The Colorado State Fair has finally returned to Pueblo and its signature kick-off celebration is set to take over downtown streets on Saturday, Aug. 23.
The iconic Colorado State Fair Parade, the 2025 theme of which is “Growing the Tradition”, is one of the oldest parades in Colorado. This year’s event gets underway at 10 a.m. Saturday, where marching bands, beauty queens, high school cheerleaders, community floats, antique vehicles and much more will proceed down Historic Union Avenue to the delight of thousands of spectators.
"The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce takes great pride in hosting the Colorado State Fair Parade year after year. Bringing joy to the greater Pueblo community makes all our efforts worthwhile and aligns perfectly with our mission to support and celebrate our vibrant region!" said Terri Kallish, event and program manager for the chamber.
This year’s event will feature 98 parade entries, and with a big crowd expected, those hoping to catch the procession are encouraged to show up early to secure their spots along the parade route.
Here’s what to know about the 2025 Colorado State Fair Parade coordinated by the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and its State Fair Parade Committee.
Where to park and where to watch the parade
The parade will begin at the corner of B Street and South Union Avenue and proceed northeast along Union Avenue until it reaches the intersection with City Center Drive. At the intersection, the procession will turn right before connecting onto Main Street. The parade will continue traveling north along Main Street before stopping at the intersection with Eighth Street.
Parking is available in public lots in several areas throughout the parade path, including the lots near the intersection of West D. Street and South Victoria Avenue, the 3rd Street Parking Garage west of Court Street, and the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce lot, among other areas.
Those unable to make it to the parade in person can still watch a livestream presented by the PCC Center for New Media and Pueblo Community Health Center, which will be accessible on the Pueblo Community College Facebook page.
Who are the 2025 Colorado State Fair Parade marshals?
This year’s parade marshals are the Pueblo Police Department, which is collectively serving as grand marshal, and Ralph Williams, who’s being honored as parade marshal in memoriam.
“The Colorado State Fair Parade Committee selected the Pueblo Police Department as the 2025 Grand Marshal in recognition of their unwavering service, commitment to protecting the community, and ongoing partnership with civic organizations, local schools, and festival events,” Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce officials wrote in a news release. “Their presence represents both the history and the future of public safety in Pueblo.”
Williams, a Pueblo native, was actively involved in numerous local organizations prior to his passing in September 2024, including the Rotary Club, Pueblo Urban Renewal, the Friends of Football, the CSU Pueblo Foundation, Sons of Italy, the EPIC Board, and many others.
“Through his tireless service and leadership, Ralph worked passionately to enrich the lives of others and help make Pueblo a better place for all,” chamber officials said in the release. “His legacy of love, pride, and service will live on in his family, friends, and the community he cherished so deeply.
What will the weather be like for the parade?
Pueblo is expected to see warm weather on the day of the parade, and while showers and thunderstorms are likely, they’re forecast to materialize after noon, according to the National Weather Service’s Pueblo office.
Saturday is expected to have a daily high near 83 degrees Fahrenheit, with a 70% chance of precipitation.
Here's a live look at the Pueblo weather as seen on NWS radar.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: The 2025 Colorado State Fair Parade is Aug. 23. Here's what to know
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