{"id":92029,"date":"2026-07-24T11:20:22","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T17:20:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=92029"},"modified":"2026-07-24T11:20:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T17:20:22","slug":"discover-fun-food-and-friendly-competitions-at-the-colorado-state-fair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/discover-fun-food-and-friendly-competitions-at-the-colorado-state-fair\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover fun, food and friendly competitions at the Colorado State Fair"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div><figure id=\"attachment_92041\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-92041\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-92041\" src=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/07\/21132826\/state-fair-rodeo-web.webp\" alt=\"Colorado State Fair. Rodeos are a big part of the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo each year. The fair runs 11 days, also featuring livestock exhibits, fine arts competitions, food vendors, a carnival, live music and more.\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-92041\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rodeos are a big part of the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo each year. The fair runs 11 days and also features livestock exhibits, fine arts competitions, food vendors, a carnival, live music and more. Photo by Steve Bryant, courtesy of the Colorado State Fair.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Let\u2019s be real: If you\u2019re heading to the Colorado State Fair, you\u2019re probably salivating already over the food you plan to devour.<\/p>\n<p>Whether it\u2019s a famous Pueblo \u201cslopper\u201d \u2014 a hamburger <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/green-chile-in-colorado-scrumptious-and-packed-full-of-nutrients\/\">smothered in green chile<\/a> \u2014 pies, ice cream floats or cotton candy, food at the state fair is its own attraction.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll discover other fair favorites: rodeos, livestock competitions, fine-art exhibits, carnival rides, live music and more.<\/p>\n<p>And thanks to the 250<sup>th<\/sup> and 150<sup>th<\/sup> birthdays of the United States and Colorado, respectively, this year\u2019s fair features a host of activities and exhibits that will delight anyone who loves celebrating the red, white and blue and the Centennial State. (Check out ideas for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/150-fun-things-to-do-in-colorado\/\">fun things to do in Colorado<\/a> as we celebrate the state\u2019s 150<sup>th<\/sup> birthday.)<\/p>\n<p>The state fair draws about 500,000 visitors during its 11-day run each year from late August through early September. It takes place at the fairgrounds in the heart of Pueblo. And with that location, fairgoers get a taste of what makes this southern Colorado city so special, with <a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/coloradostatefair.com\/things-to-do-in-the-summer\/fiesta-day-at-the-colorado-state-fair\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fiesta Day,<\/a> local food vendors, live music from local groups and much more.<\/p>\n<p>For the past few weeks, the state fairgrounds have served as a major livestock evacuation center and shelter for residents affected by the Aspen Acres wildfire. Nonetheless, fair organizers will be ready to launch the fair on Aug. 28.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_92042\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-92042\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-92042\" src=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/07\/21133548\/state-fair-sunset-Carnival-web.webp\" alt=\"Carnival at Colorado State Fair. The Colorado State Fair carnival features rides and games for all ages. \" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-92042\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Colorado State Fair carnival has rides and games for all ages. Photo by Steve Bryant, courtesy of the Colorado State Fair.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Andrea Wiesenmeyer, who joined the fair as general manager two years ago, has a message for Coloradans and visitors alike, whether they attend the fair every year or are thinking about heading to Pueblo for the first time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCome and spend a day here,\u201d she said. \u201cThe fair really is the best of so many parts of Colorado.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s everything you need to know about the Colorado State Fair.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>When and where is the Colorado State Fair? <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The Colorado State Fair runs every year from late August through early September.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_92045\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-92045\" style=\"width: 450px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-92045\" src=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/07\/21133943\/state-fair-Gate-5-web.webp\" alt=\"Coloradans started holding an annual state fair in the late 1800s, then moved to today's fairgrounds in the heart of Pueblo in1901.\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-92045\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Coloradans started holding an annual state fair in the late 1800s, then moved to today&#8217;s fairgrounds in the heart of Pueblo in 1901. Photo by Steve Bryant, courtesy of the Colorado State Fair.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/coloradostatefair.com\/plan-your-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Check out the details and learn about the hours<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The fairgrounds are located at 1001 Beulah Ave. in Pueblo.<\/p>\n<p>Visitors can take free shuttles or use paid parking lots.<\/p>\n<p>The 2026 fair runs Aug. 28-Sept. 7. Hours are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mondays through Thursdays: 3 p.m. \u2013 11 p.m.<\/li>\n<li>Fridays through Sundays: 11 a.m. \u2013 11 p.m.<\/li>\n<li>Labor Day (closing day): 11 a.m. \u2013 9 p.m.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>What can I see at the Colorado State Fair that celebrates the U.S. and Colorado birthdays?