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El Paso County Fair set for July 11–18; organizers tout title sponsor, outreach and accessibility programs
Summary
County staff and partners previewed the July 11–18 fair in Calhan, announced Tallgrass as the title sponsor, said sponsorships exceed $108,000 cash plus $140,000 in-kind, and highlighted programming for veterans, seniors, youth and adaptive athletes.
El Paso County officials presented a pre-fair report on June 9 outlining programming, sponsorships and outreach for the 121st El Paso County Fair, scheduled July 11–18 in Calhan.
Crystal Latier, interim executive director of economic development for El Paso County, said the fair’s theme — "United We Celebrate" — recognizes Colorado’s 150th and America's 250th anniversaries and ties agricultural programming, youth development and community history together. Latier cited more than $108,000 in cash sponsorships and over $140,000 in in-kind sponsorships secured for 2026 and said the fair typically attracts over 30,000 visitors annually.
The fair will feature free or discounted admission days (Military Day, El Paso County Day, Senior Day, Dollar Day and others), a new Everyday Ag program to connect residents to agriculture, and expanded accessibility programming including adaptive sports and wheelchair events noted by Colorado Springs Sports Corp representatives. Kate Johnson introduced Kaylee Andrew as the 2026 El Paso County Fair Queen; Andrew gave a short speech inviting residents to attend and outlining daily themes.
Organizers also announced Tallgrass (presented by EdGreen Construction) as the fair’s title sponsor — the first time the fair has a title sponsor — and described a Fair Ambassador Team of 25 county volunteers to help visitors navigate programming. County staff said sponsorships reduce reliance on county funds and that marketing produced tens of millions of impressions in 2025.
Why it matters: The fair is a major county event that supports youth agriculture programs (4-H, FFA), volunteer engagement, local tourism and community traditions. County officials invited commissioners and the public to attend and highlighted ways to volunteer and find information at elpasocountyfair.com.
