PUEBLO - Today, Governor Polis attended the 153rd Colorado State Fair, meeting with farmers and ranchers from across the state, celebrating Colorado's strong agricultural sector, and showcasing everything that makes Colorado the best place to live, work, and play.
“Our farmers and ranchers are the beating heart of the Colorado State Fair, and I am very excited to be here with Coloradans from across the state, taking pride in our shared love for agricultural excellence, and of course, the Pueblo chile, among so many other grown in Colorado products . I hope everyone has a chance to come out, indulge in Colorado cuisine, and enjoy everything that makes Colorado the absolute best,” said Governor Polis.
“The fair showcases the bounty of our state’s agriculture as well as the grit and dedication farmers and ranchers exhibit each day. From the youth livestock competitions and horse shows to the Colorado Proud trail and the rodeos, the fair is a time when we connect and celebrate what brings us together,” said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. “It was a great honor to meet with our Centennial Farms and Ranches families and present the Commissioner’s Agricultural Legacy Award to retiring Rocky Mountain Farmers Union CEO Ben Rainbolt. These individuals and families represent the strength of Colorado agriculture throughout the generations, and we’re proud to celebrate their legacy at the Colorado State Fair.”
Governor Polis at entrance to Colorado State Fair
Governor Polis and Kate Greenberg, Colorado's Commissioner of Agriculture, attended and met with farmers and ranchers at the Centennial Farm and Ranch Celebration, an annual event co-hosted by History Colorado and the Colorado Department of Agriculture to celebrate the past, present and future of Colorado’s agriculture community and industry. Specifically, this event honors families who have dedicated more than 100 years to agriculture in Colorado.
Governor Polis then visited the AgVenture Land area at the State Fair, which helps young Coloradans learn more about sustainable agriculture in Colorado, including soil health practices, conservation, and more. Governor Polis reads a book to the kids.
Governor Polis reads to kids at AgVenture land.
Governor Polis then met with Pueblo Fire Chief Barb Huber ahead of the grand opening of the new Fire Station 11. The new building will help with improving response times and the overall safety of firefighters. The building is also net-zero energy efficient, thanks to the support of a $270,000 Single Structure Geothermal grant awarded to the City of Pueblo to make Fire Station 11 and Fire Stations 6 and 8 more energy efficient and save the city money.
“In Colorado, it is a top priority to ensure our first responders have up-to-date facilities and the resources needed to help keep our communities safe. Fire Station 11 is harnessing the heat beneath our feet as a net-zero energy efficient building, all while saving money, and increasing response times and the safety of our communities,” said Governor Polis.
Governor Polis then welcomed incoming CSU Pueblo students and their families for the 2025-2026 academic year. Governor Polis joined the welcome week ice cream social to greet new students and celebrate the exciting opportunities offered to students this Fall.
“It was great to welcome the Class of 2029 at CSU Pueblo today. These students are starting the next chapter of their academic journeys at CSU Pueblo and I encouraged all of them to embrace new opportunities and find their passions. Colorado is proud to have a great college system, providing a range of academic opportunities that prepare students to fill the jobs of tomorrow, and drive our economy forward,” said Governor Polis.
Governor Polis rounded out his day visiting Di Santi Farms to take a tour and harvest Pueblo chiles. The DiSanti family started farming in Pueblo, CO in 1890, just a few miles from the current headquarters on the St. Charles Mesa. The DiSanti family has evolved to a retail and wholesale grower and shipper that produces 26 different crops, which are marketed throughout the state of Colorado.
“It is no secret that Pueblo Chiles are superior. Many of our Colorado farmers and ranchers go back generations, and I am proud to be meeting with the Di Santi Farmers today learning more about the work done to produce some of the best chiles and crops that our state has to offer,” said Governor Polis.
Later this evening Governor Polis will join members of the Colorado State Legislature at the 2025 Legislative BBQ.The Legislative BBQ is a chance for public servants to come together to celebrate Colorado’s world-class agriculture community and the success of the state fair. Despite the fact that HR1 has forced the Governor to call a special session to address the devastating impacts on the state’s budget, the Governor made this event a priority and came out to celebrate alongside the agriculture community.
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