Fair Board, Chamber consider combining forces

WORLAND – The Washakie County Fair Board met Monday evening to approve vouchers and discuss attendance and maintenance issues at the 2018 county fair.

Worland-Ten Sleep Chamber of Commerce members, along with Director Cathy Orchard, were in attendance to address ideas for helping the fair advertise and attract more people going forward.

“There could be better ways to promote the fair,” said Orchard, noting that the chamber would like to start planning now, before requesting a budget in January.

Both the fair board and chamber agreed that the fair parade was a priority, with only a few participating this year, and little local business involvement.

The fair board recognized that, although there have been complaints, the entrance fee to the fair may need to be looked at, but noted that the fee covers all events inside the fair, where other fairs require a separate fee for rodeos, music and special events.

Both groups discussed how to increase fair visitors, and noted that 4-H participation has been falling over the years, and so many events are becoming harder to fill.

“It’s especially hard during fair season, because the kids are competing with sports schedules and football camps, stuff like that,” said Fair Board President David Doyle.

In other business, the board announced that they will be attending the Rocky Mountain Fair Association conference in Billings in November, and possibly the Wyoming Association of Fairs meeting in Evanston in October. Each event offers the fair board the opportunity to meet vendors and entertainment contractors.

The board also noted that $1,500 in 4-H and FFA premium checks will be available through the 4-H office after Sept. 15, and an additional $750 in herdsmanship award checks from this year’s fair.