It's among the state's oldest traditions and a sure sign that Colorado State Fair season has arrived.
The 2024 Colorado State Fair Parade in downtown Pueblo will commence Aug. 24 at 10 a.m. About 100 entries representing local businesses, nonprofits, high schools, colleges and political candidates will march along sections of Union Avenue and Main Street.
"We're planning a great event with great weather," Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce President Duane Nava told the Chieftain . "We're hoping to get a large crowd, really celebrate our Colorado State Fair Parade and just have another event for people to come out, enjoy themselves and a real big kick-off to a great State Fair."
Pueblo Community College's first female president will serve as grand marshal and a retired educator with 40 years of experience will serve as parade marshal. While the parade begins at 10 a.m., Nava recommends people come early to secure their spot as thousands of attendees showed up to watch the 2023 Colorado State Fair Parade.
Here's what to know about this year's parade.
Where to park and where to watch the parade
Starting at the corner of B Street and South Union Avenue, the parade procession will move northeast along Union Avenue until reaching the intersection with City Center Drive. At the intersection, the procession will turn right before connecting onto Main Street. The parade will continue traveling north along Main Street before stopping at the intersection with Eighth Street.
Parking is available in public lots near several areas throughout the parade path. This includes the lots near the intersection of West D. Street and South Victoria Avenue, the 3rd Street Parking Garage west of Court Street, and the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce lot, among other areas. A comprehensive map of parking spaces and the parade route can be viewed on the Great Pueblo Chamber of Commerce Facebook page .
Those unable to make it to the parade in person can still watch a livestream of the event presented by the PCC Center for New Media and Pueblo Community Health Center. The livestream will be accessible on the Pueblo Community College Facebook page .
Who are the 2024 Colorado State Fair Parade marshals?
Grand Marshal Patty Erjavec became PCC's first female president in June 2010. She led the college for 14 years before retiring this May. During her time at PCC, the Pueblo native helped add 30 associate degree and seven bachelor's degree programs to the college's offerings.
Joining Erjavec is Parade Marshal Ed Smith. Smith served as the Pueblo County School District 70 superintendent before retiring in 2023. His 40 years in public education also included time as an assistant principal, athletic director, assistant superintendent, custodian, principal and teacher.
Who else will be in the parade?
Being an election year, several political campaigns will be at the parade, including those of Democratic congressional candidate Adam Frisch, his Republican opponent Jeff Hurd, Pueblo district attorney candidate Kala Beauvais, and Pueblo County commissioner candidate Paula McPheeters. Pueblo County's Democratic and Republican parties also will have floats at the parade.
School spirit will be on full display with a host of marching bands and cheer teams hailing from high schools inside and outside of the Steel City. A wide range of participants, from American Legion Post 2 to Wiggles 'N Wonders Playschool, round out the parade's lineup.
The Kiwanis Club of Pueblo will be awarding first, second and third place cash prizes to youth entries in the parade.
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Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: The Colorado State Fair Parade is Aug. 24. Here's everything you need to know
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