SWEETWATER COUNTY – Should the Wyoming Big Show be extended, adding a free 4-H week before the regular fair? The Sweetwater County Fair Board wants to hear from you.
A public meeting to gather comments on a proposal to extend the Sweetwater County Fair will take place at the Sweetwater Events Complex at 7 p.m. Tuesday night. The board is preparing to make a decision on the extension at its regular board meeting Nov. 17.
At the recent board meeting, the theme was “If it ain’t broke” as around 50 parents and participants of 4-H urged the Sweetwater County Fair Board not to expand the fair to two weeks. Also among those speaking was Daggett County Commissioner Jack Lytle.
Lytle urged the board not to extend the Sweetwater County Fair by a week, calling the event unlike anything else in the region. He said extending the fair would cause hardships for many of the small communities who travel to participate in the fair.
Many 4-H families from the smaller communities make the trek every summer to Sweetwater County. So much so, Manila is represented on the board by Donald Pallesen. Lytle said the Sweetwater County Fair is a highlight for many of their local participants.
Local 4-H members also addressed the board. Not one person spoke in favor the change. The board was asked several times where the idea started as many said they were unaware there was even a change being discussed until a couple of weeks ago.
Officials explained the Sweetwater County Commissioners have received numerous complaints about the fair moving away from 4-H. Many of these complaints coming from participants of 4-H.
With the complaints in hand, the Sweetwater County Commissioners brought the issues to the fair board and asked if they would try to resolve them.
Those speaking against the proposal that night also voiced several concerns. The Red Desert Rodeo, the auction, other scheduled events and the fear it would hurt new chapters in the area were all mentioned.
The strongest testimony came from the young members of 4-H. They told the board they liked being a part of the fair and everything it involves. Participants work hard before, during and after the event. All who addressed the board said they enjoy the carnival and concerts after a day of work.
Board members also weighed in. Rob Zotti urged everyone to speak up whether they are for or against the proposal. He said it is the comments made by the public that will drive the decision.
Vice Chairperson Faith Harris agreed. She said she was contacted by two young ladies involved in 4-H who took her to lunch. During the lunch, Harris said these young residents explained why changing the fair would hurt the organization. One thing Harris has been amazed about is how many people have said the week of the fair is their family vacation.
Chairman Kent McCann said a lot of positive things have evolved from the recent discussions. Specifically the talk to start a committee made up of fair board members, 4-H officials and the UW Extension Office to address issues while getting everyone on the same page.
“We are in a better place now than we were two weeks ago,” he said.
Sweetwater County Commissioner and liaison to the board John Kolb stressed it would be the fair board making the decision and not the commissioners. He said most of the time the only feedback they get is from people who are angry about a situation. He stressed the importance of speaking out on an issue whether for it or against it.