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>While many state fairs around the country are celebrating the 250<sup>th<\/sup> birthday of the United States, Colorado marks its sesquicentennial. So the Colorado State Fair will feature a number of special exhibits and events honoring both milestones.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are in a unique position in Colorado,\u201d Wiesenmeyer said. \u201cWe get to celebrate the anniversary of our state and the 250<sup>th<\/sup> birthday of the United States. It\u2019s a pretty cool place to be.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Special exhibits and events marking the anniversaries include:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>An entire building devoted to the anniversaries, in the Colorado Building. Exhibits inside will include a statewide quilt exhibit featuring more than 50 artists and a display of Colorado flags.<\/li>\n<li>\u201cOld time\u201d competitions that scream nostalgia, including a beautiful baby contest and best beard competition on Sept. 7, the last day of the fair.<\/li>\n<li>A free show by <a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.westernaires.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Westernaires<\/a>, the horse drill organization for kids age nine to 19, telling the story of America and Colorado.<\/li>\n<li>A <a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.historycolorado.org\/colorado-150\/initiative-stories-in-the-sky\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">15- minute evening drone show called <\/a>Stories in the Sky on Sept. 3 and Sept. 7. The drone show is part of a statewide series of drone light shows about the state\u2019s landscapes, history and communities, \u201cblending art, technology and local culture into a shared, awe-inspiring experience,\u201d organizers say.<\/li>\n<li>A visit by one of the <a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/freedom250.org\/freedom-truck\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Freedom Trucks<\/a>. This traveling museum is housed inside a semi-truck trailer that features interactive exhibits about the founding of the United States.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>What favorite activities are back at the Colorado State Fair this year?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_92062\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-92062\" style=\"width: 450px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-92062\" src=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/07\/21140238\/state-fair-livestock-event-web.webp\" alt=\"Racing pigs. Livestock events and exhibits are a Colorado State Fair favorite. \" width=\"450\" height=\"299\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-92062\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Livestock events and exhibits are a Colorado State Fair favorite. Photo by Steve Bryant, courtesy of the Colorado State Fair.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li>Fiesta Day is one of the most popular events of the fair. It celebrates Hispanic culture with food with dancers, mariachi music and more. The Colorado State Fair Fiesta Day is one of the oldest celebrations of Hispanic culture in the U.S., having started in 1967.<\/li>\n<li><a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/coloradostatefair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026-Schedule-A1-02102026.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Livestock competitions<\/a> take place throughout the fair run. The popular <a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/coloradostatefair.com\/competitions\/livestock\/junior-livestock-sale\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">junior livestock sale<\/a>, where youngsters sell beloved cows, pigs and other livestock that they have raised is a highlight every year.<\/li>\n<li>Cooking and crafting enthusiasts can find plenty of the inspiration at the Colorado State Fair too. The popular general entry competitions for baking, canning, sewing, crocheting, quilting, agriculture, arts and crafts and more are back this year. <a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/coloradostatefair.com\/competitions\/general-entry-fine-arts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See what your fellow Coloradans made<\/a> in a variety of categories.<\/li>\n<li>The fair also features free musical performances by community groups, including high school bands, musicians and more. (<a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/coloradostatefair.com\/things-to-do\/freeconcerts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Check out the schedule of performances<\/a>.)<\/li>\n<li><a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/coloradostatefair.com\/carnival\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The carnival<\/a> will offer more than 40 rides for all ages, including such classics as a Ferris wheel, tilt-a-whirl and a carousel near Gate 3.<\/li>\n<li>A fair favorite, the giant sand sculpture, is always worth adding to your fair to-do list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>What can I eat at the fair?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>\u201cCalories don\u2019t count at the fair,\u201d Wiesenmeyer said with a laugh. \u201cFood is a huge reason people come to the fair.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Colorado State Fair vendors include the classics, or \u201ceverything on a stick,\u201d as Wiesenmeyer said. That means corn dogs, funnel cake and plenty of other choices.<\/p>\n<p>The Colorado State Fair also features distinctly southern Colorado cuisine, including sloppers from Pueblo staple <a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/giodonesrestaurant.shop\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Giodone\u2019s Italian Bar and Grill<\/a>; sandwiches from Pass Key Restaurants, owned by the same Pueblo family for 50 years; and ice cream and shaved ice from Pueblo West-based <a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shiverandshakeco.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shiver and Shake<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What does it cost to get into the fair?