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Annual Events Community Calendar 

 

January 9, 2010

 

Annual Dinner and Meeting   "Business of the Year" will be awarded along with "New Business of the Year" and "Organization of the Year".  The volunteer of the year will be given the Pam Lebeda Award a.k.a. the Chamber Pot.  Cocktails begin at 6 pm with dinner following.  This year's guest speaker is former Chamber director and Saratoga Sun reporter, Chuck Box.  Chuck is also well-known as an author under the pen name of C.J. Box and drew his inspiration from the people and places he encountered while living in Saratoga.  RSVP by January 4 by calling 326-8855.

 

January 16-17, 2010

Ice Fishing Derby   The 27th annual Ice Fishing Derby attracts ice anglers from several states to Saratoga Lake hoping to make “the catch of the day”!  Prizes will be awarded, including $2,000 prize package for the largest game fish caught during the derby and gift certificates for the largest fish caught each hour. The weekend (always the third in January) includes a special Small Fry Derby for children under 14 years of age. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce 307-326-8855.

February 5-7, 2010

Sierra Madre Winter Carnival   Come enjoy the 24th annual winter fun in Encampment and Riverside!  Activities planned include a treasure hunt, sled races, "build your own" sled race, snow sculpture contest and a "Second Street Sprint", a snowmobile race against the speed relay machine.  Sponsored by the Town of Encampment 307-327-5501.

February 12-14, 2010

 

Don E. Erickson Memorial Chariot Races   Held every Presidents Day Weekend, the 30th annual Chariot Races is one of the most exciting events in Saratoga.  It is a joint event sponsored by the Saratoga Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce. The races feature two-horse teams pulling chariots at top speed down a quarter-mile track.  The weekend's activities include Calcutta betting and a prime rib banquet.  Races are held on Saturday and Sunday.  Get ready for hooves and hearts to pound!  Please call the Chamber of Commerce 307-326-8855 for more info.

 

April 2-4, 2010

Platte Valley Open Pool Tournament   Enter this 3rd annual tournament as a Sportsman, Classic or Master, and watch pro-players such as Rodney Morris and Frank Alvarez show their stuff.  Silent calcutta betting on Friday and Saturday nights. All events held at the Platte Valley Community Center and sponsored by the Saratoga Lions Club and CCVC.  For more information, please call 307-329-8924 or email ejglode@yahoo.com.

June 19-20, 2010

 

Woodchoppers Jamboree and Rodeo  For this 50th annual event, the chips fly during Father's Day weekend in Encampment as loggers come from all over the country to compete for the title of Rocky Mountain Champion Lumberjack.  Using power saws, axes and hand saws, men and women competitors cut down “trees”, chop logs and saw squared wood blocks in half, racing the clock for the fastest time.  Cowboys ride bulls and broncs, and the melodrama encourages the audience to get involved.  This unique Wyoming event assures a good time will be had by all.  Sponsored by Encampment-Riverside Lions Club.  For more info about the Jamboree, please call Ron Harvey 970-210-2955 or email woodchoppersjamboree@yahoo.com.  For more info about the Rodeo, please call Jerry Kraft 307-327-5374.

 

July 4, 2010

 

Independence Day Celebration   An old-fashioned parade with vintage cars, silly costumes, fire trucks, and political candidates wanders through downtown Saratoga.  The American Legion sponsors the event, which begins at 12 noon.  After the parade, enjoy a short melodrama performed by local characters - saloon girls, villains, heroes and gunshots (blanks) are everywhere.  Kiwanis baked goods auction right before the  parade.  Also, check out the poker run and car show, watch artists and crafters at work, and eat some great food at the American Legion BBQ picnic.  The best part of the day begins at dusk with a fantastic fireworks display.  Fun for the entire family!

 

July 8-11, 2010

 

Wyoming Ranchers Family Camp   Going on its 65th year, this interdenominational camp is held each summer beginning on the first Thursday after July 4th.  You don't have to be from Wyoming, a rancher, or have a family to be part of this camp!  Just come with a desire to rest, be refreshed and share in the fellowship and love of God's word.  RV or tent camp right on the grounds at Bottle Creek Campground in the beautiful Sierra Madres.  Chuckwagon-style meals, Bible study and worship, singing and visiting are the primary activities.  No charge, but a free-will offering is gratefully accepted.  For more info, please call Jim Miller 307-326-8293.  

 

July 16-18, 2010

 

Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering/Living History Days   This 8th annual event is held in Encampment on the third full weekend in July.  Families of all ages can come and enjoy an authentically historical weekend.  Dutch oven cookoff, stick horse rodeo, museum Living History reenactments and demonstrations, and cowboy jam sessions featuring artists and locals from the region.  Chuck wagon breakfast served on Sunday morning, and stay for Cowboy Church.  For more info, please visit www.grandencampmentgathering.org or call Laurie 307-327-5389.

