January


Ice Fishing Derby
Prove your skills at Saratoga Lake in Saratoga, Wyoming while competing for over $6000.00
in cash and prizes.  Keep your eyes open for the bounty fish, a fish with a pink tag behind the
dorsal fin—the first bounty fish to be caught during the derby is worth $500! Registration is
$30 for adults and $10 for Small Fray (under 14).  You may register at local businesses that sell
fishing licenses.  You may also register at the Chamber office located at 106 N First Street
Saratoga, WY. January 19-20, 2008.

The Annual Ice Fishing Derby is held at Saratoga Lake the third
weekend of January every year
For more information: Website


February


Donald E. Erickson Memorial Chariot Races – Presidents Day Weekend
The Chariot races are one of the more exciting events in Saratoga.  It is a join event sponsored
by the Saratoga Lions Club and the Saratoga Platte Valley 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 on Friday night at the Hotel Wolf and Saturday night after the
prime rib banquet at Fireman's Hall.  Bets are also taken before each race!  Races are held at Buck
Spring Rodeo Grounds, just 2 miles east of Saratoga.  Post time is 1:00 pm on Saturday and 11:00
am on Sunday.  Get ready for hooves and hearts to pound!

Sierra Madre Winter Carnival
Come enjoy the 21st anniversary of winter fun in Encampment and Riverside, WY! Activities
planned include snow sculpture, sled races (including build your own), Second Street Snowmobile Race & casino night.  What a great way to enjoy the best snow in the state! February 8 - 10, 2008. 


Upper Valley Search & Rescue Annual Poker Run, February 17, 2008
Registration begins at the Snowmobile Parking lot 6 miles south of Encampment

Annual Pepsi Premier Racquetball Tournament
Come to the Rawlins Family recreation Center. The tournament hosts 14 divisions that cater
to all age groups. Compete against world ranked individuals for the men’s and women’s open
division. Cash awards to the winner with over 4,000 in cash and Pepsi brand prizes. Saturday
night social at the Cotton Tree Inn in Rawlins.
For more information call the Rawlins Rec Dept at 307-328-4573.



April


Saratoga Museum Annual Dinner
Saratoga Museum Annual Dinner held at the Hotel Wolf in Saratoga.  
For more informational call the Hotel Wolf at 307-326-5511.



June


Painted Pronghorn Exhibition - June 2008
Painted pronghorn are on display at the historic "Old Depot" in downtown Rawlins daily
from 10am-7pm beginning June 11.

2nd Annual Pronghorn Pride - Saturday, June 2008
The Main Event is set for Saturday, June 30 and includes a day-long street festival beginning
at 10 a.m., the parade of the painted pronghorn at 11:00, and the auction of the painted antelope
at the Jeffrey Center in Rawlins beginning at 5:30 p.m. The painted pronghorn are on display at
the historic "Old Depot" in downtown Rawlins daily from 10am-7pm beginning June 11.

Annual Fishing Derby sponsored by the Lions Club
Held every Father's Day Weekend, this Derby has great prizes for the largest fish of the Day,
and hourly prizes. Held every Father's Day Weekend, this Derby has great prizes for the largest
fish of the Day, and hourly prizes. **Entry fee is $30.00. 2/3 of the fee goes to fund the Grand
and Second Place Prizes. The more entrants, the more prize money. Other prizes will be awarded
hourly. A great event, and a lot of fun for fishermen who return year after year.

Old Penitentiary Opens (Memorial Day Weekend)
Starting on Memorial Day weekend the Old Pen will be open 7 days a week through Labor Day.
Nine tours daily on the hour and half hour starting at 8:30 AM and the last tour at 4:30 PM.
For more information contact Tina Hill at the Old Pen in Rawlins
at 307-324-4422 or e-mail wfp@trib.com.

Little Snake River Museum Opens (Memorial Day Weekend)
The Little Snake River Museum is located in south-central Wyoming near the Colorado
border in Savery. It was the Savery School for many years until 1972 when the Little Snake
River Valley Schools were consolidated and all valley students were sent to Baggs.

The Carbon County Museum Opens
Check out historical items, western history and Native American Artifacts. American
Heritage Center on site.

Medicine Bow Museum Opens Memorial Day.
Owen Wister’s original hunting lodge on display. Also, a train caboose from the Union Pacific
Railroad on site. We welcome all and have a nice big yard for picnics.
For more information  contact Nell at the Medicine Bow Museum 307-379-2383.

Music in the Park  (Thursdays)
 Artists to be announced. Located in Washington Park. Food and drinks at 5:30. Music starts
at 7:00. All ages welcome. For more information contact the City of Rawlins Parks & Recreation Dept 307-328-4573. Click here to view scheduled performances.

Memorial Day
Traditional memorial services at Old Carbon Cemetery in Hanna Wyoming to honor those who
died in the line of duty. Join us for a day of remembrance.
 
