The Colorado State Fair gets underway on Friday with modifications as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Some activities will continue at the fairgrounds in Pueblo, including livestock and horse shows. Events are not open to the public, but people can watch livestreams on the State Fair website.
Additionally, Colorado State Fair organizers are highlighting traditional fair foods with a drive-thru during the first four days of the annual event. The menu includes a number of items considered fair classics, including funnel cakes, fry bread and the Pass Key Italian sausage sandwich.
Visitors to the drive-thru will have to wear masks, remain in their vehicles and take the food with them as there will be no parking or seating options available.
On Sept. 5, competitive eaters are scheduled to be on site for the World Slopper-Eating Championship. No spectators will be allowed, but the event will be livestreamed.
A slopper consists of a beef patty and a slice of cheese over a bottom bun and smothered in Pueblo chile.
According to fair organizers, up to eight competitive eaters, including Joey Chestnut and last year's winner Darron Breeden, will have eight minutes to eat as many sloppers as possible. Last year, Breeden won after consuming more than 28 sloppers in eight minutes.
The fair is also sponsoring other virtual events, including a pet photo competition, garden harvest competition, and a day camp for students in third through fifth grade.
The Colorado State Fair runs through Labor Day.
Last year more than 460,000 people attended the event.
KRCC host and reporter Mike Procell contributed to this report.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this story misspelled Joey Chestnut's and Darron Breeden's last names.
You want to know what is really going on in Southern Colorado these days. We have got just the thing for people like you: the KRCC Weekly Digest. Sign up here and we will see you in your email inbox soon!
KRCC has moved, and our new home, the Southern Colorado Public Media Center, also houses the Colorado College Journalism Institute, and Rocky Mountain PBS’s Regional Innovation Center. See more photos and learn about the new space.
Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. Listen now.
Our newsletters bring you a closer look at the Southern Colorado stories that affect you and the music that inspires you.