Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
The Washakie County Fair Board finalized the entertainment schedule for this year's fair, July 20-27, as well as opened up all open class entries, indoor and market animals to any Wyoming resident, during their regular meeting June 10.
The fair begins on Saturday, July 20 with the horse show and a cornhole tournament. Monday, July 22 will be the new Tug-of-War tournament in the arena. There will be a $5 entrance fee to watch the fun. Team applications will be available on the fair's website.
Tuesday will be the Public Style Revue and potentially a movie night. The board approved a motion to make an offer to purchase the movie screen and projector from the Ten Sleep Recreation Department.
Wednesday, July 24 begins musical entertainment with Big Praise, Thursday is Tris Munsic, Friday Jared Rogerson returns and Saturday is the headlining act Thompson Square, with Rattlesnake Ridge opening.
THOMPSON SQUARE
According to their website, thompsonsquare.com, Thompson Square, is a Grammy-nominated husband and wife duo of Keifer and Shawna Thompson. They have won ACM, ACA, CMA and CMT awards, and have a "multi-platinum mega-hit" 'Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not.'"
Per the website, "After taking time out over the last few years to focus on family (venturing out briefly to release their critically lauded Masterpiece album), the pair are back on the scene in full force and have reunited with Benny Brown, the veteran label head who spearheaded their chart-topping success.
"Keifer and I really got back to our roots," says Shawna of this country music homecoming, "But we've grown too, and the music reflects all of that." The duo's new material promises all the hallmarks that made audiences fall for the Thompsons in the first place, as well as showcasing everything that life, touring and starting a family has taught them.
Tickets are on sale now on the county fair website, washakiecountyfair.com.
OPEN CLASS
Board member Sherry Walter asked whether the open class livestock shows (all animals except swine) would be county-only residents like the youth shows or open to Wyoming residents.
Walter said opening up the open class is a way to grow fair exhibits and grow the fair.
Board member Marty Cross said if the fair grows there has to be discussion of getting better facilities.
After a brief discussion the board approved opening all open class entries to anyone in Wyoming. They must adhere to all county fair requirements, including health and brand certificates printed for animal shows. Animal shows are show and go with animals not staying on the grounds.
VENDORS
Bookkeeper Sandy Richard and board member Beth Shaffer said they had few vendors this year sign up with deadline July 15. After the deadline, booth costs increase.
Shaffer said she has two food trucks signed up - shaved ice and Vega's. Washakie County 4-H and the Washakie County Republican Women have signed up for concession booths.
OTHER BUSINESS
In other business, Board member Marty Cross asked if the board could look at having a circus, such as the one coming to the Big Horn Basin later this month, or a carnival for a few days.
Washakie County Extension Youth Educator Amber Armajo said they have added a market female class that will be for all breeds to the beef show.
She is looking for open class foods, flowers, photography and poultry judges.
•It was noted to add animals must be clean, presentable, dry and free of mud during weigh-ins, addressing problems that arose during tagging last week. There were 64 pigs, 61 sheep, 55 beef and 21 goats tagged last week.
•There will be facepainting, balloon animals and yard games available during fair week.
•The board approved purchasing canopies.
•The board will meet at 7 p.m. on June 24, July 1, July 8 and July 15.
•The parade is on scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, July 27. Chairman Jeff Lapp visited with the council at the June 4 meeting. They will handle street closures. Lori Hughes of Ten Sleep was assisting with the application to the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Becky Cooper is organizing the parade.
Entry forms are not required this year. Parade entries are asked to start lining up at 8 a.m. at Kiwanis Park.
