Although the coronavirus pandemic has caused most of Wyoming’s major rodeos to cancel, the Wyoming State Fair is going to go on as scheduled.
The fair, which is held in Douglas, will take place Aug. 11-15. According to organizers on the fair’s website, there will be an “extensive health safety plan” in place.
“We have long been a gathering point for generations of families, while providing a quality educational experience and entertainment for all who have attended,” organizers wrote on the website. “The Wyoming State Fair is a celebration of all things Wyoming and showcases our pride in our traditions, agriculture, innovation, industry, youth, entrepreneurs, artists, entertainment and so much more. This year will be no different.”
While several major rodeos in Wyoming have been canceled by the coronavirus, Gov. Mark Gordon said in May that state officials were doing all they could to make sure the state fair and county fairs continued in some fashion.
Organizers of many county fairs across the state are looking at curtailed schedules to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, with several focusing only on 4-H and FFA events and canceling accompanying attractions such as carnivals and night shows.
However, state fair officials plan on a full slate of activities, including a concert by country group Reckless Kelly and singer Jeremy McComb, who will perform on Aug. 13. Tickets for the concert will go on sale July 3.
Other grandstand entertainment will include pig wrestling on Aug. 11, a PRCA rodeo on Aug. 14 and a demolition derby on Aug. 15.
More information about the fair and its new safeguards will be offered in the coming weeks. A current schedule of events can be found here.
