The Forum is published three times a year by the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds, as an educational resource for patrons and guests. For more information, please call 307-235-5775. Summer Edition Vol.1 -No.2 Calendar of Events July 4-12 Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo July 5 Demolition Derby - Outdoor Arena July 8 PRCA Rodeo - Outdoor Arena July 12 PRCA Rodeo - Outdoor Arena July 19-20 4-H Dog Show - The Arena July 25-27 4-H Horse Show-The Arena August 2-3 Down Under Horsemanship - The Arena August 2-3 Wyoming Junior Rodeo Association Rodeo - Outdoor Arena August 2 Mixed Martial Arts & Kick Boxing - Industrial Building August 9-10 NADAC Trials - The Arena August 19-24 Auto Sale - Main Parking Lot August 29-31 Wyoming Cutting Horse Association - The Arena September 12-14 Wasatch Gun Show September 18-22 Wyoming Cutting Horse Association RODEO HANDS ASKED TO DO THEIR SHARE Maintain an environmentally friendly fairgrounds. Promote responsible stewardship of “best waste management” practices. Avoid soil and water contamination by responsible handling of animal waste from trucks and trailers. Dispose animal waste in designated collection receptacles. Handle and dispose of chemical and oil based products responsibly to avoid contaminating the storm water system. Manage storm water effectively for the trees, grassy areas and collection basins. Provide an aesthetically inviting fairgrounds to the public on behalf of the Casper and Natrona County community. • • • • • • • CENTRAL WYOMING FAIRGROUNDS WASTE MANAGEMENT GOALS 1. Shoveling out their stalls so the Bobcat can push solid waste into the new concrete bins; 2. Cleaning up solid waste from their horses on the asphalt; 3. Only shoveling out their trailers near the bins on the north side of the property. 4. And, as always, keeping their horses off the grassy areas. With everyone pitching in to do his or her part, the fairgrounds will be around for future generations to enjoy! At most ranch houses, there is a boot scraper at the front door. Heck, mom makes you take off your boots when you get in the house anyway. That concept of taking care of things is carrying over to the work place these days. Take the sport of rodeo, for example. Environmental concerns and just “doing the right thing”means that everyone involved with the sport has been asked to pitch in. Most major venues, from San Antonio to Cheyenne to Casper, are asking a little bit more from fans and visitors in terms of helping keep their grounds “green.” The next three months at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds will be busy with rodeos and ropings, carnivals and shows, and officials are asking visitors to “scrape their boots” when they visit. Long ago, our ranchers and farmers learned that being good stewards of the land meant a productive operation long into the future. That same kind of awareness has come to the sport of rodeo, where venues have come under scrutiny from newly arrived neighbors. Just this year, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo proudly announced that it was the first rodeo in the country to “Go Green.” Solid waste management from big rodeo events is now an imperative, not an option. Rodeos like Casper are following suit. The CWF will play host to several rodeos and numerous roping events, cuttings and horse shows this year. The staff and a task force assigned to work on a new waste water plan for the site say it will take everyone getting involved to assure the long term future of the fairgrounds. “Everyone knows we are located close to the Platte River on one side and close to a housing subdivision on the other,” said Tom Jones, manager of the fairgrounds. “That makes it all the more important that we do what we can to insure clean run-off into the watershed.” Jones said the task force assigned to work on the issue is asking rodeo contestants and other guests with horses to be aware of their surroundings and “do what they can to help out.” That means: Welcome CNFR contestants and fairgoers!
Transcript
The Forum is published three times a year by the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds, as an educational resource for patrons and guests. For more information, please call 307-235-5775.
Summer Edition
Vol. 1-No.2
Calendar of Events
July 4-12Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo
July 5 Demolition Derby - Outdoor Arena
July 8PRCA Rodeo - Outdoor Arena
July 12PRCA Rodeo - Outdoor Arena
July 19-204-H Dog Show - The Arena
July 25-274-H Horse Show-The Arena
August 2-3Down Under Horsemanship - The Arena
August 2-3Wyoming Junior Rodeo Association Rodeo - Outdoor Arena
August 2Mixed Martial Arts & Kick Boxing - Industrial Building
August 9-10 NADAC Trials - The Arena
August 19-24Auto Sale - Main Parking Lot
August 29-31Wyoming Cutting Horse Association - The Arena
September 12-14Wasatch Gun Show
September 18-22Wyoming Cutting Horse Association
RODEO HANDS ASKEDTO DO THEIR SHARE
Maintain an environmentally friendly fairgrounds.Promote responsible stewardship of “best waste management” practices.Avoid soil and water contamination by responsible handling of animal waste from trucks and trailers.Dispose animal waste in designated collection receptacles.Handle and dispose of chemical and oil based products responsibly to avoid contaminating the storm water system.Manage storm water effectively for the trees, grassy areas and collection basins.Provide an aesthetically inviting fairgrounds to the public on behalf of the Casper and Natrona County community.
