GILPIN COUNTY - Friday at the Gilpin County Fair felt like one of those small‑town summer days where there’s always something to watch, cheer for, or wander toward with a lemonade in hand. 

The fair, running from July 11 to 13, opened on Friday morning with a colorful parade, rolled into an afternoon livestock show, and concluded the night with a volleyball game played in memory of two local first responders, Cody and Shelby Allen.

The parade stepped off at 10 a.m., in Central City, led by the Gilpin County Fair Grand Marshal, cruising slowly down the main stretch in a shiny Chevrolet. Not far behind them came girls on horseback, and a couple of girls roping as they walked. 

Folks waved from the 4‑H float stacked with hay bales, while Gilpin County Public Works rumbled by in trucks. A local church group tossed out candy from the bed of a pickup, and Timberline Fire and Gilpin Ambulance followed, along with Central City Fire and Black Hawk Fire. 

Parks and Recreation employees Krystal Meyer and Gabrielle Chisholm walked at the end of the line, shovels in hand, as the poop patrol, clearing the horse droppings in the road.

The fair officially started at noon at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds located at 230 Norton Drive in Black Hawk. By 1 p.m., everyone migrated over to the livestock arena. 

Contestants led goats, sheep, steers, and even turkeys through their paces. The show drew a crowd around the ring, where the judge gave quick critiques, mentioning tighter shoulders, better rib shape, and overall structure. 

Competitor Rayne Pryor explained that the showmanship award reflects the amount of time spent with an animal, making it easier to present them.

Kailey McGuire stood out in more than one category, earning prospect Grand Champion titles in both goats and sheep.

Brielle Upchurch earned intermediate Grand Champion in goats, and Grace Kennedy picked up intermediate reserve.

Ferryn Jones took senior goat showmanship, and Raelyn Poston and Carolina Poston topped the junior classes.

In the sheep ring, Ryder Pryor and Jaycee Boot grabbed top intermediate showmanship spots, while McGuire again walked away with senior Grand Champion. 

Over in beef, Rayne Pryor took Grand Champion prospect and intermediate showmanship, with Mele Hidalgo winning senior showmanship and reserve in prospect. 

Turkey handlers finished out the day, with Jude Jones earning Grand Champion and Ferryn Jones the reserve.

The announcer praised the kids’ poise in the ring: “Judging these turkeys today, I can really tell that these guys do a very good job feeding them and just taking care of them, making sure they're clean and healthy.”

As the sun began to set and the temperatures cooled, the energy shifted toward the evening’s volleyball game. The tournament was played in memory of Cody and Shelby Allen, local first responders who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in their home. 

Teams dove for saves, high‑fived after points, and laughed through the slips, all while honoring the couple’s legacy of service.

Ten teams had signed up, and the brackets kept things moving, with a small crowd sticking around well into the night. A little after 9:30 p.m., Amber’s Team, which included two players from the spring league championship, pulled off the win.

Friday at the fair was full of moments that felt like home. It was just the beginning of a weekend packed with more to come.