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_92068\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-92068\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-92068\" src=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/07\/21141254\/state-fair-rear-view-walkers-web.webp\" alt=\"Fairgoers will find a number of exhibits that show off the best of Colorado, including the Colorado Proud Trail, which allows kids to gather and learn about Rocky Ford melons, Palisade peaches, Olathe sweet corn, Pueblo green chiles and more. Photo by Steve Bryant, courtesy of the Colorado State Fair.\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-92068\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fairgoers will find a number of exhibits that show off the best of Colorado, including the Colorado Proud Trail, which allows kids to gather and learn about Rocky Ford melons, Palisade peaches, Olathe sweet corn, Pueblo green chiles and more. Photo by Steve Bryant, courtesy of the Colorado State Fair.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Gate admission is $15 for adults, $7 for kids age 5-12 and free for children age 4 and under when accompanied by an adult. Buy advance tickets online for $9 before Aug. 27.<\/p>\n<p>Carnival tickets purchased in advance range from $34 to $162 for a \u201cmegapass.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Entertainment and concert tickets are additional but include gate admission if purchased before the fair starts.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Is the fair fun for people of all ages?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_92048\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-92048\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-92048\" src=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/07\/21134401\/state-fair-GM-web.webp\" alt=\"While many state fairs around the country are celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States, Colorado marks its sesquicentennial. So the Colorado State Fair will feature a number of special exhibits and events honoring both milestones.\" width=\"300\" height=\"400\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-92048\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Andrea Wiesenmeyer, general manager of the Colorado State Fair, and her team created exhibits that celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States and the Colorado sesquicentennial. Photo by Joanna Bean, UCHealth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Yes. The fair has something for everyone, whether you\u2019re a kid or a kid at heart.<\/p>\n<p>Families and children will love the Colorado Proud Trail, which allows kids to gather and learn about Rocky Ford melons, Palisade peaches, Olathe sweet corn, Pueblo green chiles and more.<\/p>\n<p>The fair also has a petting zoo, kid-sized carnival rides, and AgVenture Land, with family-friendly agriculture-themed activities.<\/p>\n<p>Teens can check out the carnival and food vendors, along with concerts and rodeos.<\/p>\n<p>Mighty Mike the Strongman will be performing daily, bending metal and shredding phone books.<\/p>\n<p>Adults will enjoy seeing who wins the general-entry competitions, including tablescaping, pet rock designs and crocheted creations.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>How can I save money at the fair?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/coloradostatefair.com\/plan-your-visit\/deals-and-discounts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fair deals and discounts<\/a> include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Senior Day, Friday Aug. 28 and Friday Sept. 4, 2026. Free admission for adults age 60 and over.<\/li>\n<li>American Heroes Day, Sunday Aug. 30, 2026. Military and first responders get $8 off admission.<\/li>\n<li>Kids Day, Monday Aug. 31 and Monday Sept. 7, 2026. Free admission for children age 12 and under.<\/li>\n<li>Two Can Tuesday, Tuesday Sept. 1, 2026. Free admission with a donation of two canned food items.<\/li>\n<li>One Price Wednesday, Wednesday Sept. 2, 2026. Pay $15 for fair admission, ranch rodeo and a carnival ride wristband.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s really not a day that you can\u2019t get a deal\u201d at the fair, Wiesenmeyer said. \u201cWe want the fair to be affordable.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What about live music and entertainment?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Live music this year includes Ian Munsick, Dylan Scott, Neal McCoy, Jordan Davis, the I Love the 90s tour featuring Vanilla Ice, The Fray with ROME and Celebraci\u00f3n de los Charros with Banda Machos.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_92061\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-92061\" style=\"width: 250px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-92061\" src=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/07\/21135953\/state-fair-monster-truck-web.webp\" alt=\"Monster truck show Colorado State Fair. The Colorado State Fair offers a variety of live entertainment, including rodeos, monster truck shows and concerts. \" width=\"250\" height=\"200\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-92061\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Colorado State Fair offers a variety of live entertainment, including rodeos, monster truck shows and concerts. Photo by Steve Bryant, courtesy of the Colorado State Fair.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Other live entertainment includes a monster truck show and demolition derby.<\/p>\n<p>There are also <a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/coloradostatefair.com\/things-to-do\/freeconcerts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">free concerts daily<\/a> on two stages at the fairgrounds.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>When are the rodeos?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Rodeos take place throughout the fair. <a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/coloradostatefair.com\/entertainment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Check out the schedule<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>There are four nights of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo, Aug. 28-31 in the Big R Arena.<\/p>\n<p>The free (with fair admission) Mountain States Ranch Rodeo happens 6 p.m. Sept. 2, featuring open ranch bronc riding.