The first Boulder County Fair was October 12, 1869 which was planned by a group of ranchers and farmers who aimed to celebrate the rich diversity of the Colorado Territory. The original fair included displays of flowers, vegetables, hand-made articles, livestock and newest technology items which are still programs included in the fair today. Over the next few years agriculture and mineral exhibits were the focus of interest for the fair. In 1899 after 30 years in Boulder, the fair event officially moved from Boulder to Longmont. The one-day event took place on October 5th at Roosevelt Park and featured horse racing, a livestock show, and home economics exhibits.
The Boulder County Fair has been rooted in agriculture. It was the annual community event to promote farming and educational interests, exhibit the best of what is grown, exchange ideas with neighbors, and have fun. Over the years, the fair has also offered new, and sometimes unique, programs, exhibits and entertainment events.
In the early 1970’s conversations were drifting throughout the community that the County Fair had outgrown the Roosevelt Park site. With the guidance of Longmont leaders and the County Commissioners, a search committee was formed to find potential sites for a new home.
In 1976, the 130-acre Affolter Corner Farm in southwest Longmont was purchased by Boulder County to be developed for the new fairgrounds. After the first phase of construction was completed, the inaugural county fair at the new site kicked off on August 7, 1978.
Attendance numbers in 2018 reached 150,000 and the fair is poised for record breaking attendance in 2019. From those modest beginnings 150 years ago, the fair remains as a gathering place for families, friends and newcomers to wander among educational displays and exhibits, share in the excitement of 4-H livestock show competitions, buckle in for a carnival ride, enjoy turkey legs, funnel cakes and the 4-H dairy bar, or grab a beer while dancing to live bands or watch heart pounding car wrecks during the demolition derby. Through the dedication of countless adults and youth, the county fair will continue to be part of our culture and community for another 150 years.
Video/Photo Credit: Boulder County Fair