COVID-19: What happens to the Colorado State Fair?

The Colorado State Fair has been around since 1869. It has only been cancelled once, in 1917, due to World War I.

The 148th state fair set to take place in Pueblo, August 28 through September 7th is now in jeopardy due to COVID-19.

“I don’t see a scenario where we could have the Colorado State Fair if we have social distancing guidelines in place just because the fair on average has tens of thousands of people through each day,” said Scott Stoller, general manager of the Colorado State Fair.

The economic impact of the fair on southern Colorado is more than 30 million dollars for the region.

“If we are not able to have the state fair, we are looking at over a million dollar loss to our organization. We are in a position to weather that this year and be able to come out on the other side,” according to Stoller.

The state fair board is looking at other ways to hold some of the activities virtually, such as the livestock show and other youth activities with competitive exhibits.

The board will make the final decision on the Colorado State Fair status by the end of June.

For now, the state fairgrounds is going to serve as a COVID-19 testing site through May 30.

On Thursday evening at 7:30pm on Rocky Mountain PBS, Colorado Experience will look at the history of the Colorado State Fair from it small beginning to becoming the largest summer event in Colorado. From livestock to peach pie contests. From big-name entertainment to 4H.