Step right up. Step right up. Can’t win if you don’t play.

The barkers will bark. The rides will spin. The sausages will sizzle.

Sure, schools may be back in session, but the sensations of summer continue in Pueblo, where the Colorado State Fair will bring world-class concerts, charging bulls, dueling lumberjacks, ferocious sharks, glamorous chickens, pork chops on sticks and a whole lot more through Sept. 7 at the fairgrounds. Every year the fair returns with its core: the events that make up Colorado’s Western heritage. Every year it provides new attractions, because the state’s always changing, right?

“We tried to take the best elements of Colorado and brought them together,” said general manager Chris Wiseman. “We try to mix it up, as much as we can. The new and the old.”

This year’s fair has more than 54 food vendors and 300 commercial exhibitors, and here are a few of the highlights:

Rodeo

It seems there’s always been rodeo at the state fair. The PRCA Rodeo event makes a stop from its nationwide tour. (Through Tuesday; $10-$20; Budweiser Rodeo Arena; gates open at 6 p.m.)

Contests

What do livestock and pies have in common? Both will be the focus of competitions, along with crafts. More than 1,000 horses and small animals are expected. (Through Sept. 7.; gate admission; State Fair Events Center)

COLORADO STATE FAIR

When: 10 a.m. to midnight, through Sept. 7

Where: Colorado State Fairgrounds, 1001 Beluah Ave., Pueblo

Tickets: $5 weekday admission, $8 weekend admission (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

$80 Mega Ride Pass; unlimited rides and gate admission

$10 to $35 entertainment series (concerts, events); 1-800-876-4567, coloradostatefair.com, ticketmaster .com

CONCERT SCHEDULE

State Fair Events Center

EVENTS SCHEDULE

Budweiser Rodeo Arena

New stuff at the fair

Bloodless BullfightsThere will be no blood, says general manager Chris Wiseman. Although the bullfighters will poke and prod the beasts, the new event ensures the bull will survive unscathed. (7:30 p.m. Sept. 6; $12-$35; Budweiser Rodeo Arena)

Live Shark EncounterIn a mobile attraction that played the El Paso County Fair a few years ago, the state fair brings several species of sharks to swim with a team of expert divers. (Through Sept. 7.; 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m.; Sunshine Park)

Timberworks Lumberjack ShowLumberjacks consider themselves athletes. Seen on ESPN and Life Network, these lumberjacks will compete in “The Olympics of the Forest.” (Through Sept. 7.; 12:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m.; Fountain Park)

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