By Coben Scott
In its 121st year, the El Paso County Fair returned July 11-18 and continued its tradition of celebrating the West. This year’s theme honored the cowboy culture that has shaped the Pikes Peak region for the past 150 years. The fair also partnered with History Colorado’s statewide effort to recognize Colorado’s sesquicentennial.
Before the county fair officially opened, Calhan hosted its annual Summerfest, featuring local artists, craftspeople and live music. The fire station served snow cones, Hugo 92.3 Radio provided music, and the community pantry grilled food for attendees. This year marked the event’s 11th anniversary, with organizers already planning next year’s celebration.
Inside the fairgrounds, free entertainment included Tumbleweed Crossing, a Wild West comedy gunfight stunt show, and the Pork Chop Revue, a comedy act starring trained pigs. The latter group previously appeared on “America’s Got Talent,” showcasing both the humor and intelligence of its swine performers.
Inside Swink Hall, a rotating lineup of historical and cultural organizations provided educational exhibits. Thomas “Detour” Evans’ mural celebrating Colorado’s agricultural history was displayed alongside a timeline chronicling the state’s history. A documentary highlighting eastern Colorado’s rich agricultural heritage played continuously.
Each year, the heritage of rural El Paso County shines through in the livestock shows, 4-H exhibits — which increased by 25% this year — and arena events.
In the poultry barn, Moria Tipple exhibited her Royal Palm turkeys. Although this was her first year showing turkeys, Tipple has participated in 4-H for the past three years and previously showed chickens at county fairs.
“The turkeys are bigger, stinkier and quieter,” Tipple said when asked about the biggest difference between raising chickens and turkeys.
Her birds earned best of show. It was also a successful fair for the rest of the family. Her brothers — Breckenridge, Owen and Calen — each won championship ribbons for their projects: a leather strap, a shield and a small wooden house.
Both traditional and modern attractions drew crowds to the grandstands each evening. Few events capture the spirit of the American West quite like a small-town rodeo.
Caylee Andrew, the El Paso County Fair queen, was a familiar face throughout the week. Andrew, an Ellicott resident, has ridden horses most of her life and has served as a Rangerette for the past three years.
While the bulls and broncs of the rodeo remain enduring symbols of the West, the fair traditionally concludes with another crowd favorite: automobile racing. Friday night’s races usually end with a fireworks display. This year, however, statewide drought conditions and devastating wildfires prompted organizers to replace fireworks with a drone show.
The performance celebrated both Colorado’s 150th anniversary and America’s 250th anniversary. Against the backdrop of the prairie hills, synchronized drones formed images of American flags and Colorado landmarks. Unlike fireworks, the drones created animated displays, with horses appearing to gallop across the sky and a bald eagle turning its head toward the crowd.
The chorus of “oohs” and “aahs” from spectators confirmed the drone show was a memorable finale and a fitting choice.
Moria Tipple earned “best in show” for her turkeys; her brothers won championship ribbons for their crafts; from left to right: Ryan, Calen, Moria,(turkey), Owen, Mallory, Shiloh, Acacia, Breckenridge
Statewide drought conditions and devastating wildfires prompted organizers to replace fireworks with a drone show.
