Chaffee County Fair Returns With In-Person Events July 23 to Aug. 1

The Chaffee County Fair and Rodeo returns July 23 and will continue through August 1. After the 2020 cancellation of the in-person fair due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fair will return to in-person with beloved events and shows.

The fair will operate under the same restrictions as the rest of the county with a 5,000-person limit on outdoor events. Face coverings are optional, and the fair and rodeo committee is taking additional measures to ensure the health and safety of the participants and spectators with additional sanitation measures in place.

Member of the committee, Rachel Walke explained “We are excited to be having a full fair again this year with lots of new and exciting activities for everyone to enjoy.”

Mutton busted. photo credit- S Hobbs

Community events start at 3:00 p.m. on July 23 with Muttin’ Bustin’ beginning at 5:00 p.m. followed by Steer Riding and the CPRA Rodeo.

Locals and visitors will find many opportunities throughout the week to watch and participate in Fair and Rodeo events. The full nine-day event schedule is listed below.

Friday, July 23

3:00 p.m. Gates open. Admission is 10 dollars for adults and eight dollars for youth 5-14 years old
Tack Sale – Small Animal Building
5:00 p.m. Muttin’ Bustin’
5:45 p.m. Steer Riding
7:00 p.m. CPRA Rodeo
9:00 p.m. Dance — Carin Marie

Saturday, July 24

8:00 a.m. 4-H Indoor Judging (closed to public)
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Receive open class
8:00 a.m. Equine Trail Sports Obstacle Challenge
Tack Sale – Small Animal Building
3:00 p.m. Gates open
5:00 p.m. Muttin’ Bustin’
5:45 p.m. Steer Riding
7:00 p.m. CPRA Rodeo Royalty crowning
Hollenbeck All-Around Belt Buckle

Cowboy with rope in hand. photo credit- S Hobbs

Monday, July 26

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Receive open class perishables
9:00 a.m. 4-H Horse Show & Gymkhana
10:00 a.m. Open Class Judging (closed to public)
5:00 p.m. 4-H Dog Show

Tuesday, July 27

4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 4-H & Open Class Poultry & Rabbit Check-In

Wednesday, July 28

8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 4-H Market Livestock Weigh-In
9:00 a.m. Exhibit Hall open to public.
9:30 a.m. 4-H and Open Poultry Judging
10:00 a.m. Information Booth Opens
2:00 p.m. 4-H and Open Rabbit Judging
5:00 p.m. Rancher’s Dinner
5:30 p.m. Open Equine Gymkhana

Thursday, July 29

8:00 a.m. 4-H Swine Show – Livestock Pavilion
11:00 a.m. Stick Horse Rodeo
11:30 p.m. 4-H Goat Show and Sheep Show in the Pavilion
12:30 p.m. Open Peewee Show
4:00 p.m. Commissioners Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry
5:00 p.m. 4-H Beef Show in the Arena
7:30 p.m. Open 4-D Barrel Race

Friday, July 30

9:00 a.m. 4-H Round Robin
11:00 a.m. Adult Round Robin
1:30 p.m. Garden Tractor Race
6:30 p.m. 4-H Awards
7:00 p.m. Junior Market Livestock Sale
9:00 p.m. Spurs and Latigo Band

Courtesy of the Chaffee County Fair and Rodeo.

Saturday, July 31

9:00 a.m. Team Sorting
10:00 a.m. Horseshoe Pitching Singles and Doubles competition
11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 4-H Agriculture Small Group Tours
11:00 a.m. Antique Tractor Pull location to be determined
12:00 Noon Antique Engine Demonstration
2:00 p.m. Hay Stacking Competition
2:30 p.m. Sawdust Pile with coins
3:00 p.m. Catch A Pig Contest Age four and five
Catch A Pig Contest Age six and seven
Catch A Pig Contest Age 8 -10 to register for any of the age groups go to the small animal building
4:30 p.m. Stock Dog Demonstration by Jeannie Allen
6:30 p.m. Grand Entry
Mountain States Ranch Rodeo & Calcutta
9:00 p.m. Spurs & Latigo Band