Despite over four inches of rain, the 99th El Paso County Fair was a success, due in many ways to the fairgoers of El Paso County! Over 30,000 people came through the gates.The sales committee reported that 174 animals were sold at the Junior Livestock Sale, which earned over $176,000 for the young people in 4-H.Farmer Brown and the Olde Tyme Farm doubled in size from last year. Terry Brown spent days setting up and tearing down the farm. Lars the Silhouette artist received great feedback. The crowd loved the curly-haired magician, Alan Redstone, Wild West Express, Cowboy Steve and his Whirlin’ Lasso, and Fireman Chuck and his amazing fire truckThe Big Air Extreme Moto Cross was a new attraction that wowed the fair goers, who also enjoyed a Road Grader Rodeo and an ATV Rodeo. Colorado Disc Dogs also debuted at the fair this year.It is a common misconception that the county pays for the carnival. Brown’s Amusements provides plenty of revenue to the fair without any cost to the county.Fair officials are grateful for the many people who offer their support, the many volunteers and the staff. And the community and corporate sponsorships keep the fair afloat.I am proud to be affiliated with the El Paso County Fair, and I would appreciate comments and questions from the public. Please e-mail me at jimabendschan@elpasoco.com, or call me at 719-520-7880. If more people learned about how the fair is produced and how the facilities are maintained, it would be beneficial to us all.I want to especially thank the county commissioners, the numerous county departments, all the volunteers and staff, Colorado State University and the wonderful 4-H young people for making this the best fair ever.This fair has been a part of my life since I was in 4-H in, well, I think it was about 1962. It is important to me and everyone who helps with the fair that we provide a quality event with clean, safe facilities and an interesting, enjoyable event. To me, we did just that – making this year a very successful county fair.We are told that we will have the 100th Anniversary El Paso County Fair in Calhan next year, and we invite you to be a part of history – your history.
