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OPINION
Independence Day celebrations are behind us, the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo is over, which can mean only one thing, County Fair Time. The 102nd El Paso County Fair in Calhan begins this Saturday July 21st. While the Fair is a celebration of our agricultural roots, we city folk don’t mind mixing in a “Live Shark Encounter” with a 4-H Horse Show. Just not at the same time. Most of the tried and true events remain with enough new happenings and shows to make it a new experience for the regular attendees. Of course the carnival with its rides and games is always open. Saturday, July 21st is Opening Day, the fair opens at 8:30 AM and Opening Ceremonies take place at 10:30. The last big event of the day is Monster Trucks followed by the Fair Association Dance. Sunday, July 22nd is Family Day, with special family events including free caricatures between 11 and 4 and a family concert at 6:00. Monday, July 23rd is Furry Friends Day, the Live Shark Encounter occurs several times a day every day and a Youth Rodeo begins at 6:00. Tuesday, July 24th is Youth Day, this is a change from the past but the Woodcarvers will be helping the kids with soap carving. You also have a chance to “Dress Your Potato” and take in a “Battle of the Teen Bands”. Wednesday, July 25th is Dollar Day, admission is only a buck a head. Lots of 4-H that day, free caricatures from 5 to 9 and a Ranch Rodeo at 7:30. Thursday, July 26, is 4-H day, market beef judging will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with Catch-a-Calf at 5:30 and Auto Races at the new El Paso County Speedway (Rodeo Arena) at 6:30. Friday, July 27 is Senior Day, with $2 off for seniors. Senior Breakfast between 8 and 11 a.m. and the traditional free slice of pie at noon. The Gunfighters will be around most of the day which ends with the Motor Sports Extravaganza at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 28th is American Heroes Day. Uniformed services personnel and everyone in their party receive a dollar off of the admission price. You don’t have to wear your uniform, just bring proof you are a firefighter, police officer, or military member. Livestock auction from 1 to 5 p.m., more sharks and gunfighters, caricatures from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the fair wraps up with a Demolition Derby at 6 p.m. and a dance at 8 p.m. At $5 for adult admission it is the best entertainment value in the county. On hot afternoons look for me by the ice cream vender, dinner means corn dogs and maybe some corn on the cob instead of the fries.
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