The annual El Paso County Fair in Calhan is poised to attract thrill-seekers as human cannonball Saturn Garcia prepares to launch himself from a 22-foot-long cannon, soaring up to 100 feet before landing on an inflatable airbag. This spectacle is part of the fair’s exciting lineup, which runs from July 15 to July 19, 2023.
Garcia, the owner of the traveling show Thrill Extravaganza, embraces the adrenaline rush that comes with his daring act. “The best answer is we’re adrenaline junkies,” he explained, emphasizing that for him and his team, this is not just a performance but a sport. “Some people like to free rock climb with no harnesses. Some people like to skydive, which I think is crazy. But if you tell me to get shot out of a cannon, I’ll do it any day.”
In addition to the cannon launch, Garcia and his team will showcase two other high-energy stunts: the globe of death and the wheel of destiny. The globe of death features performers riding motorcycles inside a 14-foot diameter metal sphere, while the wheel of destiny consists of a 35-foot-high steel pendulum where artists perform acrobatics, including flips and blindfolded runs.
Garcia noted the importance of live performances in today’s screen-dominated world. “People are so much on their phones that when they get out to the fair and see stunts in person, it’s unique,” he remarked. He acknowledged the inherent risks of their performances, stating, “We know there’s danger, but it’s a risk we’re willing to take. We’ve done the training and have the experience, but it’s a live show. Accidents do happen.”
The El Paso County Fair, which began in 1905 as a potato festival, has evolved into a significant community event, attracting approximately 33,000 visitors last year. Andschana Aljets, special events supervisor at the El Paso County Fair & Events Center, highlighted its roots in local agriculture. “It was started in the fall to celebrate the harvest with sales and competitions,” she explained. “Somewhere along the way, maybe in the 1950s, it became a county event.”
Today’s fair features a variety of attractions, including 4-H and Future Farmers of America exhibits, livestock shows, and a carnival midway boasting two new rides among a total of 16. Daily entertainment includes performances by an extreme juggler and a ventriloquist, along with live music from local bands and a petting zoo.
In a nod to its rich history, the fair will celebrate different decades with themed events, costume contests, and activities reminiscent of the past. Visitors on opening day can participate in hands-on classes that teach traditional skills and crafts popular from 1900 to 1910. Other decade-themed celebrations will feature a USO party for the 1940s, a silent goat disco for the 1960s to 70s, an 80s roller skating party, and a Y2K-themed New Year’s Eve party every hour to honor the late 1990s and early 2000s.
For those seeking a quieter experience, Tuesday is designated as Sensory Day, where the fairgrounds will have additional staff and reduced noise levels. The carnival will operate from 14:00 to 16:00 without lights and sounds to accommodate visitors with sensory sensitivities.
Aljets summed up the fair’s essence, stating, “It’s a celebration of our county and the biggest thing our county hosts. It’s incredibly affordable. A family of four can come for $20-$25. Most things are free.” The fair’s compact layout allows families to enjoy a safe and friendly atmosphere, where children can explore freely while parents remain close by.
