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1290 Williams Street
Suite 102
Denver, Colorado
80218-2657
(303) 830-1651
(303) 830-1782 Fax
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History
In 1969, a group of concerned citizens rallied to fight the proposed conversion of east 11th and 12th avenues into one-way streets. The citizens' victory over city planners marked the beginning of what is now known as Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, Inc. or CHUN, one of Denver's oldest and largest neighborhood organizations. CHUN's boundaries extend from First to 22nd avenues and Broadway to Colorado Boulevard. In 1971, in order to forge more amicable relations between City Hall, the Denver Police Department, and residents of Capitol Hill, Denver Police Lt. Richard Alligood worked with community residents to create neighborhood get-together on the grounds of what was then Morey Junior High School. That first year, 2,000 people attended.
One of the first neighborhood parades to celebrate the unity and diversity of Capitol Hill and to kick off the 1976 People's Fair
In 1974 CHUN assumed production of the People's Fair. By 1976 the Capitol Hill People's Fair had outgrown Morey's grounds. CHUN officials sought to move the Fair to Cheesman Park, but city officials and then-mayor William McNichols Jr. would not agree to that plan due to the city's anti-huckstering measure on city grounds. Shortly before the event, a compromise was reached between the city and CHUN to move the fair to the grounds of East High School. By 1987, ongoing success warranted moving the People's Fair to the current location in Civic Center Park, where it has continued to thrive.
Before moving the Civic Center Park in 1987, the Fair resided on the grounds of the historic East High School
The People's Fair remains a shining example of urban diversity and neighborhood pride. It is still a community-oriented volunteer event that benefits Capitol Hill nonprofit organizations. It's 300-some volunteers and 250,000 attendees create the magic of the People's Fair. Thirteen volunteer committees form the Steering Committee and work with the People's Fair Staff to jury arts and crafts, conduct an image contest, select entertainment, book the stages and turn Civic Center Park into Colorado's largest arts and crafts festival. The People's Fair features some 500 exhibitor and food booths.
Kids of all ages enjoy the 1983 Fair
Many people remember going to the Fair as a child and now take their own kids. 2009 marks the 38th anniversary of the People's Fair. In its 37-year run, the People's Fair has certainly grown. However, its role as a neighborhood unifying event still remains. Community resources continue to be showcased at the Fair. The Fair's founders would certainly be proud to know their brainchild has prospered while continuing its original intent.
The CHUN Capitol Hill People's Fair exists as a celebration of the diverse urban community and benefits the community by returning to it the spirit, good will, and funds generated by the Fair. As Colorado's Premier Arts and Crafts Festival, the uniqueness and magic of CHUN's Capitol Hill People's Fair is created by the careful blending of:
- Family fun and excitement
- The exhibition and sale of the works of local, national and international artisans and crafters
- A wide variety of live entertainment
- Quality foods and beverages
- The time and efforts of hundreds of volunteers
- The participation of non-profit organizations sharing ideas for the purpose of promoting awareness and understanding of issues and concerns affecting people from all walks of life.
Volunteer for the People's Fair - Be a part of this wonderful cause!
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