In Photos: At The Arkansas Valley Fair, Folks Gather In Person Once Again For A 144th Time

· Aug. 23, 2021, 5:01 am

210821-CMOTR-ROCKY-FORD-ARKANSAS-VALLEY-FAIR-RODEO — Selfie time for cowboys on rodeo night in Rocky Ford on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at the Arkansas Valley Fair.

The Arkansas Valley Fair considers itself the oldest continuously run fair in Colorado, and it kept that tradition alive last year during the COVID-19 lockdown by hosting just a few important traditions, including a watermelon giveaway, even as it canceled a lot of the big crowd pleasing events.

This year, the 144th in a row, it was back in full swing. From needlepoint to livestock judging, to a parade and rodeo, an amusement park and a demolition derby, the fairgrounds were brimming with folks from all over the region for five days, August 18-22. The pandemic felt a long way away. Here's a little of what we saw.

Be sure to listen to Colorado Matters live on Monday, or later on the show's podcast, to hear host Ryan Warner's conversations with a range of guests talking about life in the agriculture-driven community and the region. It's part of a two-week road trip the show is making around the state.

210821-CMOTR-ROCKY-FORD-ARKANSAS-VALLEY-FAIR-PARADE — La Junta firefighters were among numerous first responders represented at the the Arkansas Valley Fair Parade along Main Street in Rocky Ford on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021.

210821-CMOTR-ROCKY-FORD-ARKANSAS-VALLEY-FAIR — Horse racing on Saturday at the Arkansas Valley Fair in Rocky Ford.

210821-CMOTR-ROCKY-FORD-ARKANSAS-VALLEY-FAIR-DEOLOITION-DERBY — The grandstand, the bleachers, and any fence rail with a view were crowded Saturday night for the demolition derby at the Arkansas Valley Fair.

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