Circus, bands, shows highlight ‘Rocky Mountain State Fair’ at Norris-Penrose

       Several nationally known musicians are scheduled as part of a first-time, multi-day event at the Norris-Penrose Event Center called the Rocky Mountain State Fair.
       On an every-day basis from from Friday, Aug. 15 to Sunday, Aug. 24, there will be a big-top circus, carnival, petting zoo, pig races and different live bands.
       Also planned are the state motorcross finals Aug. 16, a demolition derby Aug. 23 and X-Games-style demonstrations by BMX bicyclists Aug. 15-17 and 22-24.
       The musical acts will include the Bellamy Brothers, a long-time hit-single country group (Aug. 17); Greg Rollie, formerly of Santana and Journey (Aug. 23); and the current line-up of the Romantics, who had a platinum album in the mid-1980s (Aug. 24).
       Daily ticket prices (covering all but the carnival rides) are $8 for adults, $5 for ages 4 to 12, and free for those younger than 4.
       The fair is being organized by Expo South, a Tennessee-based promotion and production company. The hope is to make it an annual event, according to Expo South spokesperson Mark Lovell. “This is our first year in Colorado Springs and we will be back about the same time each year,” he said. The city was chosen because it doesn't already have a major fair, the area is growing, and the Norris-Penrose staff were “super great and easy to work with,” he said.
       The circus, to be set up in the facility's south parking lot, will be under a 10,000 square foot tent, and include a globe of death and high-wire and trapeze acts, Lovell said. The company is Vazquez World Entertainment of Las Vegas, Nev.
       The motocross finals will have more than 300 entries, while about 20 vehicles are slated for the demolition derby.
       The fair will be open daily - evenings only Mondays-Thursdays and afternoons as well Fridays-Sundays.
       Norris-Penrose, which includes Penrose Stadium, is at 1045 W. Rio Grande St.
       For more information, call 1-866-99-FAIRS. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance at rockymountainfair.com.

Westside Pioneer article