Flags fluttering and hands waving, the Gilpin County parade made its way through Central City and down into Black Hawk on Friday, July 14, 2023.

The parade marks the beginning of the 30th Annual Gilpin County Fair, which takes place at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds and includes events like a livestock show, mutton busting, and a pancake breakfast.

The parade began at 10 a.m. in Central City from what is known as the T-lot, and progressed down into Black Hawk via Spring Street to Main Street and ending at Z Casino on Gregory Street.

Parade floats and participants this year included Gilpin County Sheriff, Gilpin Archwood 4-H, Gilpin County Parks and Recreation, Friends of the Gilpin County Community Center, Colorado State Patrol, Christ the King Church, Gilpin Republicans, Buck for the Badge, Timberline Fire, CSU Extension, Gilpin Democrats, Gilpin County Animal Rescue Team (GCART), Gilpin Ambulance, and the Central City and Black Hawk Fire Departments. The Gilpin County Commissioners proudly rode in the horse-drawn Diamond Carriage.

Float-riders threw candy by the handfuls to the eager children and residents who filled the streets.

A giant chicken danced on GCART’S float as fake flames waved in the wind. Gilpin County has a rich livestock culture and GCART as an organization assists firefighters in the evacuation of large stock animals and smaller companion animals in the event of a wildfire, toxic spill, or other disaster that may occur in Gilpin County.

Emergency services were well represented, by Gilpin Ambulance and the three fire departments of the area. Political organizations also ensured they were prominently positioned.

Directly after the parade, residents headed to the Fairgrounds for the rest of the weekend’s festivities.