<\/p>\n<p>And one of the highlights of Fiesta Day is the Celebraci\u00f3n de Los Charros, a charreada or traditional Mexican equestrian event, similar to a rodeo, which showcases horsemanship, livestock handling and cultural heritage.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Are there any improvements to the fairgrounds this year?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_92050\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-92050\" style=\"width: 250px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-92050\" src=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/07\/21134650\/state-fair-ag-palace-web.webp\" alt=\"The Palace of Agriculture building on the Colorado State Fair fairgrounds is getting an upgrade with new historically accurate windows. Many of the historic buildings on the fairgrounds date to the 1930s and 1940s and exist thanks to the craftsmanship of federal Works Progress Administration laborers.\" width=\"250\" height=\"333\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-92050\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Palace of Agriculture building is getting air conditioning and new historically accurate windows. Photo by Joanna Bean, UCHealth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Yes. Thanks to a two-year capital improvement plan, two buildings are getting air conditioning: the Ag Palace and the Colorado Building.<\/p>\n<p>Other improvements include new historically accurate windows in both buildings, a family restroom in the Colorado Building and improved paving in some areas.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>When did the Colorado State Fair begin?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Coloradans started holding an annual state fair in the late 1800s, then moved to today\u2019s fairgrounds in 1901.<\/p>\n<p>Many of the historic buildings on the fairgrounds date to the 1930s and 1940s and exist thanks to the craftsmanship of federal Works Progress Administration laborers.<\/p>\n<p>Wiesenmeyer has a special fondness for the fairgrounds and their history. After all, she grew up in Iowa, home of the legendary Iowa State Fair, and attended the fair every year.<\/p>\n<p>Everyone who attends the Colorado State Fair will discover their favorite food or activity. Whether you love carnival rides or bucking broncos, the fair is a perfect place for summer fun.<\/p>\n<p>Said Wiesenmeyer: \u201cMy job is to create memories for people.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Let\u2019s be real: If you\u2019re heading to the Colorado State Fair, you\u2019re probably salivating already over the food you plan to devour. Whether it\u2019s a famous Pueblo \u201cslopper\u201d \u2014 a hamburger smothered in green chile \u2014 pies, ice cream floats or cotton candy, food at the state fair is its own attraction. You\u2019ll discover other [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2418,"featured_media":92041,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[9210,4792],"class_list":["post-92029","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-live-colorado","tag-free-things-colorado","tag-to-do-in-colorado"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Discover food and fun at the Colorado State Fair - UCHealth Today<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Colorado State Fair in Pueblo draws about 500,000 visitors during its 11-day run each year, starting in late August.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/discover-fun-food-and-friendly-competitions-at-the-colorado-state-fair\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Discover fun, food and friendly competitions at the Colorado State Fair\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The Colorado State Fair in Pueblo draws about 500,000 visitors during its 11-day run each year, starting in late August.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/discover-fun-food-and-friendly-competitions-at-the-colorado-state-fair\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"UCHealth Today\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/uchealthorg\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-07-24T17:20:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/07\/21132826\/state-fair-rodeo-web.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Joanna Bean\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@uchealth\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@uchealth\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Joanna Bean\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.uchealth.org\\\/today\\\/discover-fun-food-and-friendly-competitions-at-the-colorado-state-fair\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.uchealth.org\\\/today\\\/discover-fun-food-and-friendly-competitions-at-the-colorado-state-fair\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Joanna Bean\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.uchealth.org\\\/today\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/d2654b7af79d7cee33cf7bbfeb9d40aa\"},\"headline\":\"Discover fun, food and friendly competitions at the Colorado State Fair\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-24T17:20:22+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.uchealth.org\\\/today\\\/discover-fun-food-and-friendly-competitions-at-the-colorado-state-fair\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1853,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.uchealth.org\\\/today\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.uchealth.org\\\/today\\\/discover-fun-food-and-friendly-competitions-at-the-colorado-state-fair\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/6\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/21132826\\\/state-fair-rodeo-web.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"Free things to do in Colorado\",\"To do in Colorado\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Live Colorado\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.uchealth.org\\\/today\\\/discover-fun-food-and-friendly-competitions-at-the-colorado-state-fair\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.uchealth.org\\\/today\\\/discover-fun-food-and-friendly-competitions-at-the-colorado-state-fair\\\/\",\"name\":\"Discover food and fun at the Colorado State Fair - 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