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El Paso County reports record engagement, youth participation at 2025 county fair
Summary
County staff reported a strong 2025 El Paso County Fair with increased attendance, sponsorships and youth participation; the livestock sale raised funds and donated protein to a local rescue mission, and staff emphasized the fair's role in community outreach and 4-H programming.
El Paso County Parks and Community Services presented a post-fair report Tuesday summarizing the 2025 El Paso County Fair, marking the event’s 120th anniversary and highlighting increased attendance, expanded sponsorship and youth programming.
Todd Martz, executive director of El Paso County Parks and Community Services, told commissioners that the fair exceeded attendance targets with about 31,000 visitors and that sponsorship and in-kind contributions increased. Martz highlighted youth participation through 4-H and FFA: the fair hosted 273 exhibitors, 1,595 fair entries and 656 animals, and county staff said those programs offer leadership and career preparation for young participants.
The El Paso County Junior Livestock Sale reported 119 lots sold for a total of $402,000; organizers said the livestock sale generated about 6,000 pounds of donated protein, valued at roughly $32,000, which was given to the Springs Rescue Mission. Martz emphasized the fair’s educational efforts, including new barn tours led by staff and youth to introduce urban visitors to agricultural projects.
Why it matters: The fair combines entertainment and community outreach while supporting youth development programs. County staff said the event provides measurable community benefits — including local business sponsorship exposure and charitable donations — and helps connect urban residents to agricultural education.
Operational notes and takeaways: County staff credited volunteers and community partners for the event’s success. Park and community services staff noted improvements such as paving a fairground road and new programming elements (barn tours, scholarship outreach) that they plan to continue.
Board reaction and next steps: Commissioners praised the fair and encouraged continued outreach to schools and community groups; staff said they will run follow-up events such as an October open house at the CSU Extension Office for families interested in 4-H and youth agriculture programs.
