By Coben Scott
Between July 13 and July 20, the county celebrated its 119th year of the El Paso County Fair. The theme this year: It’s Epic Out Here.” Starting out as a simple potato and bean bake off at the Calhan schoolhouse in 1905, the original attendees would be amazed at what it has become today.
On July 12, a press meeting was held at the front gates of the fairgrounds. Carrie Geitner, El Paso County commissioner; Andschana Aljets, special events supervisor; and Maddie Norton, 2024 fair queen, all spoke at the event. Geitner and Aljets talked about the fair reaching more people this year through special accommodations.
While a military appreciation day and dollar admission day is typical at events like this, the planners this year decided a sensory awareness day, included with senior day, would be a great addition for introducing people who are neurodivergent (a person on the autism spectrum or, more generally, to someone whose brain processes information in a way that is not typical of most individuals) or those who are sensory sensitive. A sensory book and an overstimulation room were added. Other accommodations included turning all music and lights off for the carnival rides for a portion of the day.
Every day with a theme featured free shows, ranging from concerts to pirate high divers. When asked, “What does the fair mean to you?” Aljets said, “It’s all about family and fun. It’s somewhere that was always affordable and safe to bring our kids to. They could go running around, and we wouldn’t have to worry.” Geitner said, “Family plays a very big theme out here, but it’s also about celebrating our Western heritage.” Geitner then talked about 4H and Future Farmers of America bringing the fair all together. Norton said, “I’ve always been coming here and it’s just been a fun time.”
As the fair opened, they faced a few mishaps. Difficulties with the Ferris wheel left it out of commission for the entire fair; afternoon rain showers put a damper on some attendees.
However, the successes of the event outweighed the difficulties. The daily turnout was well into the thousands, and each section of the fairgrounds featured a crowd. The sensory day and accommodations proved to be a great success, bringing in a sizable amount of attendees who were able to enjoy the fair without being overwhelmed. The fire show, pirate high divers and lumberjack show were a hit with families filling the viewing areas. Kids of all ages could be spotted running around and having fun in the carnival section. Every demographic of people could be spotted in both livestock and rodeo arenas, as well as dancing in the pavilion concerts.
Many of the 4H families who were involved in showing livestock camped on the fairgrounds for the entire week. Kadence Baker, a junior at Falcon High School and 4H member, could be found feeding her goats, Goatee and Moostache, in the livestock arena. The Baker family raises a number of animals and have been part of the fair for eight years. Baker this year presented her goats and rabbits, the latter of which garnered her reserve champion, best in show. She said camping was “tiring, but super fun.” Baker said although she was able to enjoy the carnival with friends a few nights, she still had to maintain and care for her animals. Her favorite thing about the fair, Baker said, “I love showing my animals with my friends.”
The fair will celebrate 120 years next summer. Aljets said, “There are plans in the works, but we’ll make sure that the anniversary has just as much if not more attached to it than this year.”
Photos by Coben Scott
