From rides to hides: Colorado State Fair offers variety of fun

For those looking to get a first look at the Colorado State Fair, Friday was the day. People started showing up at the fairgrounds in Pueblo at 7 a.m.

Things really started to pick up after 10 a.m. when many of the vendors and carnival rides began operating.

For some, the 146th state fair is their very first. However, others are proud to say this isn’t their first rodeo.

“We came to the state fair for the first time last year. After living Colorado for forty some years,” said John Wedding, a Pueblo resident of two years. “I’m happy to show the state fair for my grandsons for the first time. I want to show the animals, food, and rides will be fun.”

Others are fair veterans.

“We’ve gone to the state fair for probably over 30 years,” said Brenda Timmermeyer, a Colorado Springs resident. Brenda and her daughter, Abby, both go to the state fair every August.

“I love the state fair, I like to see the cows,” said Abby Timmermeyer. Fortunately for them, the cattle made their arrival to the fairgrounds early Friday morning. “We are animal lovers so that probably is the main draw.”

However, some visiting the fairgrounds carnival desire more of an adrenaline rush.

“My grandson just told me he has $20 and he wants to go on all the rides,” said Wedding.

Independent inspectors have been looking over more than 50 rides since Sunday. However, parents should still keep a close eye.

“Follow the safety rules, all of the signs have a safety sign in front of them,” says ride inspector Bill Hoggard. “If you have problems, if you can’t hold on, if you’re too big too small or too short those are actually state law you must follow.”

Friday’s festivities are just picking up. The first rodeo kicked off at 7 p.m.

A majority of the fairgrounds will be open to 11 p.m., while the carnival will remain open until midnight.