Slow ticket sales for Thompson Square fair concert a concern for board

The Washakie County Fair Board, during meetings July 1 and July 8 finalized several items for the July 21-27 fair and expressed concerns about ticket sales for country duo 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.

Tickets are on sale now on the county fair website, washakiecountyfair.com. As of Monday night just 55 tickets had been sold.

Last year for Deana Carter, the board sold about 700.

Local band Rattlesnake Ridge is opening for Thompson Square this year.

MOVIE NIGHT

Movie night is officially on for this year’s fair with a date to officially be determined at next Monday’s meeting. The board tried out the screen they purchased from the Ten Sleep Recreation District on Sunday and everything was in working order.

They have tentative plans to show the movie “Zoo” for free on Wednesday night. Dani Rice suggested moving movie night to Monday night if they do not get enough teams for the tug-of-war tournament. As of Monday night only one team had entered. They have divisions for youth and co-ed with at least six teams required to continue with the event.

Deadline to enter is this Friday.

There was also discussion of trying to replace the Tug-of-War event if there are not enough teams. A final decision will be made at Monday’s meeting.

PRAYER

The board voted to allow a prayer group to set up a booth to offer prayers to anyone stopping by.

One of the organizers, Kristi Baumstarck, said the “ charismatic prayer group” will be set up Monday through Friday of fair week during the evenings as long as people are available. There will always be two people at the table, she said.

While the group initially started within the St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, they are wanting to branch out into the community and pray for anyone.

“If someone has a surgery coming up or is hurting and wants some prayer then we want to pray for them,” Baumstarck said. “We are a prayer group, we are not promoting any the church. We will be there to pray with people no matter who they are or what denomination.”

SHOW ARENA

DONATION

During the July 8 meeting, Sheep Superintendent Erin Donnell said Keller Construction is donating materials and labor to construct a permanent awning at the show arena.

Donnell asked if only printed health certificates will be accepted at this year’s fair, noting an issue last year. The board said yes printed copies are required. Those with digital copies will need to print them to turn them in.

LIVESTOCK SALE

Washakie County 4-H Educator Amber Armajo said there are 84 youth who will are anticipated to sell animals at this year’s fair.

The Junior Livestock Sale will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday following the parade. (See related story on the parade.) She said Adam Redland and Gary Nash are the auctioneers this year with LeAnn Baker emceeing.

This year’s after sale lunch will be briskets and ribs.

The board hired Elizabeth Bates as office help during fair week. There is one more position open. Anyone interested should contact a board member.