2026 Fair Partner Summary Report

EL PASO COUNTY

UNITED WE CELEBRATE with Title Sponor Presented By

2026 PARTNER

SUMMARY REPORT

EL PASO COUNTY

TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview

04

Awareness/Impressions

05

Programs

06

Youth Agriculture

07

Goals

08

Attendance

09

Partnerships

10

Thank You

11

EL PASO COUNTY

WWW.ELPASOCOUNTYFAIR.COM

FAIR OVERVIEW The annual El Paso County Fair remained the signature event at the Fair & Events Center, proudly celebrating the County’s deep western roots and agricultural heritage. In 2026, the United States commemorated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, while Colorado celebrated 150 years of statehood. The Fair’s theme, “United We Celebrate,” honored these historic milestones and the shared history that continues to connect our communities.

Throughout the week, fairgoers enjoyed a variety of daily entertainment, including the Pork Chop Revue, Wild West Stunt Show, and Gold Rush & Grain Games. In recognition of the year’s theme, the Fair also featured a historical timeline highlighting 250 years of U.S. history, 150 years of Colorado history, key milestones in El Paso County, and 200 years of agricultural progress.

Visitors also had the opportunity to attend weekday presentations by the Eastern Colorado Prairie Homestead group, which demonstrated traditional homesteading and self-sufficiency skills such as food preservation, gardening, and livestock care.

With a history spanning more than 120 years, the El Paso County Fair remains nearly as old as the State of Colorado itself. Each year, new attractions and experiences build on this longstanding tradition, creating a dynamic and memorable event. In 2026, those efforts expanded the Fair’s reach, increased community engagement and brand awareness, and exceeded attendance and outreach goals.

This success would not be possible without the steadfast support of the El Paso County Commissioners, executive leadership, staff, volunteers, and dedicated community partners. To relive the highlights of the 2026 El Paso County Fair, scan the QR code to view our wrap-up video.

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CODE FOR

VIDEO WWW.ELPASOCOUNTYFAIR.COM

EVENT AWARENESS

As the largest community event produced and managed by El Paso County, the El Paso County Fair continues to deliver a quality, family-friendly environment rooted in tradition and community pride. Our goal is to showcase the County’s rich agricultural heritage and create unforgettable memories for families, neighbors, and visitors alike.

In 2026, through a comprehensive and strategic marketing communications plan, we maximized our available resources to generate strong awareness, community engagement, and partner visibility.

21.1 Million

19 Million

964,000 Radio Audience

1.6 Million

Estimated Combined Audience

Online News Audience

Combined Social Media Audience

Once again, we are proud to report measurable success. Our efforts reached thousands of residents and visitors, amplifying the impact of the Fair and demonstrating the value of public events that celebrate culture, connection, and service. We are grateful for the support of our partners and look forward to continuing to create meaningful, memorable, experiences at the El Paso County Fair.

05

EVENT PROGRAMS Across eight exciting days, the El Paso County Fair delivered more than 180 programs and activities, brining together agriculture, heritage, entertainment and hands-on fun for all ages.

A Week Full of Trandtion, FUN & COMMUNITY 180+

Total Activities

FREE ENTERTAINMENT

75+

Free Entertainment Performances

40+

Agriculture & Livestock Events

AGRICULTURE & LIVESTOCK

Wild West Stunt Show Pork Chop Review Dance Performances Breeding Shows Steer Roping Contest

Cattle, Swine, Sheep, Goat & Poultry Shows Mutton Busting & Youth Bull Riding Livestock Judging Barn Tours

GAMES & PARTICIPAOTRY

TICKETED GRANDSTAND

Bingo: All ages Cornhole Tournament Poker Tournament Poultry Fun Contest Barn Olympics

Rough Stock Rodeo CPRA Rodeo Auto Races Demolition Derby

06

YOUTH AGRICULTURE LIVESTOCK / HORSE SMALL ANIMAL / DOG MINI HORSE / CAT

TABLETOP 4-H LED BARN TOURS

130

262

Exhibitors

1,318

221

Exhibitors

Total Entries

Total Entries

2026 Total Sale

$556,256 NEW RECORD!

4-H members led educational tours of their projects, sharing their knowledge and passion with visitors all week long!

2026 Average Per Head

2026 Total Head Sold

UP $152 vs. 2025

UP 18 HEAD vs. 2025

$3,499

137

TOP BID OF SALE

$11,000

CHAMPION MARKET STEER Cooper Spurlock

07

EVENT GOALS At El Paso County, we are proud to serve as responsible stewards of the community’s trust and the strong partnerships that make the El Paso County Fair possible. Each year, we evaluate and refine our approach, prioritizing quality experiences, operational efficiency, and the effective use of resources. With thoughtful planning and a commitment to improvement, we strive to deliver an event that is not only successful but also meaningful for everyone who attends, participates in, or partners with us.

