Riders and animals kick up dust at 2023 Douglas County Fair & Rodeo

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In the heart of Douglas County, kids and teenagers riding animals kicked o the rodeo events at the annual Douglas County Fair & Rodeo.

e early stages of the 10-day event unfolded with youth performing a horse-riding routine, participating in a goat-tying competition and riding sheep in the “mutton busting” contest.

Outside the rodeo arena, crowds tried out carnivalstyle rides and activities, along with treats from food vendors.

One of those vendors, Jenny LeRoux of Rebel Cookie Dough and Confections, came back to the Douglas County fair for another year, selling “ice cream sandwiches bigger than most kids’ heads,” LeRoux said.

Her favorite part of vend- ing at a place like the fair is “just bringing happiness to people through food,” said LeRoux, who lives in Parker. “ ey just get really excited.” e fair’s rst weekend featured barbecue judging, the hometown rodeo, junior division horse show events and many more attractions, according to the schedule. e second weekend features the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo, a line dancing lesson, a pie eating contest and many other events. is year’s county fair runs from July 28-Aug. 6. e Douglas County Fairgrounds sit at 500 Fairgrounds Drive in Castle Rock, a short drive east of Interstate 25 and Plum Creek Parkway.

Some events and times are ticketed. See the full schedule at douglascountyfairandrodeo.com or call 720-733-6900.