Board approves 20 hours of music for 2018 Fair

WORLAND – During a special meeting on Thursday, the Washakie County Fair Board, after hearing from a Montana-based music promoter, unanimously approved a proposal to pay $10,400 for four nights of music, totaling 20 hours, during the 2018 county fair.

After meeting with music promoter Daniel Kosel on Tuesday, the board decided to listen to his offer to promote the fair to musicians and create a roster of talent to perform.

Kosel’s proposal includes opening-act performances from four local bands, along with headline bands Band of Drifters, Rattlesnake Ridge and Arterial Drive. Kosel’s band, David Kosel and The Crue, will headline the Friday night show, after the annual rodeo.

Music may be the only source of evening entertainment, outside of the Tuesday night pig wrestling, during the week leading up to the Friday-night rodeo, as the fair board has had difficulty finding a carnival contractor.

Originally, the board envisioned Ned Ledoux, the son of the late musician Chris Ledoux, to play at the event, to help offset the annual rodeo and other entertainment. After reviewing Ledoux’s requested $17,000 one-night fee, plus the addition of a provided sound system, lights and a 20-foot by 40-foot stage, it was declared that the board would seek other entertainment in the months leading up to the late July, early August event.

Board President David Doyle noted that all contracts need to be verified by County Attorney John Worrall, but the proposal looks good and the board is excited to offer quality entertainment.