Washakie County Fair awards increased

Washakie County Fair Board approved their budget at their Monday, April 10 meeting with intentions to submit their $125,000 proposal to the County Commissioners. The proposal will be an increase from the previous $93,000 budget.

Fair Board members voted to increase showmanship premiums from $6 to $15 for first place, with $12, $9, $6, $5 and $4 awarded for following placements. Open and Youth classes will also receive a $3 increase from last year, with $6 for first place. The change was suggested by Board Member Dani Rice after researching premiums in Park and Big Horn County fairs and supported by Board Member Sherry Walter, who voiced that higher premiums could positively influence participation.

The Strut Your Mutt event, new last year, was allotted a $350 prize allowance with hopes that the contest will grow. The Board is also working to get Ten Sleep Art Club’s face painting back this year pending a contract negotiation. A new overhead metal entrance sign bid from Worley Welding for $1,250 pends approval from the County Commissioners.

Terry Bankert with American Legion Post 44 confirmed that the group will again be providing beer for the fair, with intentions to offer draft this year. A minimum of 10% of profits will be donated back to Washakie County Fair.

Entries for the Fair Royalty Pageant are due April 21 at 5 p.m. The pageant will take place May 4 at Washakie County Museum with registration at 5:30 p.m. and the contest at 6 p.m.

Camp spot applications must be submitted by June 15. A $100 entry fee is required, and priority will be given to campers whose home is more than 20 miles from the fairgrounds. An estimated 50 spots are available.

Tickets for the Deana Carter concert on Saturday, July 29 are on sale with 71 already sold. Local band Rattlesnake Ridge will open for the famous “Strawberry Wine” singer.