It’s the fifth anniversary of the Denver County Fair, which is celebrating its reputation for being one of the craziest county fairs in the country. Here are five things to know before you go.
1. The Geek Pavilion, launched in the fair’s second year, is upping its nerd factor. The giant interactive video games created by Denver’s will dominate the main wall, offering free entertainment all weekend. The Zombie Shooting Range is being hosted by the Colorado Steampunks, and if you thrive on dressing as your favorite characters, you could win $200 in the Live Cosplay Competition. Just show up at the Geek stage about 12:45 p.m. Saturday to enter the 1 p.m. contest.
2. This year, the fair will have its biggest national concert tour yet: Everclear, the Toadies, Fuel and American Hi-Fi rock the stage on Saturday night. Presented in partnership with Rock Panther, all concert tickets include free admission to the fair all weekend. (Tickets are $30 at http://holdmyticket.com/event/202756.)
3. Check out the competition winners. Categories range from “Best Homemade Robot” to “Best Vegan Recipe.” In addition to traditional categories – pickles, quilts, chickens, art, and sewing – there are new ones, like blue ribbons for selfies, which you can find in the photography section. The animal award categories are also expanded this year to include reptiles, like Burmese Pythons.
4. Responding to loud demands for a bigger unicorn so adults can ride, too, fair organizers have arranged for a “Clydesdale Unicorn” to be on hand. The unicorn — named Uniclyde — will be part of the magical stable, so all those big people can get coveted photo ops on a unicorn led by a fairy princess.
5. There’s a Community Cat Show for all local cats to strut their stuff. Blue ribbons will be awarded in various categories, like Fluffiest, Fattest and Grumpiest. To enter, all you need to do is bring your cat in a carrier or on a leash and check in on Friday about 6:30 p.m. The show starts at 7 p.m. For more information, go to
Tickets for the Denver County Fair, which runs July 31 through Aug. 2, are $10 for adults, $5 for kids, seniors and the military. Children under 5 get in free. National Western Complex on I-70, just east of I-25 at the Brighton Boulevard exit. For more information about schedules and events, go to www.denvercountyfair.org.
CORRECTION: This story previously described Viva Denver Day, a celebration of Mexican culture. That event has been canceled by organizers.
