Wyoming State Fair Celebrates 120 Years of Memories and Traditions
Douglas, WY — For 120 years, the Wyoming State Fair has proudly been “Where Wyoming Comes Together.” Spanning 137 acres with more than 60 structures, the Wyoming State
Fairgrounds has hosted 113 fairs to date and now welcomes over 470 event days each year. This growth has brought with it a far-reaching impact that continues to connect people, preserve traditions, and celebrate Wyoming’s Western lifestyle.
To honor this milestone year, the Wyoming State Fair invited the public to share their favorite memories and stories. These personal reflections showcase the Fair’s lasting impact on families, friendships, and futures across generations.
Stories from the Fairgrounds
● Danny & Susie Tadewald
Longtime exhibitor Danny Tadewald recalls the moment he laid eyes on his now wife Susie (retired EMT who used to work the WSF) while waiting for his fair credentials: “I was smitten, totally smitten.” Though they had known of each other for years, it was the Fair that brought them together.
They agreed to meet after their duties ended at the Beer Garden, where Wyoming
musician Chancey Williams was performing. “We danced the night away,” he said. The two later married in the Ford Grandstand Arena and continue to serve together as proud members of the F.A.I.R. Posse.
Photo provided by Susie and Danny Tadewald
● Nancy Mickelson
For Nancy, the Wyoming State Fair was the highlight of her teenage years more than six decades ago. At 13, she joined 4-H and began showing dairy cattle, eventually competing across Wyoming and beyond. In 1962, Nancy Mickelson, Laurell Miskimins Fogg, Jenelle Miskimins Gaddis, Linda Hunziker, all members of the only all-girl judging team represented Wyoming at the National Dairy Judging Congress in Waterloo, Iowa.
She recounted that the state fair was the ultimate reward for the hard work that went into each year’s projects. “Fair was one of the best experiences of my younger years, and I would gladly do it again. I love those memories!”
Photo provided by Nancy Mickelson
Featured: Laurell Miskimins Fogg, Jenelle Miskimins Gaddis, Linda Hunziker, and
Nancy Mickelson, county agent Gordon Smith (order not specified)
● Janelle Miskimins Gaddis
Janelle, a member of the Dairy Judging team with Nancy (above), also proudly
remembers showing her Brown Swiss, “Happy Ours Keeper’s Midway,” who won State Fair Champion five years in a row between 1958–1963. “The picture of me with the trophy donor is a memory I’ll always treasure.”
Photo provided by Janelle Miskimins Gaddis.
Featured: (Left) Unknown Donor for Champion Brown Swiss Trophy, “Midway”, (right) Janelle Miskimins Gaddis
● Jasmyne Bryant | Crook County Fair (WY) – Fair Manager
Today, a County Fair manager, Jasmyne, reflects on how showing livestock at the
Wyoming State Fair shaped her path and gave her experiences she will never forget.
“Looking back now, it’s wild to think that I once stood in the shoes of an exhibitor, and today I find myself managing a County Fair. The journey has truly come full circle. Being involved in 4-H and FFA, competing at the fair, and seeing where it has led me, these experiences have shaped my path and opened up so many incredible opportunities.”
Photo provided by Jasmyne Bryant
Featured: Jasmyne Bryant in 2000 at the Wyoming State Fair
● Kim Wolfe | Eastern States Exposition – Agriculture Retail & Events Assistant
Kim fondly recalls always looking forward to attending the Wyoming State Fair, stating her favorite competition was the Champion of Champions Showcase on the green grass.
She also recounted the quality cattle, Pioneer Memorial Museum, quilt shows, sheep camps, and rodeo, stating, “it was always the perfect mix of high-level competition and the relaxed feel of the fairgrounds by the river.”
A Legacy for Generations
As the Wyoming State Fair looks ahead, we will continue to honor our heritage, traditions, and history while ensuring we remain relevant for generations to come. We remain an institution that proudly showcases the best of Wyoming.
“We are proud to reflect on 120 years of tradition while looking toward the future,” said Courtny Hinds, WSF General Manager. “It’s the people and their memories that make the Fair what it is today.”
Share Your Story
The Wyoming State Fair has been touched by the stories that have been shared and invites the public to continue sharing memories and cherished moments. Submit your stories and photos at https://wystatefair.com/120-years/, or email Kota Provence at dakota.provence@wyo.gov, or mail at P.O. Box 10, Douglas, WY 82633.
For media inquiries or interviews, please contact:
Kota Provence | Wyoming State Fair, Marketing and Communications