ROCK SPRINGS — After a year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of Sweetwater County residents’ favorite events are returning this summer.
During the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce luncheon today, representatives from the Sweetwater County Events Complex, Red Desert Roundup Rodeo, and International Day informed luncheon attendees about the upcoming events planned for the summer.
“We are super excited that we are having a fair this year,” said Sweetwater Events Complex Marketing and Events Director Kandi Pendleton.
Not only is the events complex having the Sweetwater County Fair with all of the events it normally has — including concerts, carnival, and 4-H and Future Farmers of America exhibits — it’s also having other events too. The fair will take place July 31 through August 8.
The complex will also host numerous summer events including barrel racing, horse racing, a huge RV Camping event, and other rodeo-related events.
The Escapade camping event is expected to bring in around 800 campers to Sweetwater County. Pendleton said this should provide an estimated $3 million to the local economy while campers are staying here.
Pendleton said they started to see a turn around in April and they are excited to get back to normal.
“We are almost back to full speed,” Pendleton said.
As for rodeo action, the Red Desert Roundup Rodeo is back. Red Desert Roundup Rodeo treasurer Lauren Reed said COVID-19 cancelled last year’s event, but they are ready to rejuvenate the event this year.
Reed said this year will be the rodeo’s 44th year but will have some changes. She said they are changing the rodeo from a three-day to two-day event, which is scheduled to take place on Friday, July 30, and Saturday, July 31.
“I’m hoping we have a fantastic turnout this year,” she said.
Reed was also happy to announce they will once again be hosting the Red Desert Parade scheduled at 10 a.m. Saturday.
International Day is scheduled to take place July 10, according to Committee Chairman JT Larson. The event currently has 20 vendors, but there is always room for more. Larson said they already have Ten Years Gone booked as their final act and Greek artists are scheduled to perform as well.
International Day celebrates the diverse heritage of Rock Springs through food, exhibits, costumes and live entertainment.
With all of the events returning Sweetwater County residents are sure to enjoy the summer.
