144TH STATE FAIR BOASTS WIDE RANGE OF FUN

The Colorado State Fair kicks off Friday in Pueblo with its 144th annual exhibit of sideshows, games, cuisine, competitions, prizes, music, dance, arts, rodeo, livestock, heritage, culture, agriculture and education.

Fair organizers think the 2016 fair probably offers the widest range of events and entertainment ever presented in one spot in Colorado, said Sarah Cummings, state fair general manager.

“I believe guests are going to have to make multiple trips to the fair to see it all,” Cummings said.

Fairgoers can indulge in a cornucopia of traditional fair foods from turkey legs to corn dogs, corn on the cob to funnel cakes plus plenty of sweet treats and deep-fried everything. The competitions include a Gold Medal Flour cookie contest with a $200 grand prize. And fairgoers who want to be at least a little healthy can chow down on paleo health foods.

“We’re very excited about being able to offer healthy options as part of our fare,” Cummings said.

Still, Cummings, who has worked at state and county fairs for the past 10 years in California before coming to Colorado this year, admits to a fondness for the corn dog.

“That’s my fair staple,” she said of the cornmeal-battered hot dog on a stick.

The fair also offers some options to burn off calories for those who overeat.

The Colorado State Fair 5K Run and Family Fun Walk will be held Sept. 3 with the race beginning at 9 a.m. and family fun following at 9:15 a.m. A $35 entry fee for the 5K event includes a T-shirt, a race bib, a State Fair gate admission and a swag bag.

The fair, which runs from Friday through Sept. 5, also features 45 carnival rides to twist, whirl and thrill fairgoers. Gate admission is free for ages 4 and under, $7 for ages 5-12, $7 for adults Monday through Thursday, and $10 Friday through Sunday. Admission is discounted on the first day. Fairgoers can drive to the grounds or park in downtown Pueblo’s Main Street Parking Garage, 110 S. Main St., and catch a shuttle, which runs every 15 to 30 minutes. The shuttle fee is $2 per person, round trip, for everyone ages 7 and older. Parking in the Main Street garage is free. Parking at the fairground is $7.