 

July 16-18, 2010

 

Rock on Water (formerly Power at the Pavilion) is an interdenominational Christian music gathering held each summer.  Friday evening, enjoy great gospel music by local talent from the Valley and special guests Orie Vaye Williams and Hebbert's Singing Group.  Saturday afternoon's event offers Christian contemporary and rock music.  Featured bands will be Aliens and Strangers, Rose of Sharon, Pilot for Kite, Black Pajent, and Dawn Retreat, as well as local artists.  Sunday morning holds a community church service with a free lunch following.  Held at Saratoga Museum Pavilion.  Please call Platte Valley Christian Center for more info 307-326-5520.

 

July 23-24, 2010

Platte River Rodeo Association Rodeo   The 14th annual, two-day amateur rodeo features your favorite events: barrel racing, bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling and, of course, bull riding.  Activities for the kids include mutton bustin' and steer riding.  Held Friday and Saturday nights at the Buck Springs Rodeo grounds.  Please call Terri Hinkle for more information 307-326-8825.

July 23-25, 2010

Sierra Madre Muzzleloaders Mountain Man Rendezvous and Black Powder Shoot   Located on the Encampment Museum grounds, local black powder enthusiasts recreate the days of the Mountain Men with primitive camping, authentic costuming, traders row, and black powder shoots and tomahawk throws.  For more info, please email werendezvous@hotmail.com.

August 7-14, 2010

Carbon County Fair  Livestock shows and sales, project displays and demonstrations, cotton candy and pretzels, demolition derby and rodeos, 4-H and FFA and so much more!  Held at the Carbon County Fairgrounds in Rawlins.  Please call the Fair Office for more information 307-328-7811.

August 21, 2010

 

Steinley Cup Microbrewery Competition and Saratoga Bullfest   Held on the 3rd full weekend of August.  These events take place on Veterans Island in Saratoga and at Buck Springs outside town.  The 15th annual microbrewery competition brings together the top professional microbreweries in Wyoming in search of the coveted Saratoga Steinley Cup and is Wyoming’s official state microbrewery competition.  Live music and great eats complete the event.  Make a weekend of it with the 10th annual Saratoga Bullfest, a bull riders-only event at Buck Springs Rodeo Arena.  For info on the Steinley Cup, please call the Chamber of Commerce.  For info on the Saratoga Bullfest, please call Bo 307-326-7991.

 

August 27-28, 2010

Wyoming Film Festival   You won’t want to miss this third annual festival.  Participate in screenings of new films, discussion groups, and workshops by the pros.  The Wyoming Film Festival aspires to present films and video productions that interpret the American West in ways that embrace the festival themes of environment, equality, and family. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call Carbon County Higher Education Center 307-328-9274.

August 28, 2010

Saratoga Historical & Cultural Association Annual Trek  Trek to Turpin Tie Camp and Reservoir.  Reservations required; please call the Saratoga Museum 307-326-5511.

September 11-12, 2010

Copper Days Festival  Antique tractors on display, tractor pulls, a parade, and melodrama make this 35th annual September event in Encampment a family favorite.  Sponsored in part by the Encampment Chug 'n Tug tractor club, this event is held the weekend after Labor Day.

October 28, 2010

Halloween Walk  Held in downtown Saratoga, kids can trick-or-treat at local retail shops.  It’s convenient and safe for everyone!  Please call the Chamber of Commerce 307-326-8855 for more information.

December 2-3, 2010

Festival of the Trees Gala and Auction  This special 8th annual event is a terrific way to begin your holidays.  Local organizations and businesses donate decorated artificial trees, wreaths and centerpieces and create gift baskets and other holiday items for you to take home and enjoy the entire season.  Auction is Friday, December 3, with proceeds going to local charities and organizations.  Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

December 4, 2010

 

Christmas Parade and Winter Wonderland  Enjoy the spirit of the season with the 20th annual Christmas Parade showcasing floats entered by area clubs and businesses--all decorated and lit for the evening and held in historic downtown Saratoga.  Santa and Mrs. Claus visit children of all ages at Platte Valley Community Center for the Valley Service Organization’s 30th annual "Winter Wonderland".  Cookies, hot chocolate, chili, hot dogs and more!  Please call the Chamber of Commerce 307-326-8855 for more information.

Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce  

 210 West Elm Street     ~     P.O. Box 1095     ~     Saratoga, WY  82331         

(307) 326-8855       info@saratogachamber.info