The Elbert County Fair grew from an 1891 'Vegetable Day'

The Elbert County Fair is one of the oldest community traditions on this stretch of the plains, and its story says a lot about the county’s farming and ranching roots.

By the fair’s own account, it began on October 2, 1891, as a one-day “Vegetable Day” in Elizabeth. Even with snow on the ground, neighbors gathered to show off vegetables, dairy, and livestock. The event grew, became the Elbert County Fair, and for years was held at the town of Elbert, on the flats along Kiowa Creek, where the railroad even ran discounted trains to bring visitors out from Denver and Colorado Springs. In the 1920s it moved to Matheson, which had a racetrack and grandstands. In the 1930s it reorganized around 4-H and settled in Kiowa, where the fairgrounds are today.

Why this is worth knowing: the fair is still a working agricultural fair, not just a carnival. It is a good window into the county’s ranching and 4-H culture and a place to meet neighbors if you are new to the area.

For the fair’s own history and the current year’s dates and events, check the Elbert County Fair website, and the county’s fairgrounds page for the location and facilities in Kiowa.