County fair racks up 89 years

2023 edition closes out nine-day run

BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

ere was something for all ages at the 89th annual Elbert County Fair, which wrapped up its 2023 run on Aug. 6 after nine days of fun, delicious food and community. Area residents came together to showcase and exhibit their livestock, an agricultural way of life and many other skills at the Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa.

e fair opened July 29 with the Saturday-morning 4-H dog show, followed by the cutting horse exposition. e weather held out for the kicko concert that evening featuring Brett Hendrix. After a week of high temperatures, it was an ideal way to unwind and begin the festivities. e 2023 Elbert County Fair

Queen, Elisa Roden, had this to say about fair week: “ e week of Elbert County Fair is my favorite time of year. We get visitors from the city wanting to learn more about agriculture, and local residents take this opportunity to support the farming and ranching culture.”

Roden highlighted the fact that all fair events are free, adding: “You can attend one of the concerts, cheer on 4-H and FFA members as they show their animal projects, watch the tractor pull or take part in the ice cream eating contest.”

Elbert County Fair Board President Tammi Schneider echoed the sentiment. “We are very proud of our rural heritage and our current mission at the Elbert County Fair to showcase the rich traditions of our farming and ranching families,” Schneider said. “ e fair blends 4-H shows and exhibits with family-fun events.” e kids may be heading back to school, signifying the uno cial end to summer, but there are still plenty of wonderful community events coming up. August and September have no shortage of family-friendly activities. e Friday Night Market, the popular weekly event hosted by the Elizabeth Brewing Company, continues Friday evenings through Aug. 18 at Running Creek Park, 500 E. Kiowa Ave. in Elizabeth. From 5-9 p.m. enjoy live music, local vendors and artisans, food trucks, wine and beer and catch up with friends and neighbors. Join the Elizabeth Fire Department for a pancake breakfast at the re station in downtown Elizabeth on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 8-10 a.m. At $5 per person, this tasty event bene ts the Elizabeth Fire ghters Community Foundation. is is all you can eat, so bring your appetite. Once you’ve gotten your ll of pancakes, head over to Evans Park at 34201 County Road 17, Elizabeth, for the End of Summer Bash hosted by the Elizabeth Park and Recreation District. Starting at 11 a.m., the event will have water balloons, a Slip-NSlide, kickball, bounce houses and more. is will be a day you won’t want to miss!

Like Roden, Schneider praised the fair for being free. “ at means we don’t charge for admission, parking and all events, shows and concerts are free,” she said.

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