YOUR AD HERE »

Wyoming State Fair focuses on family fun

Staff reports

The 104th Wyoming State Fair kicked off Aug. 13 in Douglas, Wyo., and ran through Aug. 20. The Wyoming State Fair is the largest youth competition in the state and is focused on affordable, family-friendly entertainment, youth competition, agriculture education and fun.

Family friendly and affordable grandstand events were scheduled for each night at the fair. This year, the order of events changed from years past, but the events everyone has come to expect were still offered. The first night of fair showcased the Wyoming State Ranch Rodeo Championships. This was followed by two nights of PRCA Pro Rodeo on the Aug. 14-15. The crowning of Miss Rodeo Wyoming took place on the second night. Abby Hayduk, 21, of Evanston, Wyo., won the 2017 title.

“This is the first Miss Rodeo Wyoming we’ve ever had from Evanston, so thats pretty exciting for that community,” said Crystal Myers, national director for Miss Rodeo Wyoming. “After spending the last couple days with Abby, I think she’ll be a great representative of Wyoming and the sport of rodeo for the next year. She’s got a wonderful personality.”



On Aug. 16, there was a new event called the Kid’s Spectacular night, featuring mutton busting and a kids rodeo. The Pig ‘n’ Mud Championships were Aug. 17 and were followed by concerts on Aug. 18-19. On Aug. 18, Sidewalk Prophets played and Aug. 19, Chris Janson and Sawyer Brown took the stage. Grandstand events came to a close on Aug. 20 with the running of the Demolition Derby.

The Wyoming State Fair takes pride in being a showcase of agriculture in Wyoming through many events, competitions and activities. Youth participants involved in both FFA and 4-H come to State Fair to show, judge, present and compete with their livestock, pets or projects. Various competitions and Exhibit Halls were open to the public for viewing each day. There are six different buildings on the fairgrounds which housed these the exhibits, and access to these exhibit buildings was available to the public 1-7 p.m. Aug. 16-20.



Carnival rides, food vendors, free entertainment and much more helped to shape the traditional Wyoming State Fair experience. The carnival opened at 5 p.m. Aug. 13 and was open each day of the fair after. Free entertainment included musical performances from many groups including Wyoming’s own Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band, along with three days of aquatic canine DockDogs competitions and traveling fair entertainer Freddie Prez doing child-oriented contests daily.

“There is so much to do and so much to see and learn each day at State Fair,” said James Goodrich, Wyoming State Fair director. “The best part about it is that it is fun for the whole family while staying affordable.” ❖


[placeholder]