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CENTRAL WYOMING FAIRGROUNDSWASTE MANAGEMENT GOALS
1. Shoveling out their stalls so the Bobcat can push solid waste into the new concrete bins;
2. Cleaning up solid waste from their horses on the asphalt;
3. Only shoveling out their trailers near the bins on the north side of the property.
4. And, as always, keeping their horses off the grassy areas.
With everyone pitching in to do his or her part, the fairgrounds will be around for future generations to enjoy!
At most ranch houses, there is a boot scraper at the front door.Heck, mom makes you take off your boots when you get in the house anyway.That concept of taking care of things is carrying over to the work place these days.
Take the sport of rodeo, for example. Environmental concerns and just “doing the right thing”means that everyone involved with the sport has been asked to pitch in. Most major venues, from San Antonio to Cheyenne to Casper, are asking a little bit more from fans and visitors in terms of helping keep their grounds “green.”
The next three months at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds will be busy with rodeos and ropings, carnivals and shows, and officials are asking visitors to “scrape their boots” when they visit.
Long ago, our ranchers and farmers learned that being good stewards of the land meant a productive operation long into the future. That same kind of awareness has come to the sport of rodeo, where venues have come under scrutiny from newly arrived neighbors.
Just this year, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo proudly announced that it was the first rodeo in the country to “Go Green.” Solid waste management from big rodeo events is now an imperative, not an option. Rodeos like Casper are following suit.
The CWF will play host to several rodeos and numerous roping events, cuttings and horse shows this year. The staff and a task force assigned to work on a new waste water plan for the site say it will take everyone getting involved to assure the long term future of the fairgrounds.
“Everyone knows we are located close to the Platte River on one side and close to a housing subdivision on the other,” said Tom Jones, manager of the fairgrounds. “That makes it all the more important that we do what we can to insure clean run-off into the watershed.”
Jones said the task force assigned to work on the issue is asking rodeo contestants and other guests with horses to be aware of their surroundings and “do what they can to help out.”
That means:
Welcome CNFR contestants and fairgoers!
When It RainsIt Drains
For more information and current events visit us on the web at www.centralwyomingfair.com
The Central Wyoming Fairgrounds wishes to thank the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Natrona County, the City of Casper and Casper College.
Funds for the implementation of new waste water and storm water management plans at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds were made possible by the aforementioned agencies.
We thank the members of the task force, including its chair Deena McDaniels, Shelly Anderson, Judy Olson,
Forrest Chadwick, Pete Greiner, Bonda Habets, Tom Jones, Dave Jordan, Bill Landen, Greg Pope, Brian Rohrbeck, Jim Sandison, Kate Sarosy, Mary Schrader, Fred Stratton, Margaret Teevens.
What makes all this possible is a grant from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency as well as cash and in-kind contributions from Natrona County, City of Casper, Natrona County Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Historic Trails RC&D and Casper College.
Frances E. Warren, former Governor of Wyoming, appointed Bryant B. Brooks, George Mitchell and Jacob E. Ervay to act in organizing the unorganized County of Natrona in the territory of Wyoming. On April 8, 1890 an election was held for the purpose of electing all County and precinct officers and for locating the County seat. Casper was duly declared the County Seat of the said Natrona County.
Application for the incorporation of the town of Casper was filed April 9, 1909. The Board of Carbon County Commissioners conducted proceedings concerning the incorporation of the town of Casper and the territory of Wyoming during a meeting held at Rawlins June 5, 1909. July 8, 1909 (the second Monday) was set for an election to take place for the purpose of electing a Town Council and other officers.
February 28, 1938 Jim Carey and Brother Corporation conveyed approximately 86.08 acres of the Carey Ranch lands to the City of Casper. December 16, 1941 the City of Casper conveyed these lands to Natrona County with the restriction that these lands be used for the express and exclusive use as a fairgrounds and industrial exposition.
John Burke recalled that the Natrona County Fair Board was established under the direction of the Natrona County Commissioners. A meeting was held October 8, 1941 and it was determined that plans and arrangements for the 1942 Fair would get underway.
Fremont Michie, former Natrona County Commissioner, was instrumental in supporting legislation passed to provide funding for the County fairs. After the grant of lands and arrangement for funding provisions were made, the first Fair Board, comprised of Jeff Cantrell, Harry Yesness and Milt Coffman, acted quickly to make plans for the first Fair in 1942. They utilized surplus equipment from the U.S. Army base located at what is currently known as the Natrona County International Airport.
Burke remembers the first Rodeo was produced by Leo Cramer of Big Timber, Montana. Later Leo Cramer formed a partnership with Harry Knight and they produced the Rodeo at Casper for several years. Harry Knight formed a partnership with Gene Autry for a period of time.
