An Important Week
The week of Aug. 14-20 is a very important one for Wyoming. We have the primary election on Aug. 16, followed by the Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo (WSF) the rest of the week.
While the upcoming primary election may resemble a general election in some races, it goes to show just how important it is. As more people in Washington D.C. try to push America into socialism, our rural way of life, especially in the West, is at risk.
We’re taught being able to vote is a right, I think it is also a privilege we shouldn’t take for granted. The people of Ukraine realize the importance of voting and are fighting for their lives to keep this right.
We’re lucky to have never had a major war with another country on American soil, and I hope we never do. Remember, not voting will make America weak. If you haven’t already voted, you need to vote.
Another privilege we have is being able to go to the WSF in Douglas Aug. 15-20. After a year’s planning, the staff, WSF General Manager Courtny Conkle and the WSF Board have a great fair and rodeo planned.
The Youth Horse Show is on Monday, Aug. 15, followed by the reining, working cow horse, roping and sorting events in the Stotz Arena and barrel racing, pole bending and goat tying in the Yellow Arena on Tuesday, Aug. 16.
Wednesday, Aug. 17 starts with Single Steer Roping early and the beef, goat and sheep show rings start to get busy. The Wyoming Junior Angus Association will host a Junior Angus Show at 9 a.m.
The Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame Picnic starts at 5 p.m. at Riverside Park. This year, the Roundup will be honoring Pat and Sharon O’Toole from Savery and the late Scott Keith from Casper and Gillette. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo will start at 7 p.m.
On Thursday, Aug. 18, the show rings will be busy with sheep, goats, pigs, the Hereford cattle show, the Angus cattle show and the Supreme Champion Beef and Bull and Female Selection. The Wyoming Pioneer Association will hold their meeting at 10 a.m., followed by their lunch.
Friday, Aug. 19 will be another busy day at the show rings with FFA Beef Showmanship, the calf show and the Commercial Heifer Show.
Saturday, Aug. 20 is a full day in the show rings, with cattle, goats and sheep. The 4-H and FFA youth will be busy all day.
These youth shows may not mean as much to some fair participants who don’t realize the importance of 4-H and FFA youth and their programs. Many of these youth are business people with their own herds of cattle, sheep, pigs and other animals.
They have their futures mapped out and, with their work ethic, will achieve much in life. This is the real fun part of the fair, watching these youth grow up with the support of their families and neighbors.
Take the time to be a part of the fair, there is something for everybody. Save some time to visit the Roundup Tent across from the Beef Show Ring, visit the 23 booths and grab a free cold bottle of water.
See you there.
