As I’m choosing what might be interesting for our readers, the complete listing of what to expect at this year’s Colorado State Fair arrived via my computer. Wow! This is certainly a whopper of an event, and it’s coming up Friday, Aug. 24, through Monday, Sept. 3, at the Pueblo Fairgrounds.

General admissions are just $7 (Monday through Thursday), $10 (Friday through Sunday), with children younger than 5 admitted free. Parking prices, carnival rides and tickets for outstanding entertainment will be extra, but most additions are still reasonable enough for families to attend.

My space is limited and to give you the complete rundown of the attractions plus the musical stars appearing this year can be overwhelming, so I’ll just give you a few of the highlights. Musically, it’s artists with whom most of us are familiar, including Merle Haggard, Steve Miller Band, The Temptations and The Four Tops, Kenny Loggins, Tex Mex Fest, and more.

For true Western events, try attending the pro rodeo and bull riding contests. Livestock exhibitions and horse shows will be augmented by the tractor pulls and monster trucks. There’s even a fine-arts exhibit that’s a little more on the quiet side. Of course, the usual state fair food vendors, the customary farm entries of exceptional produce and preserves, plus plenty of other activities for kids of all ages will keep you entertained during the day, right up to when the evening stage events begin.

If you are intending to attend this year’s fair, I would advise you to call 800-876-4567 and request a complete schedule, or email kim.bray@agstate.co.us.

Just in case you aren’t familiar with the fairground’s location, ask anyone in Pueblo, or Google it yourself at 1001 Beulah Ave..

At the Arvada Center

This first-rate, summer, outside-enjoyment facility will be going strong right up until the fall and winter seasons arrive. Some outstanding performers and bands will appear at the outdoor arena, including Asleep at the Wheel on Aug. 19, Weird Al Yankovic on Aug. 23, The Denver Brass and Colorado Honor Band, Aug. 25,

John Hiatt and the Combo, Aug. 29 and a Colorado Ballet Night Under the Stars on Aug. 30.

Come September, the “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” play takes place. This is based on the popular 1988 film starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine, and is a Tony-award winning musical comedy centering on two con men living on the French Riviera. A madcap “battle of the cons” ensues that will keep the audience laughing, humming and trying to guess the cons’ next move to the end.

In case you are unfamiliar with the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities it’s located at 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. in Arvada, where tickets can be purchased in advance or ordered. The website is www.arvadacenter.org.

Misha May is on a Mission for Mutts

Are you familiar with the Misha May Foundation? It’s a terrific nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and “rehoming” dogs (and sometimes cats) at risk. It has an amazing program running and offers all kinds of things, from dog training classes to adoptions. If you are a doglover, take a moment to visit the website at www.mishamayfoundation.org. I guarantee you will be amazed at all the resources they have listed.

Don’t miss the foundation’s upcoming fundraising event, “A Moment for Mutts in the Mountains,” which is going to be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Boettcher Mansion, 900 Colorow Rd. up on Lookout Mountain.

There will be live and silent auctions (including an African Photo Safari), raffles, tours of the Boettcher Mansion, a video show, live group readings by Imara and music provided by pianist Christine Dunning. Tickets are available at a discount for $45 before Sept. 19 ($50 after that date), and you can get them by calling 303-239-0382 or going to Misha May’s website.

This sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun and if you are a doglover, as I am, then exploring the Misha May Foundation website will be an experience you will enjoy.

Dorothy Akal is a Golden resident and longtime Golden Transcript contributor who writes about Golden happenings in Avenue Flashes. To contribute an item for her column, call or fax information to 303-279-4990.