BECAUSE YOU ASKED
Q: Since I drive nearly every day past the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, I have often wondered when was the last Jefferson County Fair? Have there been any events in the outdoor arena in the past year? It seems that with all that space and not much going on most of the time, the fairgrounds are not being used to its maximum capacity.
A: According to Jefferson County Fairgrounds, the last official county fair was probably more than 20 years ago. Today, the fairgrounds are used by private groups for various events, the most recent being a bridge tournament last week. The Festival of the West, an annual Fourth of July fireworks display, was discontinued when the organizers moved to a different state. The event most similar to a county fair is the Jeffco Fair, sponsored by 4-H for one day during the summer.
Private organizations rent out the grounds for dog and horse shows, and rodeos. Both Republicans and Democrats use the grounds for political events, including the annual Jeffco Democrats Italian dinner and the Republican Women’s chili supper. County officials use the facility for events and also train election judges there.
During the summer, the Colorado High School Rodeo finals were held there, and in September there was a rodeo.
The facility’s exhibit halls are booked every weekend until 2007. For more information, visit the fairgrounds’ website: www.co.jefferson.co.us/ext/dpt/comm_res/fgds/index.htm.
Source: Jefferson County Fairgrounds
– Compiled by Bonnie Gilbert
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REGIONAL NOTES
FORT COLLINS
Tour of recycling center Saturday
Larimer County officials are encouraging residents to visit the Garbage Garage, the county’s waste and recycling education center, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.
The center is usually available for scheduled tours only Monday through Friday, but residents who may not be able to visit during the week will have a chance this weekend to see what they are missing, officials said.
The Garbage Garage is full of colorful and interactive displays about the 3 Rs – Reducing, Reusing and Recyling – as well as about landfills and household hazardous wastes. Last year, the award-winning center hosted about 2,100 visitors, from preschoolers to senior citizens, and from as far away as Nebraska.
The Garbage Garage is at the Larimer County Landfill, 5887 S. Taft Hill Road, Fort Collins. Visitors also can bring their recyclables, including old computers and electronics waste, to drop off. Fees are charged for recycling electronics.
For more information, call 970-498-5760 or visit www.larimer.org/solidwaste.
EVERGREEN
Sign dedicated to alpine rescuer
A 2-ton flagstone sign was dedicated Wednesday at the Alpine Rescue Team’s headquarters in honor of 20-year team member Ron Bookman.
Bookman, 52, died June 25 while bicycling in Pine Valley Ranch. Authorities said Bookman lost consciousness, fell, broke his neck and died.
DENVER POST STAFF REPORTS
