Immersed in the mystical aura of the 89th annual Elbert County Fair lies an amalgamation of wonders that transcend age boundaries, a captivating spectacle that will culminate its 2023 iteration on August 6, after a jubilant nine-day celebration filled with gastronomic delights and a profound sense of community.

 

 

In the hallowed grounds of the Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa, a tapestry of rural life, agricultural marvels, and diverse talents from area residents unfolds annually as they gather to showcase their prized livestock and innumerable skills.

 

 

The curtain of this grand event lifted on July 29, commencing with the 4-H dog show on a serene Saturday morning, coupled with the awe-inspiring cutting horse exposition. As the radiant stars adorned the firmament, the evening’s enthralling concert graced by the illustrious Brett Hendrix initiated a harmonious resonance among the attendees, offering a moment of respite from the arduous week of scorching temperatures and heralding the commencement of festivities.

 

 

Beaming with pride, the 2023 Elbert County Fair Queen, Elisa Roden, exalted the profound significance of fair week, declaring it as her personal favorite. She reveled in the influx of city dwellers seeking to fathom the mysteries of agriculture, while the local residents seized this golden opportunity to bolster the noble traditions of farming and ranching that form the bedrock of their community’s identity.

Roden was quick to extol the fairness of the fair, emphasizing that all its splendid events and spectacles are accessible without cost. One can delight in the mellifluous symphonies during the concerts, passionately cheer on the young talents of 4-H and FFA as they exhibit their remarkable animal projects, witness the awe-inspiring tractor pull, or partake in the adrenaline-pumping ice cream eating contest without the burden of monetary shackles.

 

 

Tammi Schneider, the esteemed President of the Elbert County Fair Board, echoed the same sentiments as Roden. With a profound sense of kinship towards their rural heritage, Schneider envisions the fair as a perfect conduit to showcase the time-honored traditions cherished by their farming and ranching families. Merging the flair of 4-H shows and exhibitions with a plethora of family-oriented festivities, the fair casts an enchanting spell upon all who grace its sacred grounds.

Mirroring Roden’s jubilation, Schneider reiterated the fair’s democratic ethos, where the doors are flung open to all, and no charges encumber visitors for admission, parking, or any of the enthralling events, including the mesmerizing concerts.

 

 

Schneider couldn’t contain her excitement as she unveiled the upcoming horseshoe tournament scheduled for August 4, with the proceeds channeled to support the shooting sports programs. Furthermore, she drew attention to the unprecedented inclusion of musicians in the fair’s lineup, a fresh addition to the spectacle that promises to captivate hearts. Among these gifted artists, the esteemed Matt Stell, with his mellifluous melodies, will grace the Main Arena following the thrilling Junior Market Sale and the Bulls, Broncs, & Buckaroos Rodeo on August 5.

For the young and adventurous cowboys and cowgirls, the fair offers the delightful Kiddie Corral, a magical realm brimming with a petting zoo, a bouncy house, and enchanting face painting, all set to dazzle the senses on August 5 and 6, between the hours of noon and 3 p.m. Moreover, the crowd-favorite mutton bustin’ spectacle will unfold on the enthralling nights of August 5 and the mesmerizing afternoon of August 6.

 

 

The pinnacle of the festivities, the Elbert County Fair Parade, shall grace the fair on August 6, commencing at 11 a.m. from the venerable Elbert County Courthouse in Kiowa, to culminate in the majestic Main Arena where memories will be etched forever.

 

Steeped in a rich tapestry of history, the Elbert County Fair has enthralled the community for generations. Reflecting on the past, Joe Martell of the Elbert County Historical Society & Museum shed light on the fair’s storied origins. In the late 1800s, an embryonic version of the fair emerged sporadically, but it wasn’t until 1904 that the seeds of annual consistency were sown.

 

 

The erstwhile single-day fair, held in Elbert, burgeoned with a myriad of activities on the vast flats adjacent to Kiowa Creek, where visitors arrived from distant lands through discounted train fares on the Colorado & Southern Railroad. The allure of picnics, a breathtaking display of locally grown agricultural exhibits, riveting horse races, and spirited baseball matches against rival towns beckoned with an irresistible charm.

In the timeless saga of the 89th annual Elbert County Fair, the spirit of unity, culture, and celebration remains an unyielding beacon, perpetuating a legacy cherished by generations, and promising a future filled with untold wonders yet to be discovered.

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