In 1947, legislation was enacted regarding the creation of Boards. In 1949, the Natrona County Commissioners appointed Guy Engle, Robert Grieve, Harry Yesness, A.F. Barrett and James A. Speas as the Board of the Natrona County Fair Association.
In 1983, Natrona County purchased the Terrace Drive-In Theater grounds from the Schulte family and expanded the Fairgrounds to approximately 96 acres. The Agriculture Resource and Learning Center was constructed in 1986 on a portion of this 10-acre tract. It provides a beautiful facility for 4-H, Home Extension Services and Master Gardeners. Many groups use the ARLC for meetings and training seminars.
The College National Finals Rodeo was the first event scheduled in THE ARENA, which was completed in May of 2000. THE ARENA is a 76,875 square foot building, that has become the site for the Annual Casper College Ropin’ & Riggin’ Days Rodeo, The Casper High School Rodeo and the WJRA Rodeo. Numerious horse shows and riding events are scheduled throughout the year.
The Central Wyoming Fairgrounds has evolved into a year-round multi-prupose facility. Some of the year-round activities held at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds include Gun Shows, Antique Shows, RV and Boat Shows, AKC Dog Shows, Craft Fairs, the Annual Shrine Circus, and many more.
By Judy Olsen
EARLY HISTORY OF THE CENTRAL WYOMING FAIRGROUNDS
By Shelly AndersonWhat do a wedding, holistic fair, baseball camp,
rodeo, car sale, carnival, symphony ball, demolition derby and an antique show all have in common? Well chances are you have attended one or more of these things at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds.
When most people think of the fairgrounds, the first thing that comes to mind is often rodeo or maybe the carnival that arrives each summer in conjunction with the parade in early July. What many folks might not know is that the Fairgrounds is a multi-faceted facility that provides a wide range of services to the community. The Fairgrounds has a full-time staff that runs the facility year round. There are a number of different areas, depending on
your needs, that are available to rent with support materials and personnel also available.
Since 1947, the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds has been a hub of activity for Casper and the surrounding community. The city has grown up around its edges. The Fairgrounds is surrounded on two sides by urban development and on the other two sides by the North Platte River. As time moves on, Wyoming and the Western United States in general are undergoing a very rapid shift in water quality awareness, protection and improvement. Increasing importance is being placed on water quality and the effects some activities held at the fairgrounds have on water quality.
What Do These Things Have in Common?
By Deena McDaniels
Storm water management is the science and art used to keep water clean as it travels from the
sky to the river or ocean. If it travels across polluted parking lots, super-fertilized lawns, bare earth construction sites or animal waste piles, you can imagine how polluted it can be when it gets to the river. It can bring sediment, oil, grease, pesticides, viruses, bacteria, animal waste, road salts, heavy metals and trash of all shapes and sizes directly into the downstream river or water body.
The Central Wyoming Fairgrounds has a new management plan to keep the rain water as clean as possible as it travels across the fairgrounds and enters the North Platte River. There are no treatment facilities between the Fairgrounds and the river. Pollution-free water leads to cleaner drinking water for all of us. It leads to maintaining the tremendous fishery and wildlife resources of the North Platte River.
Times are a changing at the Fairgrounds and every person who visits and uses the Fairgrounds is part of these changes. To do
your part in this effort read this brochure with special attention to the Waste Management Goals. Watch for green signs around the barns and stalls about how to handle your critter’s animal waste. The Fairgrounds is establishing new ways to manage animal waste so it doesn’t get into the outlet pipes that go across the street and directly into the North Platte River. One important step to success is to think about your actions in relation to stormwater and to act responsibly. Contributing by emptying your animal’s stalls as directed, picking up after your pets, disposing of trash properly, parking your cars and holding your animals only where it’s allowed are all parts to this clean storm water management formula.
The Central Wyoming Fairgrounds in Casper has been here a long time creating a fun place for many Wyoming residents and visitors alike. Your actions are important to keeping the facility open for everyone’s enjoyment. The Cowboy State knows how to put together an entertaining place for many different activities and its’ residents know how to do their part in maintaining it for all to enjoy.
Continued from pg. 2 A task force is in place at the
Fairgrounds that is working on a new storm water management plan for the facility. New best management practices are being put in place for staff and patrons alike that will help all of us become better stewards of water quality. New covered bunkers at the ends of the barns, new dumpsters, signage for athletes and patrons and educational materials discussing what each of us can do to help out are just a few of the improvements to watch for in the coming months.
The Central Wyoming Fairgrounds is an incredible asset to our community. We should all take pride in it and do what we can to improve it for ourselves and for those who will use it into the future. Just imagine, it could be your granddaughter’s wedding, your son riding a bucking bronc in the rodeo, you taking a spin on the Ferris wheel, or finding that perfect piece of cobalt blue glass at the antique show! Whatever the activity, our actions now will impact the face of the future.
