The Wyoming State Fair in Douglas, Wyoming has been a cherished tradition since 1905. This annual event brings together families, farmers, ranchers, and visitors from across the state for five days of excitement and entertainment. The 2024 Wyoming State Fair is scheduled for August 13-17, promising an array of activities for all ages.
Held at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas, the fair showcases the best of Wyoming’s agriculture, livestock, and rural life. Attendees can expect to see 4-H and FFA youth projects, PRCA rodeo events, and live music performances featuring major recording artists. The fair also offers unique attractions like demolition derbies, chuckwagon breakfasts, and pig mud wrestling.
Recent announcements from fair organizers have generated additional excitement for the upcoming event. Significant increases in payouts for market goat, beef, sheep, and swine shows have been made possible through generous sponsorships from businesses and individuals across Wyoming. This boost in prize money is expected to attract even more competitive entries and enhance the quality of livestock exhibitions at the 2024 fair.
History of the Wyoming State Fair
The Wyoming State Fair has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. It began in 1886 as the “First Annual Wyoming Territorial Fair” near Cheyenne.
In 1905, the fair found its permanent home in Douglas, Wyoming. Since then, Douglas has hosted this annual event showcasing the state’s agricultural heritage and cultural traditions.
The fairgrounds are situated on the west Yellowstone Highway, alongside the North Platte River. This picturesque location has been the backdrop for generations of Wyoming families to gather and celebrate.
Over the decades, the Wyoming State Fair has evolved while maintaining its core purpose. It continues to highlight 4-H and FFA youth projects, demonstrating the importance of agriculture in the state’s identity.
The fair has expanded its offerings to include modern entertainment alongside traditional events. Visitors can now enjoy PRCA rodeos, concerts featuring major recording artists, and demolition derbies.
Notable historical features include the grave of Black Kettle on the fairgrounds. This site, marked by a scaffold built in 1938, adds a layer of cultural significance to the fair’s legacy.
Today, the Wyoming State Fair remains a vital thread in the fabric of the state’s history. It serves as both a link to Wyoming’s past and a showcase for its future.
Wyoming State Fairgrounds
The Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas serve as the central venue for the annual Wyoming State Fair. This expansive complex hosts a variety of facilities and amenities to support fair activities and year-round events.
Facilities and Amenities
The fairgrounds feature multiple exhibition halls for showcasing livestock, agricultural products, and other fair entries. A large arena hosts rodeos, concerts, and other performances during the fair. The grounds also include food vendor areas, carnival midways, and spacious parking lots to accommodate visitors.
RV camping is available on-site, allowing attendees to stay for the duration of the fair. The fairgrounds maintain permanent barns and stables to house animals brought for competitions and shows. Administrative offices and maintenance buildings support daily operations.
Beyond the annual fair, the Wyoming State Fairgrounds serve as an event complex year-round. The facilities host conferences, trade shows, and community gatherings throughout the year, making use of the versatile spaces and amenities.
Agricultural Competitions
The Wyoming State Fair showcases the state’s agricultural prowess through various livestock competitions. These events highlight the quality of Wyoming’s beef, sheep, and market goat production while providing a platform for producers to display their best animals.
Beef Shows
Beef shows at the Wyoming State Fair attract top cattle producers from across the state. Exhibitors present their prized animals in different categories based on breed, age, and weight. Judges evaluate cattle on factors such as muscling, structural correctness, and overall quality. Angus, Hereford, and Simmental breeds often feature prominently in these competitions.
The Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion selections draw significant attention, with winners earning prestige and often commanding premium prices at subsequent auctions. Youth participants in 4-H and FFA programs also compete in dedicated beef show categories, gaining valuable experience in animal husbandry and showmanship.
Sheep and Market Goat Competitions
Sheep and market goat competitions showcase the diversity of Wyoming’s small ruminant industry. In the sheep division, breeds like Suffolk, Hampshire, and Dorset are commonly exhibited. Competitors present their animals for evaluation of traits such as muscle definition, skeletal structure, and fleece quality.
