GOSHEN COUNTY – Time is ticking as last-minute preparations continue at the Goshen County Fairgrounds this week as the 2024 Goshen County Fair quickly approaches. Each animal barn was set with panels, dividers, and freshly smoothed dirt. The alleyways are clear of clutter, litter, and the occasional cow-pie. Stands and picnic tables were put in place and final repairs were taking place. It is the calm before the storm and this year there are some new and exciting additions and changes to what lies ahead during the county’s highly anticipated ‘Fair Week’.

Even though the sights and the sounds of the fair haven’t fallen over the fairgrounds quite yet, Stephanie Lofink, grounds manager, expressed there are loads of people fast at work getting the grounds and fair time necessities ready to go for the week.

“We have heard a lot from the community about there’s not a lot to do on the weekends when people can actually attend, the working people,” Lofink said. “So, this year, on Saturday (July 27), it kicks the fair off on a Saturday and then we go clear through to the next Saturday (August 3).”

Lofink expressed, this year’s fair schedule is jam-packed with excitement. 

“We have every evening is full of something. Every lunchtime is full of something,” Lofink said. “At least we have a Saturday, Sunday, and Friday night and Saturday night with all kinds of fun stuff. Hopefully, it will make a big difference with people who normally don’t get Thursday off or avoid here on Thursday because there are too many people or it’s too hot. They will have tons of different opportunities to come out and see stuff.”

According to the fair schedule this year, there will be two rodeos held during the week.

“We have two ranch rodeos this year. Different styles, different formats, they would both be great to watch,” Lofink said. “We have the pug wrestling again and we have the muttin’ bustin’ again.”

There will also be a timed event called the “Rising champions timed event jackpot,” according to Lofink, which is all day on Wednesday, July 31, and bull riding which takes place on Friday, August 2.

There is a lot to do at the fair for little to no money, Lofink expressed. 

“Both ranch rodeos, the pig wrestling, and the bull riding are ticketed events,” Lofink explained. “Everything else is spectator-free and spectator-friendly. We try to do as much so they can bring their families It’s not a cost per visit for them to come walk around, play the games, see the critters, and do stuff like that.”

The buildings will be set up as they were the previous year, Lofink explained. 

“In the ag hall, we have all of the commercial exhibits, open class exhibits, and the community booths,” Lofink said. “Maybe some political booths. In the 4H building, it’s all 4H stuff. Livestock barns are livestock barns. The beer garden has changed locations. When there is malt liquor served, it will be in the Frontier Shelter.”

With so many animals and people coming from a wide variety of locations, Lofink expressed the fairgrounds is a great place to spread germs, not only for people but animals as well. Lofink recommends handwashing frequently. Lofink also expressed the fair board will not be conducting any testing for the bird flu, which has recently been reported in dairy cattle as it is not required by the Wyoming State Veterinarian’s Office. 

“Because of biosecurity and the diseases out there, dairy cattle are being watched very closely. It’s not prohibited that they come,” Lofink said. “That’s what’s going to be in the [old] beer garden. It’s now going to be the ‘Dairy Garden’. People need to go over there. They are going to have it decorated. There will be 14 dairy cattle in there which is probably the largest dairy show we’ve had in 20 years. It is going to be super cool.”

“In the rendezvous center, on Friday and Saturday (August 1 and 2) it will be full of vendors and food vendors, games, a sip and paint. All kinds of activities. There is some new stuff,” Lofink explained.

“The truck and car show is what’s kicking off the fair on Saturday, (July 27),” Lofink said. “So we have the new ranch rodeo, the car show and the Goshen Cattlewomen are doing their ‘Beef ‘N Brews’. So beef tip kabobs and brew, whatever beer they’re severing over there. There will be live music. There will be vendors over there and there will be food booths will be open. That’s all new for that Saturday.”

On Saturday, July 27, many of the fair entries will be making their way to the grounds, according to Lofink, and 4H interviews will be conducted for the fabric and fashion project.

Lofink explained Sunday, July 28 will be the ranch horse competition followed by the dog races. 

“The dog races won’t be during the week like they usually are. It gets a little congested, a little confusing, and sometimes unsafe for the little dogs, so it is its own stand-alone thing out here on the grass on Sunday (July 28) afternoon,” Lofink explained.

In closing, Lofink had one reminder for the public when attending the local fair.

“Be kind and have fun. We want people to just come out and talk to other people and be friendly and just enjoy what we are able to provide without an expectation of something else,” Lofink said. “Just come enjoy what’s actually here and appreciate the fact that we are still able to do these things because not everywhere is.” 

Lofink states the fair couldn’t be possible without all of the work which gets done, that nobody sees, despite a previous interview. 

“I like to mention the people that nobody sees,” Lofink said. “TDS and the City of Torrington, for years, this is my 21st fair, they just show up with their dumpsters. Every year at [the] fair, they just put them around. They never charge us, and they dump them every day. That is an incredible community service and they do it without fail. The chamber has always taken on the ag breakfast, and they take on the parade entries. The fire department always lines up the parade but then the City of Torrington always has to clean up after. I think of scooping up the horse poop, candy, balloons, whatever, whatever anybody leaves laying around, somebody has to clean that up,” Lofink explained. “It’s not us (the members of the fair board). It’s them (the city employees) and so fair isn’t just always all about the fair board and the fairgrounds. There are so many hundreds of other things, all those unknowns. They never get credit for it, and they really desire credit for it.”

For an even deeper look at the 2024 Goshen County Fair schedule in the Goshen County Pre-Fair edition today’s paper.