National Search Underway for Colorado State Fair General Manager

BROOMFIELD, Colo. – On the heels of the 143rd Colorado State Fair, the search for the next State Fair General Manager begins as Chris Wiseman moves into his new role as Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture on a full-time basis.

The 2015 Colorado State Fair will mark the Fair’s 143rd year as Colorado’s premier celebration of agriculture. The Colorado State Fair is dedicated solely to promoting Colorado agriculture and supporting Colorado youth.

In addition to showcasing Colorado agriculture, the annual event features one of the country’s largest traveling carnivals, artwork, crafts, food competitions, thrilling rodeo action, a wide variety of food and merchandise booths and a Fiesta Day honoring Colorado’s ties to the Hispanic culture.

The mission of the Colorado State Fair Foundation is to enhance youth programming, education and experiences at the Colorado State Fair. In 2014, the Foundation raised approximately $300,000 in funds and in-kind donations towards those efforts.

$4,182,337 has been spent on Colorado 4-H and FFA programs, premiums and youth in the last five years.

The Fairgrounds provides nearly $34 million in economic activity to Colorado throughout the year; $29 million of that activity is driven by the annual State Fair event.

The Junior Livestock Sale (JLS) is instrumental in supporting the future of Colorado’s agribusiness as it demonstrates to youth the importance of raising quality livestock and the work required of those who pursue careers in agriculture.

In 2014, $447,828 went directly to the youth from the JLS alone. In all, 31 counties benefited from the Sale with the top five being Weld, Yuma, Logan, Pueblo, and Adams.

This sale is the culmination of long hours and dedicated work by Colorado’s 4-H and FFA exhibitors. Over the past 35 years, the Colorado State Fair Junior Livestock Sale has raised over $8,734,600 for the youth involved in these programs.

The Fair has raised $16,408,064 in sponsorships since 2005. $4,419,140 of that was cash revenue.

The Fair is in Pueblo by State statute and would take a vote of the people and the Governor’s signature to begin the process of moving it.

The Fairgrounds, located in Pueblo, is comprised of 100 acres and nearly 60 permanent structures. Many buildings on the grounds are now listed with the State Historical Fund. The property is used throughout the year to host local and national events.

Compared to the National Western Stock Show, another Colorado treasure, the Colorado State Fair has a higher average daily attendance. In 2014, the State Fair’s average daily attendance was 45,338 while the Stock Show’s average daily attendance was 40,001.

2010-2014 Jr. Livestock Sale Payments by southeast Colorado County: