The Colorado State Fair began October 9, 1872. It was held by Southern Colorado Agricultural and Industrial Association, which received no cash assistance from the community or the State. The Colorado State Fair was incorporated on November 17, 1886. After becoming incorporated, the Fair purchased fifty acres of land for $3,000 and made improvements of $5,000. The land was located near Mineral Palace Park. The fair remained at Mineral Palace Park until 1890 when the board moved the site to 100-acres of land that was located west of Lake Minnequa. The board purchased the new site for $30,000 and sold the Mineral Palace Park location for $48,000. This was a 40,000-dollar profit in only four years!
Opened in 1901, the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo have long played an important role in the state’s agriculture, education, and entertainment. Farmers and ranchers attend the fair to display their products, see new technologies and techniques, and buy livestock, while others come to learn about agriculture or enjoy the rodeo. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed many of Colorado’s fairgrounds facilities in the 1930s.
Current use/ownership of building: The Colorado State Fair and Fairgrounds are a vital community asset for Pueblo and a cultural and historical asset for the State of Colorado. The Fair showcases the State’s diverse industries, crafts and agricultural heritage. It also provides opportunities for youth engagement in agriculture and supports emergency relief efforts as seen in the adaptive re-use of its facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizationally, the fair is one of the divisions of the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
Past use of building: Fairgrounds were used as a base camp for Colorado militia troops training for World War I. ½ mile dirt oval track used for horse and motor racing.
Significant damages, restorations, etc: President of the Colorado State Fair Commission, Ray Talbot (1931-1953) brought New Deal projects to the fairgrounds during the Great Depression. The Federal Emergency Relief Administration and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) helped fund six new buildings as well as new walls, horse stables and other infrastructure in the 1930’s.
Annual events/functions (link to community events):
Rock Mountain Street Rod Nationals
Fun fact: In 1940 the new Rabbit Building on the fairgrounds was billed at the time as the “Largest Rabbit Show Building in the World”
Community Impact: The Colorado State Fair generates over $29 million annually in economic impact to the surrounding area.
Pass Key Restaurant
Union Avenue Historic District
Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce
Empowers the greater Pueblo area’s business community by providing a voice and advocacy to promote growth, prosperity, and change.
302 N Santa Fe Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003 | 719-542-1704
Latino Chamber of Commerce of Pueblo
Provides businesses, individuals, and organizations with direct support, resources, advocacy, and development in a highly diverse society.
215 S Victoria Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003 | 719-542-5513
Pueblo City Planning and Community Development
Leads the way in designing and implementing investment capital projects to meet the current and future needs of our community.
211 E D St, Pueblo, CO 81003 | 719-553-2259
Pueblo City Sales Tax Division
Provides businesses with critical information regarding sales tax and use license.
1 City Hall Pl, Pueblo, CO 81003 | 719-719-553-2659
Offers professional and technical training programs customized for any organization/operation.
900 W Orman Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003 | 719-549-3320
Pueblo County Economic Development
Offers services and incentives for businesses and provides resources for minority owned business.
215 W 10th St, Pueblo, CO 81003 | 719-583-6535
Pueblo Diversified Industries (PDI)
Provides employment and development opportunities, in a variety of ways, for individuals with severe diverse abilities.
2828 Granada Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81005 | 719-564-0000
Pueblo West Chamber of Commerce
Creates a climate for a healthier business community through business support, economic growth, and services that boost businesses and individuals.
63 E Spaulding Ave, Pueblo West, CO 81007 | 719-647-9086
Pueblo West Metro District Community Development
Assists businesses with available commercial real estate and the business application process.
356 S McCulloch Blvd, Pueblo West, CO 81007 | 719-547-2000
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Combines resources from federal, state, and local governments and the education sector to offer consulting services, training and resources regarding: starting, sustaining, growing, and prospering your business.
121 W City Center Dr #150, Pueblo, CO 81003 | 719-549-3245
Southern Colorado Innovation Link (SCIL)
Connects entrepreneurs to resources that support them as they grow.
121 W City Center Dr #150, Pueblo, CO 81003 | 719-549-3334
Southern Colorado Economic Development District (SCEDD)
Offers assistance with feasibility studies, resiliency plans, strategic planning, infrastructure development, local regulation, navigation, community outreach, and capacity building.
121 W City Center Dr, Pueblo, CO 81003 | 719-545-8680
Allows small businesses to access friendly and affordable capital.
3350 Brighton Blvd Suite 135, Denver, CO 80216 | 303-657-00109
Small Business Loan Programs:
Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE)
Through the state of Colorado, CPACE Enables owners of eligible commercial and industrial buildings to finance up to 100% of energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation eligible improvements.
Expands access to financing and offers flexible terms to business owners.
1888 Sherman St Suite 530, Denver, CO 80203 | 303-860-0242
Small Business Loan Programs:
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority (CHFA)
Strengthens Colorado by investing in affordable housing and community development.
1981 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202 | 303-297-2432
Business Loan Programs:
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT)
Creates a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth.
Rural Jump Start Program:
NeighborWorks of Southern Colorado
Administers Pueblo County’s business loan funds and provides a complete range of homebuyer resources.
1241 E Routt Ave, Pueblo, CO 81004 | 719-544-8078
NeighborWorks Small Business Loan Program:
Southern Colorado Community Lending Program:
ACCION Loan Program:
Healthcare Disability Resources
The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual leadership program entitled Leadership Pueblo. The program is designed for individuals interested in developing their leadership skills. The curriculum affords each class the opportunity to network with up-and-coming leaders and current decision makers in the community in order to grasp a better understanding of the issues facing the Pueblo community, as well as a chance to discuss solutions to these problems.
As a requirement for graduation, all leadership classes are required to plan and implement a class project designed to benefit the community. That is where this QR code resource comes in. The class of 2022 created this project as a means to create a community more informed, providing history and resources about Pueblo. If you are joining us from out of town, welcome, we are so glad you’re here! If you are from Pueblo, we hope you learn more about this great town as we move forward. The QR code resource project features 14 plaques throughout Pueblo that provide the history of the building, as well as resources for businesses, food resources and health and family services.
We hope you learn more about the steel city and enjoy learning about the rich history there within!
Thank you for joining us,
The Leadership Pueblo Class of 2022