Recent discussion about extending the Sweetwater County Fair to allow 4-H events to occur separate from the other activities has drawn some criticism from a fair and 4-H volunteer.
Mike Newman, a resident of Rock Springs, said the move could hurt 4-H events associated with the fair, such as the livestock auctions. Newman believes the 4-H auction would be negatively affected by the Red Desert Roundup Rodeo, which would occur during the suggested 4-H dates.
“It’s the highlight really of their 4-H projects,” Newman said about the auctions.
The county commissioners, as well as members of the fair board, have received numerous complaints about the fair’s concerts and festivities overshadowing the more traditional fair events. Many of the commissioners have received comments and complaints about the fair throughout their terms in office. Commissioner Wally Johnson has served a total of eight years and said he’s heard comments about 4-H and the fair throughout the years.
A final decision regarding if the fair will get an extension or not hasn’t been made, though a decision will need to be made soon to help finalize the 2016 fair schedule. Larry Lloyd, director of the Sweetwater County Events Complex, said the board has spoken to a number of people about the proposed change.
“The fair board wants it to work for everybody,” Lloyd said. “We’re just looking for clarity.”
Part of the clarity Lloyd and the board seek will have to come from the 4-H members themselves. Newman, as well as Sweetwater County Commissioner Reid West, has suggested the discussion about extending the fair dates is being driven by a small, but vocal group of 4-H members. West believes the 4-H group should take a decisive stance of if they would like to see 4-H dedicated days added to the Sweetwater County Fair’s schedule. West also believes the fair board should host a public meeting to gather input on the extension.
“They need to vote and need to make clear the majority opinion,” West said.
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