With a history that includes an award-winning bullfighter at the helm, the Kit Carson County Fair and Rodeo heads into its 105th year.
Cory Wall — a county commissioner and the 2009 PRCA Bullfighter of the Year — organizes the marquee event each year.
The 2022 Kit Carson County Fair and Pro Rodeo will be held from July 25-30 at the Kit Carson County Fairgrounds in Burlington. As always, the popular event will feature rodeo events, 4-H shows, live music, cookouts and a whole lot more.
Several 4-H events take place throughout the week, including livestock sales, as well as goat, swine, and beef shows. On July 29, there’s a free afternoon barbecue that, in past years, has fed more than 4,000 people.
The Rodeo and Bullfighters Only Bullfight is highlighted by professional bullfighters who are competing for a large cash grand prize.
Other events that have delighted visitors include the Knights of Columbus and Kit Carson County meat producers presenting an afternoon cookoff serving burgers, steaks, brisket and more. The rodeo each evening is always followed by a concert.
Over the past dozen years or so, fan attendance to the rodeo has tripled, and the Kit Carson County Fair and Rodeo has become a mini-vacation destination, drawing families from around Colorado as well as surrounding states to take part in the fun.
In addition to the bull riding traditions, there’s some tame rides, too. For a quarter, you can take a spin on the historic carousel. Nearly 2,500 wooden carousels were carved in America between 1885 and the 1930s, but fewer than 150 remain today. The fairgrounds in Burlington is home to one of the carefully preserved carousels.
More information: kitcarsoncounty.colorado.gov/fair-grounds/county-fair