media release

Colorado State Fair

Colorado Department of Agriculture

www.coloradostatefair.com

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 4, 2012

Contacts:   

Chris Wiseman, General Manager, (719) 924-0151, Chris.Wiseman@ag.state.co.us

Christi Lightcap, Dir. of Communications, (719) 924-0154, Christi.Lightcap@ag.state.co.us

                                               

140th Annual Colorado State Fair Comes to a Close

 

PUEBLO, Colo. –The 2012 Colorado State Fair ends its 11-day run as Colorado's premier celebration of youth and agriculture.

 

“While the Colorado State Fair showcases carnivals, concerts and vendors, its foundation stems from Colorado’s vast agricultural community,” said State Fair General Manager, Chris Wiseman. “The Fair strives to help ensure a strong agricultural future by emphasizing its importance to today’s youth.  I appreciate the hard work and dedication of those who participated in this year’s event.”

 

Attendance decreased this year with 474,915 attending the event, which is 41,080 lower than 2011.

 

“There are a number of factors that may have contributed to lower attendance, including local school events and the economy but attendance is just one way we measure success. The Colorado State Fair also provides educational opportunities to the people of Colorado, supports 4H and FFA youth, and contributes to the state economy,” said Wiseman.


Highlights from the 2012 Colorado State Fair:

  • The annual Colorado’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Junior Livestock Sale raised $479,530 for Colorado’s 4H and FFA youth, which is over $70,000 more than the 2011 total.
  • The Fair offered a wide variety of free, family attractions including pirate pets, an exotic petting zoo, a world record juggler and three free music stages.
  • The Colorado State Fair and Rodeo is honored to have hosted the Cowboys Kickin’ Cancer Fundraiser. Funds raised help patients in their fight against cancer. This year, the generosity of State Fair patrons helped to raise $43,000 for the St. Mary Corwin Cancer Center’s Patient Needs Fund. In the past three years, $121,000 has been raised during the event.
  • Nearly 70,000 people enjoyed the Colorado State Fair entertainment series consisting of Merle Haggard, Steve Miller Band, Thompson Square, Kenny Loggins, Chris Young, and five nights of PRCA Ram rodeo.
  • The State Fair General Entry department received more than 8,000 entries in a variety of categories including fine arts, canning, quilts, crops, and cooking.
  • Over 450 commercial and food vendors sold products at this year’s Fair. An assortment of delicious fair food was offered to tempt taste buds including red velvet funnel cakes, gourmet hot dogs, hamburgers, and deep fried pop tarts.
  • Participation was up for nearly all of the Fair’s horse shows and special horse events.

 

A profit/loss report is currently being figured and those numbers should be available in November. Results from the State Fair competitions continue to be posted at www.coloradostatefair.com.

 

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