Our team remains focused on maximizing impact while maintaining a high standard of fiscal responsibility. Through collaborative planning, targeted outreach, and strategic investment, we continue to stretch our resources to do more with less—expanding access, enhancing programs, and delivering memorable moments for thousands of guests. From infrastructure upgrades to accessible programming, every decision is guided by our mission to serve the community and uphold the integrity of the Fair experience.

ATTENDANCE

25,000 31,541

SPONSORSHIP

$80,000 $116,000

We understand the value of trust, and we don’t take it lightly. The support we receive from our partners directly translates into visible, lasting benefits for our residents.

Your contributions help us celebrate El Paso County’s legacy while investing in its future.

Together, we create a Fair that reflects our shared values: excellence, service, community, and tradition.

We are honored to partner with you and look forward to continuing this journey, creating even greater opportunities, expanding our reach, and building on our collective success.

08

REVENUE

$250,000 $411,388

FAIR ATTENDANCE Date

Theme of the Day

Attendance

% of Total

Ticketed Grandstand Event

Sat, July 11

Military Appreciation Day

4,663

14.80%

Rough Stock Rodeo

Sun, July 12

Western Heritae Day

4,601

14.60%

CPRA Rodeo

Mon, July 13

El Paso County Day

3,228

10.20%

Auto Races

Tue, July 14

Senior + Sensory Day

2,085

6.60%

-

Wed, July 15

Dollar Day

3,116

9.90%

-

Thu, July 16

Give + Gather Day

1,737

5.50%

-

Fri, July 17

Ag Day

4,671

14.80%

Auto Races & Drone Show

Sat, July 18

Heroes Day

7,439

23.60%

Demolation Day

31,541 TOTAL ATTENDANCE Percentages represent the share of total attendance.

Our attendance goal for the eight-day event was 25,000. We surpassed that by more than 6,500 guests.

Programming in 2026 was thoughtfully designed to attract a broader audience with the intent to unite as we celebrate. Aligning the Fair Guide with 4-H schedules and vendor hours, especially on grandstand nights, helped maintain activity throughout each day. Weekday arena events were expanded to include new ag-based programming, such as Mounted Shooting, Cutting Horse Competition, Celebrity Master Showman, and Youth Bull Riding, alongside returning favorites like the CPRA Rodeo, Auto Races, and Demolition Derby.

We also saw the return of new “Give & Gather” and “Sensory” day. A standout attraction was the free, high-energy Adventure Zone, featuring two giant water slides and a pool with paddle boats, providing families with an unforgettable County Fair experience throughout the week. Together, these strategic enhancements increased attendance, created memorable experiences, and reflected our commitment to purposeful, inclusive, and community-centered planning.

WWW.ELPASOCOUNTYFAIR.COM

09

PARTNERSHIPS We are proud to partner with more than 45 local businesses and organizations whose support plays an important role in the continued success of the El Paso County Fair.

We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our sponsors, including new partners who joined us in 2026 and the many returning sponsors who strengthened their commitment through multi-year agreements.

These lasting partnerships reflect confidence in the Fair’s future and a shared commitment to serving our community.

As responsible stewards of that support and trust, we recognize that these partnerships extend far beyond the Fair itself. They help us celebrate El Paso County’s agricultural heritage and traditions, support youth development, and create meaningful experiences and lasting benefits for our residents. Together, we are honoring our community’s legacy while investing in its future and creating a Fair that reflects our shared values of excellence, service, community, and tradition.

$116,000

Cash Sponsorship

$140,000

In-Kind Sponsorship

Cash sponsorships contribute to 28.2% of the revenue for the Fair

IMPACT: More predictable revenue + reducted annual renewals = greater focus on programming and community experience

10

91% RETENTION RATE 42 of 46 2025 sponsors renewed for 2026

23

MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENTS Increased revenue stability & reduced annual workload

4 NEW SPONSORS Continued growth without reliance on replacement

Thank You

to Our 2026 El Paso County Fair Sponsors

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Paradise Café

EL PASO COUNTY

UNITED WE CELEBRATE Parks Executive Director

JANNA TIDWELL

Parks Recreation & Cultural Servies Division Manager

THERESA ODELLO

Parks East District Supervisor

ADAM BAKER

Parks Community Outreach Specialist

DANA NORDSTROM El Paso County

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS