Since 1866, the Colorado State Fair has marked the end of the summer growing season and served as a celebration of Colorado’s agriculture industry. As the state’s land-grant institution, Colorado State University has a long history supporting the agriculture industry. After being canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Fair returned in full force this year at the fairgrounds in Pueblo.
In many ways the Fair felt like home for Rams, with the CSU Ram Family showing up across all areas of the State Fair: Alumni visited with family and friends, Colorado 4-H’ers competed in shows and projects, and current students provided interactive agriculture education for children.
Colorado 4-H’ers from all over the state convened on Pueblo to compete in various contests and exhibitions. The State Fair 4-H events included public presentations, cake decorating, welding, robotics, livestock showing and more.
The CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences teamed up with CSU Spur on an interactive VR experience. Children and adults alike were invited to learn about animal anatomy through a “hands-on” experience in the virtual reality booth.
The CSU Office of Engagement and Extension served as the CSU liaison to the local community, connecting fair participants with resources, information and more. Miss Rodeo Colorado, a CSU alumna, joined CSU staff to show her Ram Pride.
The Pueblo County Extension office and Pueblo County Master Gardeners provided helpful yard and garden education and resources for fair attendees.
Students from the College of Agricultural Sciences provided hands-on agricultural educational activities for young fair-goers.
CSU President Joyce McConnell and Provost Mary Pederson joined Colorado 4-H for a tour of the state fairgrounds.
