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There are many reasons the Weld County Fair has continually served as a successful event for more than a century.
One could look at it statistically and consider strong attendance, new events, and record-breaking Junior Livestock Sales, which support the county’s youth, as reasons for its success.
Or one could look at it from the viewpoint of the participants, who would likely say the fair’s success can be narrowed down to one concept: Tradition. A tradition that dates back to 1879, long before Weld County Government was involved, when early agriculturalists held an independent fair on a 40-acre plot between Greeley and Evans.
In fact, it wasn’t until 1918, following significant demand from residents for a consistent county fair, that Weld County Government began offering support. In 1919, the fair moved into its official home at Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley and for 105 years, it’s been a staple in Weld County.
The tradition of the fair can also be seen in how it’s structured.
“Most people think of county fairs as carnivals, petting zoos and live music,” said Hannah Swanbom Director of Weld County’s CSU Extension Office. “We’ve chosen to instead focus on our 4-H and FFA kids through showmanship events and exhibits as well as events you most likely won’t see anywhere else. This is really the most traditional event you can attend. That’s what makes it special, and the fact that all our events are free and open to the public only adds to the value.”
Swanbom’s sentiments are equally expressed in the faces of the youth and community members who exhibit at and attend the Weld County Fair every year. Youngsters tell judges about their bucket calves during the bucket calf show (held this year on Sunday, July 30). As both calf and kid grow older, they show at the Market and Breeding Beef or Dairy Cattle shows, where their tentative smiles turn into full-blown confident stares to ensure the judges know their animal is of high quality and should be chosen to be entered into the Junior Livestock Sale.
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Weld County Commissioner Chair Mike Freeman has seen firsthand the impact exhibiting in the fair can have as both of his kids participated when they were younger. The impact it has is even greater considering involvement in the fair is often an activity that runs deep in many families.
“The fair is special because it provides an opportunity for our youth to show their skills, learn new ones and be recognized by people in the community. This is huge for their confidence and leadership skills, which I saw grow in my two kids when they participated,” he said.
Freeman’s daughter, Lynsey, agrees. Although, having spent 10 years showing pigs and lambs as well as participating in exhibit events such as cake decorating, she gained much more than confidence and leadership skills.
“Some of my best memories between the age of eight and 18 were at the fair,” Lynsey explained. “I gained numerous valuable life skills including responsibility, worth ethic and respect as well as lifelong friendships and memories.”
The opportunity to gain those traits is part of what she believes makes the fair an event unlike any other.
“What makes the Weld County Fair special is that it’s a great way for kids to be part of something in their local community. It’s a generational tradition for families to pass down to their children,” Lynsey said, mentioning her parents were in 4-H. “I hope to let my kids participate when they are old enough to join!”
What to expect at this year’s fair
Both experienced fair attendees and those who have never been are encouraged to come out to the fair, held at Island Grove Regional Park, this week. The fair runs through July 31, 2023, and offers several free events for the entire family to enjoy. Along with dairy and beef cattle, youth will exhibit dogs, goats, sheep, swine, rabbits and poultry. Several exciting events are geared toward horse showmanship, where youth can be seen working with their horse to herd cattle, walk over obstacles on a trail in Ranch and Western Showmanship or jump over hurdles or canter during English Showmanship. The handiwork of exhibitors in woodworking, restoring machinery, model rocketry, cake baking, making clothes, growing crops, and much more, will also be on display.
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For the second year in a row, there will be a Working Ranch Cowboys Association Ranch Rodeo on July 30 where teams of cowboys and cowgirls from local ranches will wrangle, catch and rope steers as well as ride broncs during this high-energy event. Kids can get their face painted or play in the giant sandpile, and new this year is a Movie in the Park night on Friday, July 28. “The Super Mario Bros Movie” will be shown in the South Oval Pavilion.
Centennial Village is also hosting $4 admission for three days during the fair so people can learn about the history of the county’s settlers and see living demonstrations accurate to the early 1900s.
With all these fantastic events occurring during this 10-day event, how could anyone not want to come out to have some fun in the sun and support the next generation of agriculturalists? Don’t take our word for it though. See for yourself this week at the 105th Weld County Fair!
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By Shaley Dehner, Weld County Communications Specialist
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