State Fair

Congratulations to the Champions whose exhibits were selected to represent Larimer County at the Colorado State Fair. 

All Projects Except Foods and Cake Decorating
Monday, August 17
(Sign up for time slot between 3:30–7:00 p.m.)

• Reserve your drop-off time using this SignUpGenius.
• Remove all county fair ribbons, evaluation sheets, exhibitor tags, labels, and stickers. 
• Bring your exhibit and record book to the CSU Larimer County Extension Office (1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80524) during your reserved drop-off time.
• If you choose not to have your exhibit taken to State Fair, please notify call the Extension Office (970-498-6000) and leave a message for Brittani Kirkland immediately so that the Reserve Champion may send their exhibit.
• State Fair exhibits will be available for pick up on Monday, August 24 at the Larimer County Extension Office in Fort Collins from 2:00– 6:00 p.m. A parent, leader, or another party can pick up your exhibit for you.

Foods and Cake Decorating Projects
Tuesday, August 18
Between 7:30–10:00 a.m.

• Re-make your baked goods or cake. Your cake must be the same design as you entered in the county fair.
• We recommend taking a photo to put in your record book for the state fair, just in case something happens during transport.
• Decorated cakes must be put in cardboard boxes. No plastic containers. Do not tape it shut. Cake forms may not be returned.
• Foods must have a 3″ x 5″ recipe card securely attached to the record. Please use disposable paper plates. Plates and pans will not be returned.
• All food and cake decorating projects will be thrown away for safety precautions due to COVID-19.
• Bring your project and record book to the CSU Larimer County Extension Office (1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80524) between 7:30–10:00 a.m. on August 18.
• State Fair exhibits will be available for pick up on Monday, August 24 at the Larimer County Extension Office in Fort Collins from 2:00– 6:00 p.m. A parent, leader, or another party can pick up your exhibit for you.

Special Instructions for Delicate Projects
(Example: Ceramics)

• Do not use packing peanuts to pack ceramics. Use shredded paper or bubble wrap.
• Do not tape bubble wrap or the outside box.

We do our best to see that nothing happens to your project en route or return.  We cannot be responsible after exhibits are left in the State Fair Superintendent’s possession. You choose to send them at your own risk.

The Colorado State Fair board posted the following press release today. The original release can be found here.

In consideration of the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, the Colorado State Fair Board of Authority today voted to modify activities during the 2020 State Fair, scheduled for August 28-September 7.

“Faced with an incredibly difficult decision, and with a deep understanding of its far-reaching impact, the Board carefully considered State guidance that is being developed for outdoor events and potential health risk to our State Fair visitors, competitors and vendors before voting,” said State Fair Board Chair Paul Youngs.

The Board did determine that a number of State Fair activities will move forward this summer with new guidelines in place. Activities being considered include the Junior Livestock Show and Sale, FFA Heifer Wrangle, Catch-a-Calf, 4-H Horse Show, 4-H Dog Show, 4-H Rocketry, and 4-H Static Exhibits as well as limited food and vendor booths, a limited carnival presence and virtual competitive exhibits. More information and details about activities taking place will be announced soon.

A division of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the annual State Fair showcases Colorado agriculture, industry and culture for 11 days in late August through Labor Day. More than 466,000 people attended last year’s event.

“We take our responsibility to the safety of our State Fair patrons and participants very seriously,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. “The advice and recommendations from Pueblo County Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, including new State guidance on outdoor events, were a key part of this lengthy and careful decision making process.”

This is not the first time the Colorado State Fair has been modified due to extraordinary circumstances. In 1917, the State Fairground property was used as “Camp Carlson,” with the horse stables and open space serving as a training facility for the Army National Guard during World War I. Since April 22, 2020, the grounds have been operating as a drive-through COVID-19 testing site for Pueblo County. The State Fair’s rich history was recently highlighted in an episode of “Colorado Experience” on Rocky Mountain PBS.

“More than anything, the Colorado State Fair exists to serve the people of Colorado and beyond,” said General Manager Scott Stoller. “This mission can take on many forms. This year, it means managing smaller groups of people on the fairground property, maintaining social distancing, and providing it for use as a testing site. We are still working hard to honor the work our Colorado 4-H and FFA youth have invested in preparing for this year’s fair.”