The Larimer County Fair & PRCA Rodeo is a staple of summer in northern Colorado. In a community with a strong agricultural background, there are numerous aspects of the fair that locals treasure. But the Larimer County Fair isn’t just for locals! Visiting northern Colorado between Aug. 1 and Aug. 5, 2025? Don’t miss your chance to experience the fair, where Western tradition meets modern-day vibes. It’s an unfiltered taste of Colorado culture, with real-deal rodeos, live music and all the funnel cake your heart desires.
We had the opportunity to chat with long-time fair enthusiast and volunteer Shannon Fancher to gain an insider’s perspective on what makes the fair so special. We’ll let Shannon take it from here!
Tell us a little about yourself, including your background with the fair.
I started out in 1998 as a volunteer veterinarian for the rodeo, performing vet checks on livestock and horses. In 2004, I joined the Larimer County Fair Board to take over for Dr. Dick Cheney, who was retiring from his role as the fair veterinarian. I helped contact and coordinate the team of veterinarians for animal check-ins and continued my role as the veterinarian for our PRCA rodeo. During my eight-year term with the Fair Board, I served as a member of the Queen’s Committee and the Pancake Breakfast Committee. After fulfilling my term on the Fair Board, I continued to volunteer for our Livestock Show and Rodeo Board.
How long have you been going to the Larimer County Fair?
My memories of the Larimer County Fair date back to my childhood, when I would frequent the carnival. As a teenager, I remember watching Toby Keith perform on a flatbed trailer in the middle of the outdoor arena at the Old Fairgrounds and competing in the County Barrel Race and Junior Rodeo hosted by the Sheriff’s Posse.
What are your favorite ways to participate in the fair?
The rodeo will forever hold a special place in my heart because my late husband put his heart and soul into it. However, my favorite aspect of participating in the fair was as a 4-H parent. My daughter and nieces worked on sewing, baking, horse and market lamb projects year-round to showcase them at the fair over the course of twelve years.
What is one of your favorite memories from the fair?
The fair holds many cherished memories for me over the past twenty years. Still, perhaps my favorite memory is a particular Junior Livestock Sale when I witnessed our community come together for a family who lost their little girl to leukemia and bought her pig for over $30,000.00!
What are you looking forward to the most this year?
The Junior Livestock Sale wraps up the fair with a free barbecue, cash bar and exciting auction. It’s the best party in town! You can feel the electricity in the air.
If you were going to give someone a "must-do" list for their first fair visit, what would be on it?
My fair “must-do” list is extensive!
- Watch the parade in downtown Loveland to kick off our fair on Saturday, July 26.
- Watch the 4-H horse show “pre-fair” events July 27-30.
- See the Mounted Shooters and the kids Junior Rodeo in our outdoor arenas.
- Grab a meal at the free pancake breakfast and enjoy church service with Crystal Lyons on horseback.
- Watch a livestock show in the Mac Arena and walk through the livestock pavilions to see goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, poultry, cattle and Rodeo Queen’s horses.
- Walk over to our new 4-H Community Building to learn about dairy cows and goats.
- Catch a golf cart shuttle over to the food vendors to see a variety of commercial vendors and entertainment booths.
- Peruse and shop our indoor vendors and open fair exhibits in the Peterson Toyota Center.
- Get off your feet and sit and enjoy live local entertainment at our outdoor stage.
- Catch a golf cart shuttle or walk over to the McKee Building to cool off with an ice cream from the Dairy Bar and explore all the amazing 4-H exhibits.
- Take your littles to the petting zoo and carnival rides.
- Attend one of our PRCA Rodeos on Sunday, Aug. 3; Monday, Aug. 4; or Tuesday, Aug. 5. Sunday is Veteran Night, where we honor a local war veteran. Monday is 4-H Night, where you can see the Parade of Champions and Tuesday is Family Night. Make sure to get there early to meet the Larimer County Fair & Rodeo Queen and get her autograph!
- In the evenings, the nightlife comes alive with the carnival and an entertainment tent. Catch the fireworks show on Friday, Aug. 1 and Saturday, Aug. 2.
To a visitor who has never been to a rodeo before, why should they check it out?
First and foremost, rodeo is THE professional sport that represents cowboys and the western way of life. Rodeo is an authentic way for everyone to experience real western traditions and entertainment in a thrilling, action-packed setting with talented professionals and animal athletes who feed off the energy of the crowd. Our indoor rodeo is second to none, drawing world champion contestants, bull fighters and bucking stock. During the performance, a crowd favorite called mutton bustin’ allows local children to ride sheep.
For someone who thinks fairs are just for kids or older folks, what would you say to change their mind?
Our fair has something for all ages and all walks of life. If you’re not into browsing the exhibits and riding carnival rides, we have an indoor and outdoor marketplace of commercial and local food vendors. If you like animals, there are daily horse and livestock shows of all different species, including rabbits and poultry. There is a variety of free entertainment from specialty acts unique to the fair to nightly concerts featuring various artists, as well as Mounted Shooters, agility dogs, mutton busters and PRCA rodeos.
Why do you think it's essential to keep local traditions like the fair going and how does it connect people in the community?
Local traditions, such as the fair, are part of our shared story. They remind us of where we come from and what we value as a community. When we gather to celebrate them, we’re not just keeping history alive. We’re creating new memories that connect generations. It’s also a way to share something meaningful with visitors. Even if you’re coming from a place without deep agricultural roots, we all rely on farmers and ranchers to keep us fed and grounded. Traditions like this honor hard work and offer a glimpse into a way of life that still shapes so much of the world around us. It’s real, it’s welcoming and it’s a reminder that connection can be found in the most unexpected places.
The fair has some great places for photo ops. What's your favorite spot for photos or videos?
My favorite view is from the top of the Ferris wheel around sunset – it’s indescribable and makes a spectacular backdrop for selfies!
What's your go-to fair food and are there any unexpected or unique finds you love?
I love corn dogs and Dole Whip, but there is a wide variety of local food trucks to sample.
For someone visiting from out of town, what else do you recommend they check out while they're in Loveland?
I recommend visitors check out our Chamber of Commerce and pick up a City with HeART map. It provides a unique tour of our town via a scavenger hunt for painted hearts. We have a hopping downtown bar and restaurant scene with several local breweries. Some destinations that are unique to Loveland are Benson Sculpture Garden, Fairgrounds Park, Mariana Butte Golf Course, Devil’s Backbone Open Space, Sweet Heart Winery and Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch.
Visit the fair, experience Loveland at its most authentic
We’re so thankful to Shannon for taking the time to share her insider tips, like eating Dole Whip and taking photos on the Ferris wheel, as well as her heartfelt memories of supporting her daughters with 4-H projects and witnessing the outpouring of the community in support of a family experiencing significant loss.
If you’re lucky enough to be in town for the Larimer County Fair, we invite you to step into a local tradition that might just give you a new core memory. You can find the full schedule for the fair on their website.