It's fair time in Loveland: What to know before you head out to the 2023 Larimer County Fair and PRCA Rodeo

Aug 22, 2023

Despite parents, kids and teachers getting ready to head back to the classroom to hit the books, August also means fair season in Colorado and across the United States.

With the 2023 Weld County Fair wrapping up this past Monday in Greeley, it’s time for Loveland and Fort Collins to take a turn by bringing its 2023 Larimer County Fair and PRCA Rodeo beginning Friday, Aug. 4 through Tuesday, Aug. 8 at The Ranch Complex, 5280 Arena Circle.

This year Loveland celebrates 140 years of the fair and 75 years of the rodeo alongside the 20th anniversary of the Budweiser Events Center.

“We’ve got big celebrations with the fair and rodeo this year,” said Louise Romero, manager of events.

Festivities start off at 4 p.m. Friday with a Native American Blessing by the Iron Family. The family will also demonstrate Native American singing and dancing, including the women’s Jingle Dress and men’s Southern Straight dances.

“The children are all dressed up in traditional costumes and they come and do a blessing on our grounds,” Romero said. “That’s really special.”

The Top Hogs of the Wild West is a show you’re not going to want to miss when you attend the fair. Top Hogs will be performing daily throughout the fair’s entire run.

“This show has been traveling around for a very long time and these pigs are rescue animals. The gentlemen rescues these animals and teaches people about the plight of rescue animals,” Romero said. “This show will be replacing our Twiggy, the Water Skiing Squirrel. Twiggy has been with us for a lot of years so I think it’s time to try something different.”

Crafty Chassis is a 12-foot box truck that has been transformed into a mobile arts and crafts studio that offers all the tools, supplies and instruction to make different projects. All ages are welcome to attend the Crafty Chassis to make a one-of-a-kind memento from their visit to the fair.

Other events and activities scheduled this year include:

“We have four bounce houses and one of them is dedicated just for toddlers,” Romero said. “We have a stage as well with bands performing every night at 6 p.m. and we try to keep all the bands as local as possible.”

A new feature to the fair this year is a misting zone area where visitors can go to cool off.

On Friday and Saturday night only, the fair will feature a fireworks show beginning at 9 p.m.

“We don’t do fireworks Sunday, Monday or Tuesday because we have the rodeo,” Romero said.

On Sunday, Aug. 6, the fair will be hosting a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. The breakfast is sponsored by Nordy’s Barbecue and Grill and Morning Fresh Dairy Farm.

The PRCA Pro-Rodeo begins on Sunday, Aug. 6 and will continue through Tuesday, Aug. 8 in the Budweiser Events Center.

All three nights of the rodeo will feature bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, barrel racing, tie down roping, team roping and saddle bronc riding as well as the popular Mutton Bustin’.

Tickets for the PRCA ProRodeo range from $22 to $27 per person depending on seat choice.

For more information on the PRCA ProRodeo, or to purchase tickets, go to https://bit.ly/3OEbwR6.

As with the Greeley Stampede, a clear bag policy is being implemented for the rodeo events that take place inside the Budweiser Events Center.

People attending the rodeo are allowed one clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag no bigger than 12-inches wide by 12-inches high by 6-inches deep. One-gallon clear plastic bags are allowed.

In addition to one clear bag, attendees can bring in one personal item such as a small clutch or wallet, not exceeding 4.5-inches by 6.5-inches in size.

Purses larger than 4.5-inches by 6.5-inches, briefcases, backpacks, computer bags, camera bags and anything larger than the permissible size are prohibited.

Exclusions to the clear bag policy will be made for medically necessary items such as diaper bags and bags holding oxygen tanks.

All bags are subject to search.

To learn more about the Budweiser Events Center’s clear bag policy, go to https://bit.ly/3KmTssi.

For guests that have sensory sensitivities, the fair provides a sensory map that lists noise levels, if the area is a shared space, interactive, has a strong smell or if an activity is messy.

“We started this around two years ago,” Romero said. “It’s growing each year and it’s something very special and near and dear to my heart to make sure that we can let everybody the fair.”

The Sensory Book lists what people can expect from each demonstration, exhibit or activity such as if it is interactive, loud or messy.

“The Sensory Book is written from a child’s point of view of what they can expect if they are coming to the fair,” Romero explained.

The fair also provides a sensory room away from the main areas for people who need to get away for a bit from all the hustle and bustle of the event. The space has tents with seats, darkened areas, coloring pages, beanbags and other features to help people with sensory sensitivities relax and recharge.

To see the 2023 Sensory Book, as well as sensory map, go to https://bit.ly/44QxPc6.

Admission and parking for the fair is free and all ages are welcome to attend.

Some attractions do require a fee to participate in. Wristbands for carnival rides are $100 per person for all days of the fair or $40 per person for a one-day pass.

Pet owners are also welcome to bring Fido to the fair, however, all dogs must be leashed at all times, no dogs are allowed in buildings and barn areas and owners are asked to clean up after their pooches.

“Only service animals are allowed in the Budweiser Events Center,” Romero said.

To learn more about the 2023 Larimer County Fair and PRCA Rodeo, including the full schedule of events, list of vendors, 4-H and Open Class livestock shows and more, go to https://bit.ly/3fuHg9B.

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