Something To Do In Casper-The Central Wyoming Fair And Rodeo [VIDEO]
Every year the city of Casper hosts 9 days of PRCA Rodeo, Exhibits, and, of course, Rides. When researching this story, I came across this little bit o' history on the CWFR, courtesy of centralwyomingfair.com:
In 1904 the town of Casper, then just 15 years old, held its first fair on record. The state-wide celebration, known as the Industrial Convention was organized, and all surrounding counties were invited to contribute to the exhibitions.
Without a permanent fairgrounds, Casper's earliest fairs and rodeos were held in many different places. It's believed that there were rodeo events hosted in the Garden Creek and Mountain View areas, and in 1914 the first annual County Fair was held...well, somewhere! Sept. 23-25. Even the 3rd floor of the Natrona County High School was used to showcase fair exhibits. The first rodeo was produced by Leo Cramer of Big Timber, MT, and he later formed a partnership with Harry Knight, producing the rodeo in Casper for several years. After a time, Harry Knight was partnered with the legendary Gene Autry, and finally, took over producing rodeo without a partner.
Very interesting how the classic cowboys of yester-year always seem to be tied to the city of Casper in one form or another (think of John Wayne filming Hellfighters just outside of town)
Each year, the CWFR offers Casperites a chance to let loose and relax at the same time. With Opening night on Friday the 8th, the Demolition Derby on Saturday, the Parade on Tuesday (which will have a new route this year due to construction...see the map below)
and the PRCA Rodeo running the 12th through the 16th, this year's fair once again offers a little something for everybody. And now, the info you need:
What: 2011 Central Wyoming Fair And Rodeo
When: July 8th-16th
Where: Central Wyoming Fairgrounds
Who’s Invited: Anybody and everybody
How Much?: Depending on which days and events you want to see, the price changes. There is free gate admission July 8th-11th. You can win free PRCA tickets here
Why You Should Go: Carnival food, Rodeo, Rides, a chance to get as close to livestock as some of us will ever get, and, of course, carnies
Web Sites And Info:
http://www.prorodeo.com (PRCA)
http://www.centralwyomingfair.com
http://casperwyoming.info