2021 Wyoming State Fair

Summer is winding down, kids are getting new clothes for school and there is an early morning chill in the air. Across the state, 4-H and FFA members are getting projects, pets and livestock ready for the Wyoming State Fair (WSF). 

WSF General Manager Courtny Conkle and Assistant General Manager Reba Sundseth, WSF staff and WSF board members have had a busy year planning, finding sponsors and coming up with different ways to make the WSF a better experience for all and to grow the event. In fact, they started the Sunday after the last day of the 2020 Wyoming State Fair.  

As with any large event, if growth is desired, there often has to be change. Some of those changes take years to finetune. While some may complain of the updates, change can translate into opportunity for the event. 

I look at the WSF event as an opportunity to showcase Wyoming youth and Wyoming agriculture. A number of youth involved have small businesses because of their projects and animals they bring to the fair. It is gratifying to watch these youth in the show rings and arenas. 

If one is looking for entertainment, the WSF is packed full. From magic shows to a big name concert, and from early afternoon into the evening, there is something going on for everyone. 

If rodeo events are what you are looking for, there are plenty of performances. Tuesday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. is the Wyoming State Fair Championship Ranch Rodeo. Entered teams consist of the winners of qualifying ranch rodeos from across the state this past summer – here they are, the best of the best. This rodeo always has a packed house.  

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) steer roping starts Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 9 a.m., then the PRCA rodeo is on Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. Professional cowboys from around the country and statewide are there to compete for money. This is a great place to see some of America’s top cowboys and cowgirls in the arena.  

The carnival promises to be a hit again this year with rides for all ages, as a kid’s carnival is new to WSF. It is a great place to spend the evening with kids. Carnivals are always a mainstay of any fair across America. 

One event new this year is the Cowboy Cornhole Tournament at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, located behind the saloon. This tournament is sponsored by the Wyoming Natural Resource Foundation and the Wyoming FFA Foundation. Both are good causes to support. 

Please visit the Wyoming Livestock Roundup Tent while you are on the fairgrounds. It is located across the street from the beef show ring.  

Stop in for a cold bottle of water donated by the Wyoming Rural Electric Association and some popcorn. There are some 20 booths in the tent this year, along with the Wyoming State Hay Show. It’s a great place to sit awhile in the shade and visit with people from across the state. 

The WSF is a great closure to our summer. It is an event that has taken a year of planning and it’s well worth the trip to Douglas. See you there.