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Middle Park Fair & Rodeo seeks continued county support, permission to arrange alcohol sales and facility grants
Summary
Middle Park Fair & Rodeo leaders told the county commissioners about a successful 2025 season, outlined 2026 plans including grant applications for a pavilion and bucking-chute upgrades, and requested authorization to pursue beverage-contractor alcohol sales for specified events, contingent on municipal approval.
The Middle Park Fair & Rodeo board presented a 2025 recap and plans for 2026 Feb. 3, asking Grand County to continue its historical $20,000 support and to authorize the fair board to contract with a beverage vendor to sell alcohol at the Kentucky Derby event (May 2) and during fair week (Aug. 4'9), contingent on town liquor licenses.
David Buckley, 2026 fair board president, said the fair had 67 sponsors in 2025 and reported a record junior livestock sale total of $439,041. The board is pursuing grant funding to build a pavilion over the beef arena and to replace and expand bucking chutes; the grants are due in March, and the extension office is assisting.
"We would like your permission to go ahead and work with a beverage contractor to have the ability to sell alcohol at the fairgrounds," Buckley said. He noted the fair would secure municipal liquor licensing and use a third-party beverage contractor if commissioners approve the authorization. Commissioner (Speaker 2) moved to authorize the Middle Park Fair Board to proceed with alcohol sales for the described events pending municipal approval; the board approved the motion by voice vote.
Fair leaders also described outreach plans to grow participation in Summit County and new short-term facility priorities such as improving back pens and drainage. The board acknowledged turnover among staff and volunteers and said the fair coordinator established last year was instrumental to last season's success.
The board will return to commissioners as grant applications and vendor arrangements progress.
