Pretend you’re eight, nine, or ten years old again. Imagine walking with your family or friends through grounds filled with games, unique trinkets, homemade food, and perhaps a fortune-teller tent.

Listen closely, and you can hear the screams of people jumping through the air strapped to a bungee cord, and the sweet scent of popcorn fills the air, nearly making you drool. Grown-ups converse about grown-up things, while kids think about getting to their favorite activity. For one day, everything seems perfect.

Some of the world’s oldest fairs trace back to the 1760s. The American county fair was developed during the early 19th century as a way for agricultural reformers to promote farming.

Events included livestock judging, demonstrations of new agricultural implements and techniques, and even plowing contests. As fairs grew, more events were added, including equestrian shows, vendors, food sales, clowns, wood carving, music, and more.

County fairs offer communities an opportunity to come together and enjoy life. But let’s not forget the hard work it takes to put on such a fun and unforgettable spectacle.

Setting a location, selecting dates, creating a budget, applying for licensing and permits, working on a theme or brand, recruiting staff and volunteers, gathering vendors and sponsorships, booking entertainment, marketing, advertising, and layout design, is only part of what it takes to put on a county fair.

The Gilpin County Fair is no exception, boasting three full days of pure enjoyment for spectators of all ages. In 2023, you can expect a parade, livestock show, volleyball tournament, rodeo, live music, dancing, community contests, vendors, dog shows, pancake breakfast, and much more!

Depending on weather and fire restrictions, guests can partake in a s’mores event or take in a movie Friday evening.

Be part of something special this year and visit The 30th Annual Gilpin County Fair, where you can walk hand in hand with a loved one, share laughs and excitement with friends, or relive your childhood.

Fair dates are Friday and Saturday, July 14 -15, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, July 16, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Gilpin County Fair is located at 230 Norton Drive, Black Hawk. You can find them on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/gilpincounty.org or you can give them a call at 303-582-1453.

2023 Gilpin County Fair schedule

Friday, July 14

10 a.m. Fair Parade down Main Street and Gregory Street, Central City and Black Hawk

1 p.m., 4-H Livestock Show at barn

5 p.m., Volleyball Tournament in arena

6 p.m. S’mores with Timberline Fire

8 p.m., Movie in arena

Saturday, July 15

10 a.m., Westernaires in arena

11 a.m., Log Splitting Prelims at grandstands

11 a.m., Dog Agility in barn

11:30 a.m., Fiber & Fabric Arts Awards at the stage

12 p.m., Westernaires

1 p.m., Rodeo with Mutton Bustin’ in arena

4 p.m., Log Splitting Finals

5 p.m., Cornhole Tournament at grandstands

5:30 p.m., Eric Stone Band

Sunday, July 16

8 a.m., Cowboy Church

9 a.m., Pancake Breakfast in parking lot

9 a.m., 4-H Horse Show in arena

10 a.m., Live music with Derek Hall

10 a.m., Dog Talent Show in barn

11:30 a.m., Gilpin Gourmet Awards

12 p.m., Stick Horse Rodeo in arena

12:30 p.m., 4-H Gymkhana

1 p.m., Taekwondo Demo at the stage

2 p.m., Horseshoes at grandstands