Heather Pearce, Gilpin County. In addition to your favorite performances, booths and contests, be sure to check out these top 5 things to do and see at the Gilpin County Fair on July 12-14 at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds. For more information on the following events 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, vote in the Chili Cook Off, get a brain freeze at the popsicle eating contest and get a drink at Goat Happy Hour (don’t worry, all ages can play with the goats). Then play glow-in-the-dark Capture the Flag, have fun at the paint party, joust with your friends or jump in the bounce house. Finally, the night will finish with a professional fire dancer at 8:00pm.

Extreme Dogs- catch this nationally renowned show featuring rescued dogs and their dedicated champion trainers at multiple shows throughout the weekend. This amazing show includes your favorite dog sports including agility, high jump, pole weaving, tricks and more.

Bulls & Beads Rodeo- It’s back and bigger than ever! Gilpin County Fair’s Bulls & Beads Rodeo starts on Saturday, July 13 at 3:00pm with a national anthem by the Nederland School Orchestra and the Colorado Stampede Riders. Then don’t miss the action with bull riding, ranch bronc riding, mutton bustin’, a special half time show and mini bull riding! 

New Shows- On Saturday, July 13, be sure to catch the Battle of the Bands, a community Parade, and the Nederland School Orchestra. Then, on Sunday, don’t miss the Gymkhana, Chainsaw Carving with Bongo Love, and to finish it all off, the talented Westernaire’s mounted drill team. 

Kids Activities- Not only will there be lots of new (and free) rides this year like Human Hungry Hippos, Water Walkers, a mechanical bull, a giant obstacle course, volleyball, and the bungee run, but we are also introducing Kiddie Land, R/C Car Racing and balloon creations in the Barn. All weekend long, let the littles play at Kiddie Land while the older youth and adults race R/C cars on an off-road dirt track. Then, take home a work of art from the balloon artist. Plus, Timberline Fire will be providing fire truck and UTV rides through the weekend. And finally, enjoy the Office Stuff Craft Booth outside the Community Center, the giant sandbox near the Stage and the BMX contest. 

See you July 12-14 for a Gilpin County good time!

(Originally published in the June 27, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)