Market goat classes focus on meat-type breeds, with exhibitors vying for top honors based on their animals’ muscle composition and overall market readiness. These competitions often serve as a proving ground for the state’s goat industry, highlighting advancements in breeding and management practices.
Both sheep and goat shows include dedicated youth divisions, fostering the next generation of livestock producers. Showmanship classes allow participants to demonstrate their handling skills and knowledge of animal care.
Rodeo and Equestrian Events
The Wyoming State Fair showcases thrilling rodeo action and equestrian competitions. These events highlight the state’s rich Western heritage and celebrate the skills of cowboys and cowgirls.
PRCA Rodeo Highlights
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo takes center stage at the Wyoming State Fair. Top-ranked cowboys and cowgirls compete in classic events like bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping.
Spectators can witness the intense struggle between rider and beast in the popular bucking bronco and bull riding contests. The precision and speed of barrel racing often draw enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
Team roping showcases the coordinated efforts of header and heeler working together to rope a steer. Calf roping tests a cowboy’s agility and speed in both riding and rope work.
The rodeo also features crowd-pleasing entertainment like rodeo clowns and specialty acts between competitive events. These performances add humor and excitement to the already action-packed program.
Visitors can expect a true Western experience, complete with patriotic displays and tributes to military service members. The PRCA Rodeo at the Wyoming State Fair continues to be a highlight of the summer event calendar in Douglas.
Carnival and Midway Attractions
The Wyoming State Fair in Douglas features an exciting carnival and midway provided by Carnival Midway Attractions. Visitors can enjoy thrilling rides, classic carnival games, and tasty fair food during the event’s 5-day run.
One of the main attractions is the Century Wheel, offering panoramic views of the fairgrounds and surrounding area. Families and thrill-seekers alike can experience a variety of rides suitable for all ages.
The carnival area buzzes with energy, filled with colorful lights and the sounds of excited fairgoers. Games of chance and skill line the midway, giving attendees opportunities to win prizes and test their abilities.
Food vendors serve up traditional fair favorites like cotton candy, funnel cakes, and corn dogs. The aroma of these treats wafts through the air, enticing visitors to indulge in classic carnival cuisine.
Carnival Midway Attractions sets up its show at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds, creating a festive atmosphere that complements the fair’s other events and exhibitions. The carnival adds an element of excitement and nostalgia to the overall fair experience.
Entertainment and Live Performances
The Wyoming State Fair offers a diverse array of entertainment options for attendees of all ages. Free with admission, visitors can enjoy educational programs like Everyday Ag and Resources of Wyoming.
Animal lovers will delight in the Sea Lion Splash Show, showcasing the agility and intelligence of these marine mammals. For those seeking a mystifying experience, hypnotists perform captivating shows throughout the fair.
Music enthusiasts can enjoy live performances by Wyoming Singer Songwriters, celebrating local talent. The fair also features concerts with major recording artists, adding star power to the event.
Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band, a homegrown Wyoming group, takes the stage to entertain fairgoers with their energetic performances.
For a touch of nostalgia, visitors can partake in the Chuckwagon Breakfast, offering a taste of traditional cowboy cuisine. The fair’s entertainment lineup also includes unique events like Pig Mud Wrestling and Dock Dogs competitions.
Families can capture memories at the selfie booth or enjoy the colorful Kiddie Parade. The WSF Parade showcases community spirit and local pride.
Thrill-seekers will find excitement in the carnival rides, which open daily starting at 5 PM on August 13th. The fair’s vibrant atmosphere is further enhanced by fun food vendors scattered throughout the grounds.
Youth Participation and Education
The Wyoming State Fair offers numerous opportunities for young people to showcase their skills and expand their knowledge. Youth competitions and educational programs form the cornerstone of these activities, fostering personal growth and community engagement.
