Wyoming State Fair Celebrates Record-Breaking Wins in 2025 International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Award Contest
Douglas, Wyo. — The Wyoming State Fair (WSF) is celebrating a historic awards season, bringing home an unprecedented five out of six possible Division 1 victories in the 2025 International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) competitive contests. With more than 2,000 entries submitted by fairs across the nation and abroad, WSF also stands as one of only two fairs to earn more than 30 top-three placements this year.
Each year, the Wyoming State Fair submits more than 110 award entries for consideration across the Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs (RMAF), the Western Fairs Association (WFA), and the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). Within the IAFE program alone, there are six major award contests—Agriculture, Competitive Exhibits, Commercial Exhibits & Concessions, Hall of Honor Communications, Innovation in Sponsorship, and Non-Fair Facility Usage. Together, these contests include more than 60 individual award categories. To ensure fair competition, entries are grouped by attendance, with small fairs competing in Division 1 and the largest fairs competing in Division 5.
A RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR WYOMING
This is the first time in IAFE history that a single fair has brought home five out of six possible Division 1 wins. The Wyoming State Fair is also one of only two fairs nationwide to receive over 30 awards this season.
“These awards are a true community win. Every ribbon, plaque, and trophy reflects the people of Wyoming who pour their energy into this fair. From the exhibitors and partners to our sponsors, volunteers, contractors, interns, and incredible staff. It is a privilege to see the Wyoming State Fair recognized on a national level.” Courtny Hinds, the WSF General Manager, shared. “We take great pride in putting Wyoming on the map within the fair industry, and we’re honored to celebrate this milestone as we continue building on 120 years of tradition.”
COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS CONTEST
295 entries across all divisions — Sponsored by North American Midway
The Wyoming State Fair earned Best in Division 1, reflecting the highest average score among all entries submitted by small fairs.
Awards included:
- 1st Place — Category 1: Use of Fair Theme Throughout Multiple Divisions for the “History” theme
- 3rd Place — Category 2: New Class of Competition for the Heirloom Quilts division
- 3rd Place — Category 5: Strategy to Encourage New Participants for the Propagation Station, developed with Exhibits Coordinator Sara Doyle
- 1st Place — Category 6: Photo Series highlighting the wool spinning process, captured by Snowday Agency
COMMERCIAL EXHIBITS & CONCESSIONS CONTEST
New contest — 81 entries across all divisions, sponsored by Pickering Events WSF earned Best in Division 1 alongside several top finishes:
- 2nd Place — Category 1: Innovative Layout Changes (Devin Finson, WSF Vendor Coordinator)
- 1st Place — Category 2: Marketing & Promotions for the Fair Food Flights Program (collaboration between Devin Finson – WSF Vendor Coordinator and Kota Provence of
Altitude Media – WSF Marketing & Communications Liaison) - 1st Place — Category 3: Vendor Communications & Operations for the Vendor Handbook, Partner Media Sheet, Vendor Survey
- 1st Place — Category 4: Vendor Recognition for Most Patriotic Fair Food and Fair Booth
INNOVATION IN SPONSORSHIP CONTEST
233 entries across all divisions — Sponsored by ETix WSF again earned Best in Division 1, plus:
- 1st Place — Category 3: Sponsor Continuity for the multi-year partnership with Blackburn Cattle/307 Disposal
- 2nd Place — Category 5: Community Impact for the in-kind marketing collaboration with Rawhide Ranch Rodeo
NON-FAIR FACILITY USAGE CONTEST
180 entries across all divisions — Sponsored by EventPro
The Wyoming State Fair earned Best in Division 1, along with a sweep of major category awards:
- 1st Place — Category 1C: Non-Fair Educational Event for the UW Extension’s “Wyoming Walks” collaboration
- 1st Place — Category 2B: Printed Promotional Material for Converse County table tent features
- 1st Place — Category 2C: Facility-Specific Website
- 2nd Place — Category 2E: Unique Marketing Tactics for the Yellowstone Highway digital sign in collaboration with Converse County Tourism
- 2nd Place — Category 3A: Facility Beautification for renovations in Ft. Fetterman led by Ryan Scranton – Wyoming State Construction Department’s
- 1st Place — Category 3B: Capital Improvement Plan & Execution for master plan progress led by Courtny Hinds – WSF General Manager, AJ Deines – Operations Manager, and Ryan Scranton – Wyoming State Construction Department
- 2nd Place — Category 4: Facility Partnerships for year-round sponsorship with Wyoming Beverage–Pepsi and Teton Distributors
HALL OF HONOR COMMUNICATIONS CONTEST
736 entries across all divisions — Sponsored by K&K Insurance
The Wyoming State Fair earned Best Marketing Campaign in Division 1, along with a sweep of major category awards:
- 3rd Place — Category 3: Single-Sided Flat Promotional Piece for the WSF Poster & Team Roping Poster (created by 2025 Marketing and Communications Intern Savanna Metz)
- 2nd Place — Category 5: Souvenirs & Commemorative Items for the Great American T-Shirt (designed by Kota Provence of Altitude Media – WSF Marketing &
Communications Liaison, printed by Jean Plumb of 307 Shirts and More) - 2nd Place — Category 6B: Outdoor Digital Advertising for the Yellowstone Highway
digital sign in partnership with Converse County Tourism - 1st Place — Category 7: Online Advertisement (Snowday Agency)
- 1st Place — Category 8: Social Media Campaign (Kota Provence of Altitude Media – WSF Marketing & Communications Liaison)
- 2nd Place — Category 9: All Other Marketing for the new grounds map (Kota Provence of Altitude Media – WSF Marketing & Communications Liaison)
AGRICULTURE CONTEST
568 entries across all divisions — Sponsored by ShoWorks
- 1st Place — Category 1: Youth Breeding Top 3 Program
- 1st Place — Category 2: Policy/Procedure for Mitigating Agricultural Issues, recognizing the work of Contracted Vet Dr. Mitchell
- 1st Place — Category 4: Evolved Program for Everyday Ag in the Knowledge Barn, supported by interns and partners Averie Konefat, Rebecca Podio, Savanna Metz, Kota
Provence, Courtny Hinds, and many additional contributors. - 2nd Place — Category 5: Everyday Ag Food Court Banners & Barn Boards
- 1st Place — Category 8A: Agricultural Photo – Livestock (Altitude Advantage)
- 1st Place — Category 8B: Agricultural Photo – Horticulture/Crops (Snowday Agency)
- 1st Place — Category 8D: Agricultural Photo – Rodeo (Snowday Agency)
- 3rd Place — Category 8F: Agriculture Photo – Other (Altitude Advantage)
These accomplishments reflect the passion, collaboration, and statewide support that fuel the Wyoming State Fair’s work year after year.
“We are honored to bring home these wins on behalf of the people who make this fair a place for Wyoming to come together,” the WSF team shared. Mark your calendars for more award-worthy fun at the 2026 Wyoming State Fair, August 11–15.
For media inquiries or interviews, please contact:
Kota Provence | Wyoming State Fair, Marketing and Communications