Everyone calm down, everything's going to be OK. Word is out that one of the biggest stars of summer itself is coming to Loveland for the fair.

When the fair comes around, it's great to get that feeling of the days of "Mayberry," with animals, rodeos, cotton candy, and a waterskiing squirrel. This squirrel is probably a more popular animal than the dog, "Spuds MacKenzie" was, back in his day.

The Larimer County Fair has announced the dates and theme of the 2022 fair: August 5 through August 9, "Cowboy Boots & Country Roots." I may have understated the "Mayberry," as this sounds like full-on "Mayberry R.F.D." and that's terrific.  The last couple of years has made 'fun' ever more appealing. A water skiing squirrel fits that bill.

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Twiggy the World Famous Water Skiing Squirrel has been a traveling entertainment program since 1979. The original Twiggy, out of Florida, got her name because she kept eating the leaves off the houseplants, leaving nothing but twigs. Isn't that adorable?

It's really a great story: Chuck and Lou Best started their entertainment company together and traveled with not only trained squirrels, but French poodles, miniature horses and other animals. Chuck, however, died of a heart attack while on a boat, trying to save his stepfather.

Lou eventually carried on the entertainment company, putting water safety into the act, in honor of her late husband. After Lou retired, their son Chuck Best Jr, now travels around the county and the world with the odd and wonderful act, still promoting water and boating safety. That is an "America" story if I've ever heard one.

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Of course, the Larimer County Fair will have many attractions including the Globe of Death and Ninja Nation, but when it comes to legendary fun for all ages, it's hard to beat Twiggy the World Famous Water Skiing Squirrel in the Marketplace on the Xfinity Stage.

TWIGGY's Schedule for the 2022 Larimer County Fair

  • Friday, August 5:
    • 4:30-5:00 p.m., 6:30-7:00 p.m., 7:30-8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 6:
    • 12:00-12:30 p.m., 2:00-2:30 p.m., 4:30-5:00 p.m., 7:00-7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, August 7:
    • 2:00-2:30 p.m., 4:30-5:00 p.m., 7:00-7:30 p.m.
  • Monday, August 8:
    • 4:30-5:00 p.m., 6:30-7:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, August 9:
    • 4:30-5:00 p.m., 6:30-7:00 p.m.

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