County fairs coming to Arapahoe and Douglas counties

BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Rodeos, carnival rides, live music, barbecue and more are in store for families this summer as two jam-packed fairs approach in the south metro region.

Arapahoe County Fair

e Arapahoe County Fair is returning for its 117th year, boasting a schedule of many long-time favorite events.

“It’s fun for the whole family,” said county spokesperson Anders Nelson. “Whatever you can imagine, the fair has this year.” e event will run from July 27 to July 30 at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, located at 25690 E. Quincy Ave. in Aurora. e mutton busting event, in which children ride sheep, is free to watch and costs $15 to participate in.

Tickets, which cost $25 per day, include unlimited carnival rides, stunt dog shows, live music on the main stage, reworks, rodeos, tractor pulls, a petting farm, 4-H shows, art exhibitions and more.

Admission is free for children under three feet tall.

In addition to the shows and rides, there will be hands-on activities and demonstrations about western history at “Heritage Hall.” Families can learn about bee keeping, meet alpacas, weave baskets and more. ere will also be contests, including a “longest potato peel” and jigsaw puzzle competitions.

New to the fair this year, a ying acrobatics show called Cirque Adventure will have performances throughout the weekend, Nelson said.

On ursday, the Arapahoe County Commis- sioners will kick o the weekend with a Western dinner full of food, music and networking, called “Boots Not Suits.” Tickets will be $50 per person and include general fair admission for ursday.

On Friday, adults can enjoy craft beer samples at the Pours on the Plains event from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., which will also include axe throwing, lawn games and live music. is event is not included in fair admission.

Saturday and Sunday will feature Colorado Pro Rodeo Association events, which will be included in general admission.

Tickets include free parking. e fair will happen rain or shine and tickets are non-refundable.

Douglas County Fair & Rodeo

Further south, the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo will start just a day after its neighboring fair begins, with events running from July 28 until Aug. 6.

e series of events will take place at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, located at 500 Fairgrounds Drive in Castle Rock.

Ticket prices vary based on speci c events, with general fair admissions at $16 on Aug. 4 and 5, the days with the most events.

During other days, admissions to the grounds are free and hours and events vary. A full schedule is available at https://www.douglascountyfairandrodeo. com/p/schedule/schedule1.

Highlights include rodeo events from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association on Aug. 4, 5, and 6, as well as a free hometown rodeo with local contestants of all ages on July 29.

e 2023 county fair and rodeo royalty will also be crowned at the hometown rodeo event.

Llamas, dogs, horses, pigs and poultry will show o their skills and beauty at various livestock and other animal shows over the course of the fair.

Other competitions will also take place, including quilting, baking, agriculture and oriculture, 4-H and more.

On July 28, Randy Houser and Chase Bryant will perform at the outdoor arena, with general admission tickets costing $25.

On July 30, the Farm to Table event will o er a lunch bu et with locally and organically sourced ingredients and the opportunity to meet the chef and local farmers. e event is ticketed separately and will cost $70 for general tickets and $35 for kids ages two to 10. ere will also be a carnival, petting zoo, a car show, mutton busting and a parade.