THIS DATE IN WEATHER HISTORY

1984: Vicious hailstorm shuts down Colorado State Fair

Episode Details

When Colorado became a state in 1876, its state fair was already earning its place in history. The first recorded gathering was in 1869, when approximately two thousand people converged on what is now Pueblo for a horse exhibition; from that meager beginning was born the Colorado State Fair. The Colorado State Fair is an event held annually in late August in Pueblo. The state fair has been a tradition officially since October 9, 1872. The fairgrounds also host a number of other events during the rest of the year. Organizationally, the fair is one of the divisions of the Colorado Department of Agriculture. On August 21, 1984 for the first time ever the Fair was closed after a vicious hailstorm struck. 9 people were injured; 500 light bulbs were broken by golf ball sized hail; 1 person among the injured was knocked unconscious. Damage totaled $40 million. In 2020 because of COVID gone were the concerts, the rodeo and the shopping exhibitions, The Colorado State Fair board canceled a majority of the events and concerts. In 2021 the fair is back to in person events held August 27 to September 6.

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THIS DATE IN WEATHER HISTORY

1984: Vicious hailstorm shuts down Colorado State Fair

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