Royalty busy leading up to fair week

Washakie County Fair Royalty had a busy summer already and fair week has yet to begin.

Queen June Hansen, 13, is the daughter of Brooklyn and Josh Hansen of Worland. Princess Dahlia Lara, 11, is the daughter of Dustin Lara and Beth Stiver. They have been busy participating in the Cody Stampede over the Fourth of July week. That included participating in the youth parade, attending the Tough Enough To Wear Pink night at the Cody Stampede Rodeo where they signed autographs. They also stopped at the senior center that afternoon to have lunch, sign autographs and helped seniors by carrying their trays of food as well as just visiting with them.

They met Miss Rodeo America and Miss Rodeo Tennessee.

They also participated in the Ten Sleep Fourth of July celebration and have been helping 4-H members including participating in a Pamper Yourself Day and helped some members with sewing projects.

Hansen said she wanted to be part of the royalty because she thought it would be fun and a new experience.

She also liked the idea of being able to help out the community. "I really like helping others."

Hansen has not competed in the fair in the past but has helped friends get ready and helped with some of the set up.

Unfortunately, due to prior commitments, Hansen will not be able to attend most of fair week but will be working on helping others get ready, she said.

Hansen encourages people to come out to the fair next week. "It's really fun opportunity to see what all these hard kids have been working on. It's always fun to see what all everyone in the community has been doing."

Personally, Hansen enjoys watching the rodeo, but also checking out the photography and cake decorating exhibits.

This year is Lara's second year as Washakie County Fair Princess. She said she has a lot of fun and enjoys packing the flags at rodeos and parades.

She said she has been able to do a lot more with a year of experience.

Lara will be competing in next Thursday's youth rodeo in barrels, goat tying and pole bending. At the Washakie County Fair Rodeo on Friday, July 26 she will pack the flags, something she enjoys.

For anyone who might be interested in being a member of the royalty next year, Lara said, "You don't have to be able to ride a horse. If you're like nervous that you don't know how to ride a horse you don't have to. It's a lot of fun. You can do you can learn a lot of new things."

She said she likes the fair because she enjoys riding her horse. Last year Lara helped out judging the dog show and helping other participants with their animals.

Lara said people should come to next week's fair because it is a lot of fun and noted that country duo Thompson Square will be in concert on July 27.