The Jackson County Fair is North Park’s Time to Shine

Summer Comes to a Close with the County Fair in Walden, CO

Golden sunsets and cool breezes mark the end of summer in North Park. Already we have begun to see the aspens losing their emerald green and bring out the gold. The hay fields have been mowed and baled, and cattle trucks can be seen on the highways, moving cattle to market. This time of year is a strange combination of lazy autumn days and some of our busiest times of year. Hunters have already begun to arrive into Jackson County, either scoping out their spots for rifle season in October, or hunting game fowl, antelope, or stalking big game for bow and black powder season.

As we drift closer to fall, we get back into the regular rhythm of the seasons. As with most rural agricultural places, our routines are tied to the changing seasons and the land itself. For locals, one of the most active times of year in North Park is the Jackson County Fair. The first weekend after Labor Day in September, the locals bring out the culmination of their efforts throughout the year to show off and compete for ribbons (and prestige). From prize sheep, cattle, pigs, and turkeys to arts and crafts, it’s a time of year in which we gather as a community and show off our talents.

North Park’s Deep Agricultural Roots

Early settlers were ranchers and sheepherders along with miners and foresters. Especially in our agricultural roots, the changing seasons meant different challenges for every task. In the spring ranchers and farmers would have to oversee livestock, help calves as they were being born and later brand them. Springtime also meant burning out irrigation ditches, digging new ones, and contending with runoff. 

Throughout the summer, hay fields provided the promise of a cash crop or simply a way to feed livestock during the wintertime. Animals were moved from pasture to pasture, and in late summer hay fields were mowed, baled, and stacked. North Park has such a short growing season that hay has become the primary cash crop in the area. Surprisingly enough, back during the early days of agriculture in Jackson County, North Park was known widely for iceberg lettuce, which was shipped out of the area by the boxcar on the rail line. 

Make Hay about…Hay and Livestock

Today, you’ll see hay stacks of round and square bales that are sometimes sold as far away as Kentucky, where the nutrient rich timothy hay is used for thoroughbred racehorses. The short growing season usually means a crop that is high in protein, fiber, and other necessary nutrients that makes for exceptional fodder for livestock.

By the end of August, most ranches in North Park have finished haying. The upcoming hard frosts can damage hay, reducing its quality and value. There’s no time for a second cutting up here in the mountains. Cattle production is one of the largest contributors to agriculture, though many ranches also raise sheep, and even bison!

Such heavy reliance on agriculture for the local economy means a strong 4H and FFA presence. Local kids are steeped in the knowledge of rural agriculture, even if they aren’t directly associated with ranching and farming. Even town kids are familiar with the seasons and how they affect the comings and goings of the area ranches.

The Jackson County Fair: Time to Shine!

Early fall in North Park works with the natural cycles of the land. While other counties at lower elevations have already had their county fairs, North Parkers are just beginning to see the results of cultivating their vegetable gardens. Fair time also means harvest time. The Jackson County Fair is a great place to see how creative our local gardeners are.

Locally Made Arts and Crafts

Being good at canning, cooking, quilting, arts, and crafting wasn’t just a way for early settlers and those who found themselves in North Park to pass the time. Expertise in these fields often meant gaining the edge over the elements throughout harsh winters. The Fair was a great time of year to showcase these skills and help each other through friendly competition. Today, even though technology and communications have somewhat improved the quality of life and made things easier, honing these talents is a callback to a different time. They keep us grounded and help ensure our place in being an independent and creative community. These talents took us beyond survival and helped us to thrive.

4-H Clubs and Community Involvement

The local 4-H clubs play a big part in encouraging local young people to carry on traditions, and push themselves beyond the scope of consumerism that don’t seem to come into play anymore outside of rural communities. 4-H clubs have been everything from animal husbandry to cooking, sewing, and even model rocketry. It’s a great way for young people to connect and learn these skills from experts and potentially use them in their daily lives. 

Jackson County Fair FAQ

North Park is not just an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Sure, we have some of the best camping, fishing, and hunting in Colorado, but our agricultural roots run deep. If you would like to see how the people continue to live, work, and play in Jackson County, the Fair is a great way to see it! We pay tribute to old traditions as well as connecting with the next generation.

When is the Jackson County Fair?

The Jackson County Fair is typically the first weekend after Labor Day Weekend in September. This year, the Fair runs from Friday, September 5th until Sunday, September 7th.

Where is the Jackson County Fair?

The Jackson County Fair is held at the Wattenberg Center at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. Just drive up Hwy 125 to Airport Hill, just north of Walden, CO and go east at the sign for the Fairgrounds. The date for the Fair each year is marked on the sign so visitors can plan for the trip ahead of time. Take the road past the airport until you reach the Fairgrounds. Parking is free and admission is free, with concessions provided by the local chapter of Future Farmers of America. 

What can you see at the Fair?

Throughout the Fair, you’ll be able to watch livestock judging, which can range from sheep, cattle, turkeys, pheasants, pigs, and sometimes horses and rabbits. You’ll also be able to see home crafts, artwork, textiles, gardening, canning, wood working, photography, and so much more! Play judge yourself and compare the winners to see whether or not you agree with the local judges.

Other Events at the Fair

There’s more going on during the Fair! Check out these events:

• A Chile/Chili Cookoff will be held on Friday, Sept 5th at 2pm, sponsored by the North Park Area Chamber of Commerce.
  • Prizes for hottest and best green chile or red chili will be given.
  • Entry is free but $5 will let you judge!
• A silent auction for baked goods will also be held during the Fair. 
• Buy a slice of home-made pie at $5 per slice or $7 with ice cream.

What is the Purpose of the Jackson County Fair?

Auctions of the animals are usually a big part of helping local kids earn money throughout the year, most often for education. Auctions can be highly competitive and often deliver big pay offs to the winners. The community also comes together to support these young men and women. Outside of livestock competitions, you can see the many works of talented locals who show off their latest projects and creations. North Park has no shortage of extremely capable artists and creatives who get the opportunity here to share their works with the public.

Ranch Rodeo on Sept 14th

Anybody who has traveled to North Park in the Summer is already familiar with the Never Summer Rodeo, but September brings out the locals for the annual Ranch Rodeo, sponsored by the North Park Stockgrowers Association. Entry fees are $100 per person and $400 per team with a limit of 25 teams. The Ranch Rodeo takes place on September 14 at the Jackson County Fairgrounds at 10:30am. Check-in starts at 8:30am for individuals and teams. 

A youth event with 2 youths and 1 adult team (limit of 15 teams) will take place after the main event. Entry fees are $20 per person/ $60 per team. Pre-registration begins on Sept. 11th. Call Amber at 719.373.5104 for details.

Get Ready for Fall in North Park

There’s still some time left for your favorite outdoor activities in North Park, but why not immerse yourself in the local culture? The Jackson County Fair has been a part of local life for generations. It’s a great way to see a whole other side to life in North Park as well as how locals get together to show off their accomplishments. You’ll be surprised at just how rich and diverse our citizens are, paying tribute to the past while showing off their talents. Fair is a great time of year to watch summer wind down and how those who live in the area get ready for late fall and the upcoming river.

If you are headed to North Park to check out the hunting and fishing and last minute camping/hiking trips of the season, stop by the Fairgrounds to see what’s happening at the Fair!