Audio By Carbonatix
In its third year, the Denver County Fair is leaner and more user-friendly than ever, without having forfeited one iota of what made it great in 2011 and 2012: The urban-alternative celebration once again combines the traditional and the quirky, breaking the mold with everything from drag shows and zombie pageants to a popular Geek Pavilion while still upholding the tried-and-true agrarian blue-ribbon theme of old. When the three-day event kicks off today from noon to 8 p.m. at the National Western Complex, it will bring with it a full weekend of familiar facets: Andrew Novick’s topping-heavy Extreme Breakfasts; the freak show; live animals; the art gallery; Viva Denver Day; and blue-ribbon competitions galore. Fair-goers will also find a new, streamlined look to the schedule, with more ongoing free activities and a less hectic pace, as well as lower parking fees and a ticket price that’s good for the entire weekend.
What else is new? Everything from a flea circus to pie on a stick, along with an inaugural History Pavilion sponsored by History Colorado, more dog-friendly events, adult Big Wheels to ride and notable special attractions. “We’ve got the dang Wienermobile!” crows fair director Dana Cain. “And we’ll also have SpongeBob, who’s beloved by children and stoners alike!” How Denver is that?
The Denver County Fair continues from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at National Western, 4655 Humboldt Street, near I-70 and Brighton Boulevard; admission is $5 to $10 (free for children under age three). For a complete schedule and a listing of live competitions that you can still enter on the spot, go to denvercountyfair.org.
Fri., Aug. 9, 12-8 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 10, 1-8 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 11, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., 2013
