Proposed upgrades for El Paso County Fair

The El Paso County Fair is up and running for the 110th year.

The event has become a tradition for many families, but the fairgrounds could see big changes next year.

“We want to take care of what we have, but we also add some glamour to the fairgrounds as well and make it as functional as possible,” said Tim Wolken, El Paso County director of community services. “We asked the public what is most important to them. In most cases, they were saying improve the existing facilities.”

The fair advisory board has approved a master plan that includes many upgrades and additions to the fairgrounds. The first phase of upgrades includes updated barn venues.

“They do need to be upgraded,” Wolken said. “We’ll also have paved pathways throughout the fairgrounds, more shade in the area, and there’s also plans for a playground and splash area, too.”

Fairgoers said they are looking forward to the changes.

“I think it’s great they are adding some features. They have to focus on everybody and not just a certain group to get people to come back,” Calhan residentTyler Meyers said. “I think they should definitely have more concerts, too.”

The El Paso County Board of Commissioners will consider the proposed master plan in August.

“Once that’s approved, we’ll continue with our fundraising campaign,”Wolken said. “Right now we have about $400,000 committed for phase one. We’d like to raise bout another $400,000. The project will start sometime in late 2015.”

The county fair runs through July 25, but the fairgrounds host events throughout the year.

“We view it as the recreational hub for Eastern El Paso County,” Wolkensaid. “The more variety, the more function that we can provide out here, it’s better for our residents and the county overall.”