SWEETWATER COUNTY – The countdown is on as the National High School Finals Rodeo is just around the corner. The Sweetwater County Fair Board was updated on Tuesday at the last regular meeting before the event.
The rodeo kicks off at the complex July 12 and will run through July 18. Complex Director Larry Lloyd said from a facilities standpoint, the final pieces are being put together.
One issue which has hit the complex this year is campsites. Lloyd said the complex is approximately 100 campsites short. He said they are scrambling right not to take care of the issue and are looking at possibly setting up temporary camping spots at the far end of the parking area.
“It has been a challenge for us,” Lloyd said.
This year the complex also had to add a new event into the mix, the working cowhorse or reigned cowhorse event. After looking at several spots where the new event will take place, the complex decided the best place is at the practice arena across the street.
There was some question about how the complex would get the contestants and equipment across the street safely. Complex Marketing and Events Manager Kandi Pendleton said they will use the livestock gate and go to the crosswalk from there. She also informed the board the city of Rock Springs will also be helping direct traffic during the times competitors will be crossing over to the small arena.
Throughout these discussions, those who use the practice arena have asked the Events Complex to keep them posted on the times the arena will be available for public use during the rodeo.
On Tuesday, Pendleton said for the most part both weekends will be open and between 11:30 a.m. to about 5:30 p.m. each day. There will be short practice times during the first weekend but should be open for the most part. Pendleton said they will post signs at the arena with the open times as well as post them to their Website and Facebook page.
Staff also said there are still a few spots open for people interested in volunteering. Currently, the complex has 460 volunteers signed up for this year’s event. Pendleton explained this year they have added volunteers at the shooting events in Green River and Rock Springs.
Training for the volunteers will by July 7 and July 8 at the Sweetwater Events Complex.
The final thing questioned by the board were the golf carts. This year, the complex is using a different vendor. Pendleton explained the rodeo has added Club Car as a major sponsor and they will be providing the carts. The carts are already going fast. Pendleton explained 16 trucks will be bringing all the carts to the complex from Iowa. They are currently being used at the Junior High National Finals Rodeo.