Youth Competitions
4-H and FFA projects take center stage at the Wyoming State Fair. Young participants exhibit livestock, crafts, and agricultural products they’ve raised or created. Competitions include showmanship classes for cattle, sheep, goats, and swine.
Youth also compete in categories like:
- Horticulture
- Photography
- Woodworking
- Robotics
- Public speaking
These contests allow kids to demonstrate their abilities and learn valuable life skills. Ribbons, prizes, and scholarships are awarded to top performers, recognizing their hard work and dedication.
Educational Programs
The fair provides a platform for hands-on learning experiences. Interactive exhibits teach visitors about Wyoming’s agricultural heritage and modern farming practices. Youth can participate in:
- Livestock judging clinics
- Soil conservation workshops
- Farm safety demonstrations
- Veterinary science presentations
STEM-focused activities introduce kids to cutting-edge agricultural technologies. Cooking demonstrations highlight nutritious ways to use local products. These programs aim to inspire the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals.
Vendors and Concessions
The Wyoming State Fair in Douglas boasts a diverse array of vendors and concessions. Each year, the fairgrounds come alive with numerous booths offering a wide range of products and services.
Food vendors are a major attraction, serving up classic fair fare and local specialties. Visitors can indulge in everything from corn dogs and funnel cakes to more unique Wyoming-inspired dishes.
Craft vendors showcase local artisanship, selling handmade jewelry, clothing, and home decor items. Many of these vendors feature Wyoming-made products, offering visitors a chance to take home authentic souvenirs.
Commercial vendors also participate, displaying and selling various goods and services. These may include farm equipment, home improvement products, and local business offerings.
The fair provides opportunities for both established businesses and small entrepreneurs to reach a large audience. Vendor spaces are typically in high demand, with applications often opening months in advance of the fair.
For those interested in becoming a vendor, the Wyoming State Fair website offers information on application processes, booth fees, and setup requirements. Potential vendors should check the official fair website for the most up-to-date information and deadlines.
Wyoming State Fair Board and Governance
The Wyoming State Fair Board oversees the management and operation of the annual Wyoming State Fair in Douglas, WY. This board consists of appointed members who serve four-year terms.
The board includes representatives from various sectors, such as the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and the University of Wyoming. The Governor of Wyoming serves as an ex-officio member.
Board meetings are held regularly to discuss fair-related matters. For example, a two-day meeting is scheduled for September 17-18, 2024, starting at 10 am on the first day and 8 am on the second day.
The board makes important decisions regarding fair operations, including financial matters. In 2024, they approved increases to the Top 5 Market Animal Payout.
Local representation is valued on the board. The City of Douglas and Converse County appoint one person to serve, ensuring community involvement in fair governance.
Board members can be contacted at the Wyoming State Fair office:
400 W Center St, Douglas, WY 82633
Phone: 307-358-2398
Email: [email protected]
The Wyoming State Fair Board plays a crucial role in showcasing the best of Wyoming through this annual event.
Stay Updated
The Wyoming State Fair offers multiple ways to stay informed about upcoming events, schedule changes, and important announcements. Visitors can easily access the latest news and sign up for regular updates.
Mailing List Sign-up
The Wyoming State Fair maintains an email mailing list to keep supporters and attendees informed year-round. Signing up is simple and free. Interested individuals can visit the official Wyoming State Fair website and locate the mailing list sign-up form. Subscribers receive regular newsletters containing event schedules, ticket information, and special offers. The mailing list also provides advance notice of headline entertainment announcements and early access to certain ticket sales.
Latest News and Announcements
The Wyoming State Fair regularly shares news and updates through various channels. The official website features a dedicated news section with current information about fair activities, competitions, and special events. Social media platforms like Facebook are utilized to post real-time updates and engage with the community. Press releases are issued for major announcements, such as changes to fair dates or significant additions to the event lineup. Visitors are encouraged to check these sources frequently in the weeks leading up to the fair for the most up-to-date information.
