Heather Pearce, Gilpin County. Run, ride, race- get your adrenaline rush at the Gilpin County Fair on its new weekend, July 12-14, 2019. We have many of your old favorites plus almost 20 new attractions coming to this year’s Fair! For the full schedule, contest information and more, visit GilpinCountyFair.com.

Fired Up Friday: Join us Friday night from 6:00-9:00 with fun events for the whole family! Bring a dish for the Community Potluck, fire up your taste buds at the Chili Cook Off, cool down the heat at the popsicle eating contest and get a drink at Goat Happy Hour (don’t worry, all ages can play with the goats). Then get your adrenaline going with glow-in-the-dark Capture the Flag, get excited at the paint party, and rev up by jousting with your friends or jumping in the bounce house. Finally, don’t miss the truly fired up fire dancer at 8:00pm.

Extreme Dogs– Catch this fast paced, nationally renowned show and their revved-up pups multiples times throughout the weekend. 

Battle of the Bands– Rock out as two bands compete on Saturday for winnings totaling $1000. Pre-enter your band by July 1.

Kiddie Land– Let the little ones play! Kids will get to take a ride on the slide, run with the bubbles, splash at the water table and more. 

Off-Road R/C Cars- Now is your chance to race around this new off-road track!

Colorado Stampede Riders– Featured throughout the day Saturday, watch the well-known Colorado Stampede Riders ride with the flags. 

Fabric & Fiber Arts Contest & Show– Pre-enter your hand-crafted items by July 1, then checkout all of the unique entries in the Rec Center throughout the Fair weekend.

Nederland School Orchestra– Featured on Saturday only, don’t miss this local talent.

Ameristar Breakfast– Fuel up for the weekend at this free breakfast happening Saturday morning. 

Parade– Come ride in the parade or enjoy the floats as they travel around the Fairgrounds. 

Gymkhana Your heart will be racing watching this high-speed horse events Sunday morning; open to ages 8 and up.

Central City Fire Department Obstacle Course– Get geared up and run through an obstacle course like a fire fighter on Sunday!

Wood Carving– This chainsaw carving is sure to get your attention. Sunday only, watch well-known chainsaw carver Bongo Love carve a unique piece, then you’ll have a chance to buy it at the auction at 1:00 p.m.

Westernaires Horse Show- Don’t miss the last show of the Fair with this exciting mounted drill team.

Women’s Log Splitting division– Women can race for the fastest time in this new division of the Log Splitting Contest, this year on Sunday. 

New rides like the Human Hungry Hippos, Water Walkers, Bungee Run, Jousting and a giant Obstacle Course are sure to get your adrenaline going!

Changes: The thrilling ATV Rodeo will be on Saturday along with the well-loved Horseshoes Contest. Log Splitting Contest will get your blood flowing on Sunday.

For more information check out GilpinCountyFair.com.

(Originally published in the July 4, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)