Concerts and rodeos and carnival rides oh my… the 2014 State Fair is in the books and one to remember.

With 498,720 people in attendance, the 142- year-old Colorado institution offered exciting time to locals and visitors alike.

The weather was great. It allowed many to stay dry and enjoy those funnel cakes and turkey legs that we all look forward to leading up to fair season. The Fair also featured some of the greatest attractions and entertainment around.

Those who attended were treated to performances by Gabriel Iglesias, Tony Orlando and many more well known celebrities. Brantley Gilbert’s concert was sold out as thousands of fair-goers attended his sensational show.

“He was incredible live… sounded the same as he does on his albums,” said Danielle Dupont, a student at CSU-Pueblo.

The demolition derby was a showdown with double digit numbers in several of the heats. With the loud trucks and cars crashing into each other, the announcer had a bit of trouble at times when the competitors should have pulled their flags. But what’s a good show without a few misunderstood rule breakers?

During the demolition derby, talented singer Olivia Colletti performed and blew the crowd away. Colletti featured every genre from country to rap, and she was able to involve the crowd and keep their energy high.

This year, many people were happy to know that the cash cards were no longer needed, and many of the vendors were able to bring in more revenue which goes toward the facility grounds and promotion for the 4H and Future Farmers of America youth programs.

If you didn’t make it to the 2014 Colorado State Fair, you missed a fantastic time and a long-standing Colorado tradition.  So start making plans now, next year’s Fair is just around the corner.