Is it really summer without a visit to the county fair?
The Larimer County Fair and Rodeo will once again take over the Loveland Events Complex, 5280 Arena Circle, beginning Friday with four days of live music, fair food, 4-H exhibits, rodeo events and carnival fun.
Gates open at 4pm on Friday, Monday and Tuesday and 10am on Saturday and Sunday. Live music and outdoor vendors close around 10 p.m. each night, with the fair’s Carnival Americana running until midnight Friday through Tuesday.
Here are four fair events you can’t miss.
Reconnect with your inner child
Looking for the full fair experience? May I suggest you meander through the Carnival Americana with a fried pickle on a stick in hand? The sprawling carnival experience offers games, rides and unapologetically fried food throughout the five days of the Larimer County Fair. You can go big and buy an $80 all-day mega pass or start small with a $30 one-day pass, giving you access to all Carnival Americana rides. You do not need a permit to walk around the carnival and buy from the carnival food vendors. Wristbands can be purchased in advance online or at the carnival gate for an additional $5 fee. Carnival Americana opens at 4pm on Friday, Monday and Tuesday and noon on Saturday and Sunday. It closes every night at midnight.
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Take in a fair tradition
There’s a reason it’s called the Larimer County Fair and Rodeo. One of the main events – the 2022 PRCA Rodeo – will take place at the Budweiser Events Center Sunday through Tuesday, with festivities starting at 7:00pm each night. The three nights will feature eight rodeo events, from bull riding and barrel racing to steer wrestling and mutton bashing. Rodeo tickets for adults range from $18 to $22 and can be purchased online.
Fill it up
Corn dogs, I’m coming home! Fittingly, the Larimer County Fair and Rodeo is dishing up food from more than 20 vendors, including several local food trucks. Choose from smooth chocolate, alk burgers, funnel cakes, corn dogs, street tacos, smoked meats, smoothies and more. Food trucks and food vendor tents will be sprinkled throughout The Ranch’s patio and carnival area, with food mostly available from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Monday and Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to 10pm Saturday and Sunday.
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Watch a squirrel water ski (and more!)
You heard it right. Twiggy the water-skiing squirrel is back at the Larimer County Fair and Rodeo this year, and she’s not alone. This year’s fair’s special events schedule also features visits from Ninja Nation’s obstacle course, an ax-throwing group called the Ax Women and the Globe of Death’s death-defying stunts. Looking to squeeze in some tunes? Live music will also take place on the main stage and community stage, with performances from Fort Collins-based School of Rock, Bruno Mars cover band Uptown Funk, local country artist Caitlyn Oscher and rock band Last Man on Earth. For a complete schedule of fair events and musical offerings, head to treventscomplex.com.
