<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
<meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)">
<style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Aptos;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Trebuchet MS";
panose-1:2 11 6 3 2 2 2 2 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
line-height:115%;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#467886;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:11.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
</head>
<body lang="EN-US" link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style="word-wrap:break-word">
<div class="WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Hello Friends!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">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!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Date:
<span style="background:yellow;mso-highlight:yellow">August 18, 2026</span><br>
Olga Robak (CDA) | <u><span style="color:#96607D">olga.robak@state.co.us</span></u>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;text-align:center;line-height:125%">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:125%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">New Inclusive Accommodations Welcome Every Guest to the 2026 Colorado State Fair
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:150%"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Pueblo, Colo. —</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">
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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:150%;background:white">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:black">“The Colorado State Fair has always been a place where generations come together to create memories,”</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:black">
said Andrea Wiesenmeyer, general manager of the Colorado State Fair. <b>“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.”</b></span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:150%;background:white">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:black">Throughout the 11-day duration of the fair, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is partnering with
</span><span lang="EN" style="color:black"><a href="https://aira.io/"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:#1155CC">Aira</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:black">
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
</span><span lang="EN" style="color:black"><a href="https://aira.io/aira-explorer-app/"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:#1155CC">Aira Explorer app</span></b></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:black">
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
</span><span lang="EN" style="color:black"><a href="https://aira.io/aira-asl-app/"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:#1155CC">Aira ASL app</span></b></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:black">
for on-demand sign language interpreting. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:150%;background:white">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:black">The State Fair Foundation Exceptional Rodeo</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:black">,
sponsored by </span><span lang="EN" style="color:black"><a href="https://pdipueblo.org/"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:#1155CC">Pueblo Diversified Industries</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:black">,
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
</span><span lang="EN" style="color:black"><a href="https://forms.gle/dR56xe4yZGQD5aDPA"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:#1155CC">register for the Exceptional Rodeo</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:black">
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.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:150%;background:white">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:black">On Monday, September 7, the Colorado State Fair will once again host
<b>Sensory Friendly Day</b> 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
</span><span lang="EN" style="color:black"><a href="https://coloradostatefair.com/things-to-do/sensory-day/"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:#1155CC">Sensory Day Map</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:black">
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.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:150%;background:white">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:black">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.
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:150%;background:white">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:black">For the full schedule, ticket information and accessibility details, visit
</span><span lang="EN" style="color:black"><a href="http://coloradostatefair.com/"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:#001970">ColoradoStateFair.com</span></a></span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"># ##<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">About the Colorado State Fair:</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">
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. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">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,
</span><span lang="EN"><a href="https://settingcoloradostable.com/"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;color:#1155CC">“Setting Colorado’s Table: 150 Years of Agricultural Legacy."</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">
Additional details on the planned celebrations will be announced soon. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
</body>
</html>