County Fair Board discusses breed criteria, arena repairs

The Washakie County Fair Board met March 9 for its regularly scheduled meeting and heard from a potential rodeo contractor.

The Fair Board began advertising last week in the Northern Wyoming News for bid packages for this year’s County Fair Rodeo and County Fair Youth Rodeo. Rodeo contractor David Love of Gillette attended the meeting to express his interest and to learn what kinds of rodeo events the Board would like to see, as well to know its preferred timing and timeframe for these events. The Board asked Love to submit two proposals, articulating alternative programs.

Following this, the board discussed the fair book, and the logistics of making updates to it.

The board discussed the criteria it will use for determining the breed of various kinds of livestock that will be exhibited at the fair. Last year, the board followed the lead of the Wyoming State Fair in classifying animals by breed, within each type of animal – cattle, pigs, sheep and so on. It can be difficult for non-specialists to discern this with accuracy. The board discussed the need to organize breed verification committees for each type of animal, and considered what qualifications might be required of members of such committees. For example, a breeder and a superintendent for each type of animal, as well as a fair board member, would likely be key constituents.

Regarding superintendents for this year’s fair, the board will write to last year’s volunteers to ascertain their continuing interest. If it turns out that there are any openings, the board will place an ad in the newspaper to request volunteers.

Then the Board discussed some necessary repairs that must be done around the fairgrounds. Most important is a gap in the lower rung of the arena fencing. It is possible that a steer could get through. Rodeo contractor Love had earlier offered to donate some steel pipe that could be used to repair this gap. If this donation comes through, board member Shane Wiggins, a certified welder, along with Board vice president Marty Cross as helper, could then make this repair. This would save the fair board some money.

Another issue is the heavy use of electricity by campers and recreational vehicles plugged into the fairground’s electrical system, which caused problems last year, including fuses that kept blowing. This year, campers wanting to use spotlights and other high-draw electrical equipment will need to bring their own generators.

There were some issues last year around containment at the Fair. Quite a few people were able to sneak in, and even people with dogs. The board determined that it would be good this year to position an adult volunteer at each gate.

Finally, the fairground entrance signs are at least 40 years old, and should be replaced. The Board considered that perhaps there may be a volunteer from the community who could donate the time and materials to make new signs.

The Fair Board’s next meeting will be on Monday, April 13.