Wyoming State Fair
Despite 2020 event cancellations across the U.S. including Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Wyoming State Fair went ahead as scheduled from August 11-15, 2020, with safety precautions in place.
The following article appeared in Oil City News.
OFFICIALS: 2020 WYOMING STATE FAIR WILL TAKE PLACE WITH ‘SAFETY PLAN’ IN PLACE
By Oil City Staff on June 12, 2020
(Trevor T. Trujillo, Oil City File)
CASPER, Wyo. – It’s official. The 2020 Wyoming State Fair will happen this summer.
According to a release form the fair’s ad agency, the 108th year of the event will happen on August 11 through 15 in Douglas “with an extensive health and safety plan in place.”
No details on the safety measures were given. The release says the fair rill proceed “pending exception approval from health officials.”
“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,” said the release, which was sent to also announce a new branding strategy.
The new branding was approved this past Tuesday, said the release, and includes “a new logo and color palette, new website, and updated marketing materials.”
As of Friday, June 12, tickets were not yet available for purchase and live events had not been updated on the new site.
The schedule includes 4-H and FFA livestock shows and sales, the Crabtree Carnival, and traditional fair events such as the “pig ‘n mud wrestling” event, a parade on Saturday, a demolition derby and a freestyle motocross show with “X-Game legends.”
The PRCA rodeo slack is scheduled for Friday morning, with the rodeo performance at 7 p.m.
Most major summer rodeos and events in Wyoming were canceled due to concerns of COVID-19 spread. Along with other states, Wyoming has been methodically relaxing health restrictions over the past several weeks.
The following article appeared on Wyoming News Now.
Wyoming State Fair preparing for crowds; safety precautions in place
Published: Jul. 22, 2020 at 6:49 PM CDT
A Wyoming State Fair employee helps paint ticket booths before Wyomingites come to Douglas in a few weeks (Bobbee Russell)
DOUGLAS, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - Painting ticket booths is one of the many preparations happening on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds before it is up and running Aug. 11 through 15. This is one big event that hasn’t been canceled since the outbreak of COVID-19.
Courtny Conkle, the State Fair manager, said there’s plenty of changes that people will see and hear.
“We will have additional signs, 100 additional hand sanitizer stations, and increased janitorial staff. We will also have additional medical personnel on grounds,” Conkle said.
She added that they will also have signs and audio announcements reminding everyone to social distance.
Even with all of the changes, they are still trying to have the fair look like it has in the past. They will have fair food, events and livestock.
“You’ll still be able to come and have a great day with your family that’s safe and responsible,” Conkle said.
The grandstands normally hold over 4,000 people with portable bleachers that hold another 2,000. However, this year they are capping the audience at 3,000. Tickets for the grandstand shows are going fast.
“Especially with there being a bit less to do this year. I think people are going to be excited to come and see a good quality show,” Conkle said.
Conkle adds there were many challenges like the scheduled carnival backing out and headline performances canceling, but she’s glad they conquered them and can still hold it.
“We feel so blessed to be able to do this and show how events can be done responsibly and safely, but still continue to be economic drivers throughout the state,” Conkle said.