It’s State Fair Time!
For the team at the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Wyoming State Fair (WSF) is a big part of our year. As soon as the current state fair wraps up, we start thinking about the next year.
We are honored to be a part of the WSF, as we realize it is such a large part of people’s lives in Wyoming. From 4-H and FFA projects to rodeos and the carnival, the fair has something for everyone.
The WSF is now a stand-alone part of state government. Along with fair administration under the proven leadership of General Manager Courtny Conkle and excellent staff, there is a very active board consisting of 15 members from all over the state representing other state industries and agricultural interests.
It may be one of the most hands-on and well-represented boards in the state.
The WSF has an endowment which has also been very active and successful, but is always in need of more funding for upkeep, maintenance and new facilities. It is a great place to donate, as the WSF is involved with so many youth and members of the Wyoming community.
The WSF has been around since 1905, and its future looks brighter than ever. Wyoming is fortunate to have a state fair with our boom and bust economy. There are a lot of states that have given up on having a state fair for one reason or another. Most likely it is because of high costs, the disconnect with ag communities and not having the right leadership.
State fairs do cost quite a bit money to put on. It takes year-around planning and raising funds to be successful. You have to give people something to be passionate about and host events they want to see.
I’ve always felt a state fair’s main goal is to showcase agriculture so people can learn where their food comes from and what it takes to raise an animal. They can also learn about the sporting events associated with agriculture.
With the hit TV show “Yellowstone,” everyone wants to buy a hat and be a cowboy, especially the younger crowd. They want activities where they can be a part of the cowboy culture – but skip the train station part.
This year’s WSF will have a lot of great entertainment. Be sure to pick up a 2024 Official Wyoming State Fair Guide at the entry gates or the Roundup Tent for a complete list of events. The guide also includes articles of what’s happening on the grounds.
We shouldn’t take the WSF for granted. It takes people, money and a whole state to put it on. It is easy for everyone in the state to be a part of, through volunteer work, monetary donations or showing up as a visitor or exhibitor.
It is a great place to meet old friends, watch youth showing their pets or livestock and see new types of ag equipment.
Be sure to walk around and visit all of the exhibits. Stop in and cool off at the Roundup Tent, which will offer 24 booths, shade, cold bottled water, popcorn and a chair to sit down on.
There is a lot to see, and we hope to see you there.
Dennis Sun is the publisher of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, a weekly agriculture newspaper available online and in print. He can be reached at: Dennis@WYLR.net
