(PUEBLO, Colo.) — The Colorado State Fair in Pueblo has issued an apology following a pole dancing performance on Friday night that sparked controversy among attendees and online viewers.

The performance, which took place on the fairgrounds, was organized by a third-party company that had previously performed at the fair. The act went viral on social media, leading to a backlash due to its proximity to children and families.

“It was inappropriate for kids, and this is a kids’ location,” said one fairgoer.

Video by: Edie Cornelius

“I was a little shocked that this is happening out of there,” said Nolan Babin, another attendee.

Gilbert Ortiz, former Pueblo Clerk and Recorder, said, “I would absolutely support this lady coming back next year, and I would tell her to continue her beautiful artistic expression.”

The performance, described by some as revealing, led many fairgoers to record the dance on their phones. The video quickly spread online, attracting hundreds of comments.

While some attendees expressed outrage over the performance’s appropriateness for a family setting, others defended the artist’s right to express herself. “Stop complaining about everything. Stop being so negative about everything and look for the beauty in life and in art and culture,” Ortiz commented.

The fair’s management clarified that the performance was booked through a third-party stage production vendor and did not reflect the fair’s commitment to family-friendly entertainment. Andrea Wiesenmeyer, the General Manager for the Colorado State Fair, stated, “At some point, they brought in a third party with the peacock, full fitness, and body art, and so that was not on our list, not on our schedule, and we were not aware.”

The incident has highlighted differing opinions on artistic expression and family-friendly entertainment, prompting the fair to reconsider its booking processes for future events.

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