Colorado State Fair Opens with Strong Attendance

The Colorado State Fair is full swing in Pueblo this week, and early numbers show a possible increase in turnout over last year.

The Fair saw an average of 45,000 people a day over opening weekend, a 2% increase in attendance says Chris Wiseman, Colorado State Fair General Manager.  Wiseman says he's optimistic about the coming weekend, but adds anything could happen.

"We had a good weekend, carnival revenues are up, food revenues are up," says Wiseman.  "But I've learned a long time ago, as 18 years at the Colorado State Fair, that we have to wait until it's over to see exactly where we're at."

This is the 143rd Colorado State Fair with the first one in 1872, and it still focuses on agriculture and traditional fair activities. Other attractions this year include the rodeo and a troop of trained monkeys. The fair runs through Labor Day.