County Winter Fest is Saturday at fairgrounds

The second annual Winter Fest kicks off at 5 p.m. this Saturday at the fairgrounds in Basin. At the Big Horn County Fair Board meeting January 6, Fair Manager Catherine Foss gave the board an update. 

Fair board members in attendance were Luke Foss, Tracy Haley, Kelli Mercer, Rebecca Bates and Tucker McKim. Also in attendance were commissioner Deb Craft and 4-H educator Gretty Gasvoda. 

Foss reported that there will be laser tag, a cupcake walk, mechanical bull rides and carnival games. Local FFA chapters and Big Horn County 4-H will have booths. Nachos and pulled pork are available for purchase.

Money raised will go toward fair project accounts. The cost is $25 per family, $10 per individual.

PIG BARN

 The board discussed the pig barn. Fair board member Austin Layne wasn’t at the meeting but sent word that he has heard from some contractors who are interested in donating time, labor, materials and money. Those contractors would like more specifics about the building.

 McKim brought up the idea of adding to the multipurpose building. The extension would include the pig barn on the south end. He noted that with the extension more roping events could be added, thus bringing in more income and increasing usage.

Craft suggested McKim measure the area of the footprint of the proposed addition. She said she would add the discussion to the agenda of the commissioner meeting the following day. She will ask the county maintenance supervisor Jeremy Pouska to be part of that discussion.

Board members say the current pig barn is unsafe. Several feel that fundraising would be easier if there was an actual plan/drawing/rendering of what the building would be.

OTHER BUSINESS

• The board is still looking for suggestions for the 2025 fair theme. Email to fair@bighorncountywy.gov. Please have suggestions to the fair by February 2. A poster board will be at Winter Fest for people to write their suggestions.

• Board elections were held. Foss will remain the chair, Mercer will retain the treasurer position, and Bates was elected secretary. She replaces Haley. 

• Gasvoda gave dates, times and location of beef tagging.