Hanna Basin Museum Opens
The Museum, which is located in the old Community Hall building, is listed on the National
Registry of Historic Places. Originally constructed as a saloon in 1890, the hall has served
many purposes in the Union Pacific Coal  Company Town. Sharin the Front Street site is The
Miner’s Cottage, a restored exemplary Two Town House.  The Hanna Basin Museum is an
active participant in the Carbon Cemetary Restoration and Preservation Project. The Museum
houses the Carbon archive, resources  revealing life and death in the first coal camp (1868-1902)
along the original line of the Union Pacific Railroad.

Festival of Birds
Our Birders Float Trip will take floaters within view of bald eagle nesting sites while leaving
the birds undisturbed.  The trip will go from Treasure Island to Veteran’s Island with
opportunities to see dozens of other species in route on one of the prettiest stretches of
river everywhere. For more experienced birders, you can enjoy a Mountain Birding Trip
guided by local experts and members of the Audubon Society.  You will be sure to see
Mountain Bluebirds, Sage Thrashers, or a Rosy Finch. Steve Loose, from the US Forest Service
will entertain us again with a lively presentation at the Medicine Bow Lodge after the dinner
buffet. On Sunday morning, enjoy a nice hike on the “Bluebird Trail” or the
“Cedar Canyon Trail” to see entirely new habitat areas.  Afterwards, enjoy a hearty breakfast
buffet at Veteran’s Island, where the Species Count Contest winner will be announced!
For more information and to register, call Frances at (307) 326-8073. 
The birding club "Wings Over Carbon County" is the sponsor of this event.

Woodchoppers Jamboree and Rodeo
The chips fly during Father's Day weekend in June every year 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, the 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 assure a good time to be had by all. 
For more information:  woodchoppersjamboree@yahoo.com
Admission Fee - $7.00 per day (includes Woodchoppers Events and Rodeo),
children under 12 free.
June 14-15, 2008


July


26th Annual LITTLE SNAKE RIVER RODEO WRA This sanctioned rodeo is held in Dixon, WY, July 12-13 at Russell Community Park. Saturday Performance 7pm, Annual Dance 10pm-1am.
Sunday Slack 9am Performance. Cardholder and local entries: 1-800-489-8489 
Funday events: 307-383-6600.

Music in the Park  (Thursdays)
 Artists to be announced. Located in Washington Park. Food and drinks at 5:30. Music starts
at 7:00. All ages welcome. For more information contact the City of Rawlins Parks & Recreation Dept 307-328-4573. Click here to view scheduled performances.

Old Pen Haunted Night Tours (every Friday)
Tour the Old Pen in this creepy tour. Also in July is the sleepover inside the Old Pen.
Call Tina Hill to join in the fun 307-324-4422

Quick Draw Competition
Held in Medicine Bow. Contact the Town of Medicine Bow for information.

4th of July Celebration
Hanna welcomes you to join in to celebrate Independence Day in “Old West Style”.

King Coal Days (2008 events will be posted when available)
The fun starts Friday with the Missoula Childrens Theatre inviting all children to participate
in a musical performance. Saturday is the Kiddie parade at 9AM and then the King Coal parade
starts at 10 AM. Later enjoy the BBQ, mud drags and more.
For more information, please contact Penny at the Hanna Recreation Center at 307-325-9402.

Outdoor Concerts Series
Musical artists perform at the Outdoor Concert Series throughout July at the Saratoga Museum
Pavillion. For more information contact the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce or
the Saratoga Museum.

Platte Valley Festival of the Arts - held the first full weekend in July
Sponsored by the Platte Valley Arts Council, this 17th annual arts festival features the talents
of the region's top artists and crafters in a juried art show and invitational craft show. 
Activities also include various musical performances, cowboy poetry and storytelling, a
barbecue, Artist Quick Draw and auction, Independence Day parade, "Wild West Shoot-out",
a Children's Art Show, fireworks and a general all-around good time.  Always held the first full
weekend in July in Saratoga, WY.  For more information see www.plattevalleyarts.com
or email plattevalleyarts@yahoo.com

Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering/Living History Days
The Fifth Annual Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering will be held July 18-20, 2008, in
Encampment, Wyoming, with activities ranging from a stick horse rodeo and melodrama
to cowboy music and poetry. More Info
For more info, see www.grandencampmentgathering.org.

Sierra Muzzleloaders Mountain Man Rendezvous and Black Powder
Located on the Grand Encampment Museum grounds in Encampment, WY, July 25-26, 2008. 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. Come visit trader's row where you can view and purchase a wide array of 1800's crafts, antiques and clothing.
Have a look at grizzled mountain men, voyagers, trappers and Indians - all authentic regalia. 
See the beautiful Indian tipis, and other period shelters being lived in.
For more information contact werendezvous@hotmail.com

Museum Living History Days
You, your family and friends are invited to Encampment, Wyoming. Bring your
own picnic lunch and make it a complete day of fun.Held at the Grand Encampent Museum.
All buildings open.

