday through Tuesday.

Here are four fair happenings you can't miss.

Reconnect with your inner child

Families enjoy rides at the Larimer County Fair and Rodeo's Carnival Americana in 2021.
Families enjoy rides at the Larimer County Fair and Rodeo's Carnival Americana in 2021.

Looking for the full fair experience? Might I suggest meandering Carnival Americana with a fried pickle on a stick in hand? The sprawling carnival experience offers games, rides and unapologetically fried foods throughout all five days of the Larimer County Fair. You can go big and purchase an $80 all-days mega pass or start smaller with a $30 one-day pass, giving you access to all of Carnival Americana rides. You do not need a pass to walk through the carnival and purchase from carnival food vendors. Wristbands can be purchased in advance online or at the carnival gate for an additional $5 fee. Carnival Americana opens at 4 p.m. Friday, Monday and Tuesday and at noon on Saturday and Sunday. It closes each night at midnight.

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Take in a fair tradition

Saddle bronc rider Justin Hegwer holds onto Hi Flyer during the PRCA Rodeo in 2019 at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland.
Saddle bronc rider Justin Hegwer holds onto Hi Flyer during the PRCA Rodeo in 2019 at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland.

There's a reason this is called the Larimer County Fair and Rodeo. One of the main events — the 2022 PRCA Rodeo — will take place at the Budweiser Events Center Sunday through Tuesday, with festivities kicking off at 7 p.m. each night. All three nights will feature eight rodeo events, from bull riding and barrel racing to steer wrestling and mutton busting. Adult rodeo tickets range from $18 to $22 and can be purchased online.

Get your fill

Fair-goers enjoy an array of food options while at the 2021 fair.
Fair-goers enjoy an array of food options while at the 2021 fair.

Corn dogs, I'm coming home! In true fair fashion, the Larimer County Fair and Rodeo is dishing up food from more than 20 vendors, including several local food trucks. Take your pick from sloppy joes, elk burgers, funnel cakes, corn dogs, street tacos, smoked meats, smoothies and more. Food trucks and food vendor tents will be sprinkled across The Ranch's courtyard and carnival area, with eats largely available from from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Monday and Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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Watch a waterskiing squirrel (and more!)

You heard that correctly. Twiggy the waterskiing squirrel is back at the Larimer County Fair and Rodeo this year, and she's not alone. This year's slate of special fair events also features visits from Ninja Nation's obstacle course, an axe-throwing group named Axe Women and the death-defying Globe of Death stuntmen. Looking to squeeze some tunes in? Live music will also take place across a main stage and community stage, with performances from Fort Collins-based School of Rock, the Bruno Mars cover band Uptown Funk, local country artist Caitlyn Oscher and rock band Last Man on Earth. For a full schedule of fair events and music offerings, head to treventscomplex.com.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Larimer County Fair is this weekend: 4 things to do