[Colorado-Talk] Aira services at Colorado State Fair in Pueblo

[THERESA MONTANO]

Hello Friends!
We are pleased to extend Aira services at the Colorado State Fair.  We have secured a grant to make this possible.  We are also including Bustang free access starting after Labor Day!  Enjoy and safe travels!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 18, 2026
Olga Robak (CDA) | olga.robak at state.co.us

New Inclusive Accommodations Welcome Every Guest to the 2026 Colorado State Fair
Pueblo, Colo. - The Colorado State Fair is committed to providing an experience where everyone can create lifelong memories. From new on-demand support services to dedicated adaptive programming, it's easier than ever for all of Colorado to celebrate together. Whether joining us for the thrill of the Exceptional Rodeo or seeking a calm, inclusive environment on Sensory Friendly Day, this year's fair is built to ensure every visitor feels welcome.
"The Colorado State Fair has always been a place where generations come together to create memories," said Andrea Wiesenmeyer, general manager of the Colorado State Fair. "We want every guest and every family to feel welcome here. Whether someone is participating in the Exceptional Rodeo, enjoying a quieter fair experience during Sensory Friendly Day, or discovering agriculture through hands-on activities, the fair is a place to belong."
Throughout the 11-day duration of the fair, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is partnering with Aira<https://aira.io/> to deliver on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) and visual interpretation services for fair visitors with auditory and visual disabilities. Visitors who are blind or low vision can use the free Aira Explorer app<https://aira.io/aira-explorer-app/> to connect with a live, professionally trained visual interpreter to help navigate the fairgrounds, find food and attractions, and more. Guests who are Deaf or hard of hearing can use the Aira ASL app<https://aira.io/aira-asl-app/> for on-demand sign language interpreting.
The State Fair Foundation Exceptional Rodeo, sponsored by Pueblo Diversified Industries<https://pdipueblo.org/>, gives children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to experience the excitement, confidence and connection of rodeo in a mock, adaptive format. Participants can explore rodeo-themed activities using adaptive equipment and interactive props, including events inspired by barrel racing, roping and riding. Anyone interested in participating should register for the Exceptional Rodeo<https://forms.gle/dR56xe4yZGQD5aDPA> in advance. The event will take place on Monday, August 31. Doors open at 9 a.m., and the event starts at 9:30 a.m.
On Monday, September 7, the Colorado State Fair will once again host Sensory Friendly Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in partnership with the Autism Society of Colorado. During this designated window, families can enjoy a more comfortable Fair experience with smaller crowds, softer sounds and dimmed lighting. The event will also give guests who benefit from a lower-sensory environment an opportunity to enjoy the fair at their own pace. Guests visiting outside of Sensory Friendly Day, can use the Sensory Day Map<https://coloradostatefair.com/things-to-do/sensory-day/> to identify areas that may be loud, crowded, or overstimulating as well as some calmer, quieter spaces. No special tickets are required for Sensory Day, just the regular gate admission.
During the off season, several accessibility upgrades were made to the Colorado State Fairgrounds. The changes included a new family restroom and repaved entrance ramp at the Colorado Building and an updated ADA-compliant entrance at Gate 5 off of Prairie Avenue. A number of paving projects and updates were also completed around the fairgrounds to improve the fair experience for those with mobility issues.
For the full schedule, ticket information and accessibility details, visit ColoradoStateFair.com<http://coloradostatefair.com/>
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About the Colorado State Fair: The Colorado State Fair is an annual event held in Pueblo, Colorado that creates an entertaining, inspiring, and educational inter-generational experience highlighting the preservation, promotion, and exposition of our State's vibrant and diverse agriculture, industry, and culture.
This year's Colorado State Fair will be a special celebration marking the 150th anniversary of Colorado's statehood, as well as the 250th anniversary of the United States signing the Declaration of Independence. This once-in-a-lifetime double-celebration moment is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our communities, and shape the future together. The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has been planning unique ways to mark these important anniversaries under the theme, "Setting Colorado's Table: 150 Years of Agricultural Legacy."<https://settingcoloradostable.com/> Additional details on the planned celebrations will be announced soon.

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