Independence Day - first full weekend in July
These events are held in conjunction with the Platte Valley Festival of the Arts held the first
full weekend in July.  Join the gang together and enter a float in the old-fashioned parade
complete with patriotic music, candy, and lots of fun!  At high-noon, pull up a curb seat in
front of the historic hotel downtown to watch the Wild West shoot-out.  This short, humorous,
melodrama is complete with villains, heroes, saloon gals, and a village idiot or two and fun for
the whole family!  Fireworks will be displayed in Saratoga at the "Old Baldy Club", 
Encampment at the John McClure Memorial Ball Field, and at the Flying Diamond Ranch
between Saratoga and Encampment.  All fireworks will begin at dusk. Parade:
July 4 at 11:00 a.m. Shoot-Out: July 4 at high noon in front of the Hotel Wolf

Platte River Rodeo Association WRA Rodeo - Held Friday and Saturday nights
A great two-day amateur rodeo featuring 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
near Saratoga, WY.  This is the 10th anniversary of a great family event.  July 25-26, 2008.
Call (307) 326-8825 for more information.

 Saratoga Fun Fest  
 The ducks have run amuck!  A full Saturday of activities include Crazy Daze bargains from
downtown merchants, the infamous Rubber Duck Races down the Hugus-Mullison
irrigation ditch, the Platte Valley Knights Car Show, carnival events such as face painting and
a dunk tank, plus the 5K fun walk/run known as the Toga Trot.  Join the residents of Saratoga,
WY for one of the most unique weekends!
For more information, call Terri Hinkle 326-8825 for details.

Power at the Pavilion
Do you enjoy great music?  Then be sure to attend Power at the Pavilion at the Saratoga
Museum Pavilion grounds.  Various musical artists from the region as well as popular artists
entertain the crowd with gospel and contemporary Christian music. 
For more information and schedule, please call (307) 326-5520.



August


Carbon County Fair and Rodeo - August 2 - 9, 2008
See the parade, the music in the park, cattle dog trials, a WRA Sanctioned rodeo, livestock sale,
karaoke, horse shoe pitching contest, street dance and demolition derby. 307-328-7811

Music in the Park  (Thursdays)
 Artists to be announced. Located in Washington Park. Food and drinks at 5:30. Music starts
at 7:00. All ages welcome. For more information contact the City of Rawlins Parks & Recreation Dept 307-328-4573. Click here to view scheduled performances.

Street Dance and Concert held in August
This free open air concert in the heart of downtown Saratoga, WY is sure to get your heart
pumping. Past performers include Janie Fricke, Bobby Bare, Gene Watson and Annie & Amy. 
Enjoy the sounds, bring your lawn chairs, your family and make a great evening of it! 

Official State Microbrewery Competition, “Taste of the West” and Saratoga Bullfest
 Held on the 3rd full weekend of August.
These events are held on Veterans Island in Saratoga and at Buck Springs outside town.
The 11th annual microbrew 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. The “Taste of the
West” features the best in area cooks showcasing their specialties.  Make a weekend of it,
with the 6th annual Saratoga Bullfest , a bull riders only event at Buck Springs. Calcutta
betting is held on Friday and the Bullfest is Saturday night.



September



Big Game Hunting Season Begins.
See Game and Fish for more information.

Autumn Art Exhibit and Color Tour
Tours to Aspen Alley, artwork display and sale. Refreshments are served.
For more information contact the Platte/Valley/Saratoga Chamber of Commerce.
At 307-326-8855.

Historical Trek held in September
This annual event is sponsored by the Saratoga Historical and Cultural Association. 
Past treks included historical ranches, the Platte River crossing of the Overland Trail, gold
and silver mining camps, cemeteries and cabins.  Reservations are required, so call the Saratoga
Museum at (307) 326-5511 or see their website www.saratoga-museum.org.

Encampment Copper Days Festival
Antique tractors on display, tractor pulls, a parade, and melodrama make this September event
in Encampment, WY a family favorite.  Sponsored in part by the Encampment Chug 'n Tug
tractor club, this event is held the weekend after Labor Day. 
Email lacord@carbonpower.net for more information.



October


Halloween Prison Night Tours October 31
Be scared! Be very scared. Call Tina Hill at the Wyoming Frontier Prison 307-324-4422
for  details. Other dates at that time possible.

Halloween Walk, Haunted House  October 31
and other scary activities to be announced. Held in downtown Saratoga, WY. 



November

Beta Sigma Phi bazaar



December


Christmas Bazaar at The Big House
13th annual craft bazaar. Crafts enthusiasts from all over Wyoming, Utah and Colorado
gather to sell their handmade crafts. Call Tina Hill @(307)324-4422 for more details.

Christmas Parade and Winter Wonderland December 1-2
Enjoy the spirit of the season with a parade showcasing floats entered by area clubs and
businesses--all decorated and lit for the evening and held in historic downtown Saratoga,
WY.  Santa and Mrs. Claus visit children of all ages at Veteran's Island for the Soroptimist
International's "Winter Wonderland", Don’t forget to take in the Festival of Trees and Auction. 
Local organizations and businesses decorate artificial trees that you will be able to take home
and enjoy the entire season.  Reverse Drawing tickets (if your ticket is drawn LAST--you
win the $1000 shopping spree!) are on sale all month.  The "giving tree" is for those who
willingly share with others and captures the true meaning of Christmas.