ROCK SPRINGS — Wyoming’s Big Show is restructuring the fair management to make things more efficient.

According to a press release:

This year there will be four main superintendents for the performances and exhibits. There will be a Horse Superintendent, Livestock Superintendent, Small Animal Superintendent and Static Superintendent. Each will oversee a group of volunteers for their department. This will make the organization more efficient and hopefully ease some confusion with entries and judging. We are confident in the people we have selected for superintendent positions. The new system has many benefits, so we are excited to test it out at this year’s fair!

This year the Livestock Superintendent is Mike Hughes. Mike is the Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor in Manilla and has been for the last seven years. He has a history with the Sweetwater County Fair and has competed both here and at the Wyoming State Fair for ten years. He competed on a college judging team and is a certified livestock judge. He has judged over 50 county fairs and livestock shows across Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Nebraska. As listed, he has a vast knowledge and background in livestock and livestock shows. Having judged, viewed, and participated in numerous shows, he has a great understanding of the practices and procedures it takes to run a good quality show. With his teaching and volunteer experience, he feels he will be a good and level headed liaison between kids, parents, 4-H and the Events Complex.

The Livestock Superintendent will also have one volunteer assistant superintendent for each of the following species: beef, goats, sheep and swine. BJ Flor is the Assistant Swine Superintendent, Donald Pallesen is the Assistant Beef Superintendent, Wendy Koritnik is the Assistant Sheep Superintendent, and Lois Sandbak is the Assistant Goat Superintendent. Each Assistant Superintendent has volunteered at Wyoming’s Big Show for several years and brings knowledge and expertise to the Fair.

Andrea Schuck will be this year’s Small Animal Superintendent. Andrea has a master’s degree in social work and is employed by the Sweetwater County Child Development Center.  She’s a native of Green River and has been involved with the fair since she was young.  She has been a superintendent for the Sweetwater County Fair and the National High School Finals Rodeo and has experience working with volunteers and getting events organized.  She has competed in horse events, dog shows and the rabbit and poultry barn.  She works with kids, parents, volunteers and agencies on a daily basis and is both friendly and efficient.

Shae Barkhurst will be working as the Horse Show Superintendent. Shae has been involved with the horse industry her entire live.  She has both participated and volunteered at county fairs in 4-H, FFA, and open divisions.  She also has a great knowledge of rodeo and barrel racing events.  She managed the Sweetwater County High School Rodeo for many years and was a superintendent for the Events Complex during the 2012-2013 National High School Finals Rodeo.  She is organized and knows the importance of scheduling and being prepared to have events/classes start on time and run efficiently.  As a superintendent with the NHSFR, she was active in recruiting and training volunteers before the event and ensuring that everything went smoothly for the four days of horse check in.  She also has strong computer skills; she is currently employed with Sweetwater Technology Services.

The Sweetwater Events Complex staff are working on the final changes to the Static Exhibits and will announce the Static Superintendent at that time.

For additional information about entering Wyoming’s Big Show, please contact the Sweetwater Events Complex at 307-352-6789 or online.