What began as a butter fair in 1918 has become something much bigger, and all the more symbolic, on the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock.

Especially for the young cowboys and cowgirls.

Today, in its 106th year, Douglas County Fair & Rodeo organizers say the 10-day fair is still based on what it was founded upon – heritage.

And, directly under the spotlight, are the young livestock handlers and rodeo riders, fair officials said.

“There’s a lot of heritage involved here,” said Douglas County Fair Board Director Debbie Mills. “People here are very proud of their agriculture, our agricultural roots and, you know, where the kids are raising those animals.”

Established in 1861, Douglas County originally served as a thoroughfare for travelers, animals, locomotives and future settlers. Most notably, the county’s high prairie grasslands provided a wide range for cattle ranches with large acres for cattle to roam along Colorado’s front range.

Through its many events, the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo has best illustrated the history of Douglas County, and its livestock roots. Main events include the rodeo, livestock sales and — like any good fair has — irresistible food.

Also, the fair featured some thrilling carnival rides, including the most famous Zipper ride and a pendulum claw ride.

“It keeps those roots alive,” Mills said of the fair. “I think that’s what’s important is just keeping to the traditions.”

When asked what fair events best represent Douglas County, Mills, a 20-year volunteer at the fair, pointed to the hometown rodeo and junior livestock sales and showcases.

One of those junior livestock competitors was Luciano Trujillo, 10, who with her father brought along several of her family’s goats to the fair.

“It’s really nice to like, talk to people,” the 10-year-old goat handler said. “It’s kind of fun to inform them and kind of get them started on maybe even like a general project. I really like talking about the babies, and how fun they are and everything.”

When talking about participating in the livestock competition, Trujillo said “it was hard.”

“But with goats,” she added, “it was really fun. Like even if you lose people or get a lower ranking, people are always going to be like, ‘great job’.”

Another young animal showcase contestant was Molly Jones, 9, who with her 14-month-old pet rabbit Luna, won grand champion in the junior bunny showcase competition.

“This is my first year,” said Jones. “It’s really awesome that I got grand champion.”

The 9-year-old Douglas County rabbit expert said she won based on knowledge of the rabbit, and by being best in showcasing.

“I’ve learned a lot about rabbits in general,” Jones said.

Devin Jones, Molly’s mother, said “winning has been awesome, but learning how to study has been awesome too,” adding the competition is about “learning the responsibility, learning about the animals, and facing the judges and overcoming fear.”

Some of Douglas County’s rodeo riders faced fears of their own.

“I love that the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo is so good at keeping tradition alive, but also keeping an open mind and new things that we can do to invite new people, and make rodeo fun for everyone,” Anna Bajaj, the Douglas County fair’s Rodeo Queen, said.

Bajaj, 22, lives with a brain condition that periodically paralyzes her from the waist down. During Thursday’s rodeo, she galloped in on her horse, named I B Smokin, onto the Douglas County Fair rodeo grounds, carrying a United States flag.

“It’s been really cool to show people it actually is possible to ride and compete, and be a rodeo queen, and all the things that we want to do, even when you can’t move your legs,” Bajaj said.

The Douglas County Fair & Rodeo continues through Sunday, Aug. 4, on the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock.