Headliner concert returns to Wyoming State Fair thanks to new foundation

After moving away from hosting a traditional headliner concert in the grandstands to explore new options aimed at boosting attendance, the Wyoming State Fair’s (WSF) sister organization, the Wyoming State Fair Foundation, is excited to announce it will hold a fundraising concert at this year’s fair.

With a mission to “ensure WSF remains a vibrant celebration of the state’s agriculture, education, industry and heritage, while evolving to meet the needs of future generations,” all proceeds from the concert will go toward numerous projects, enhancements and opportunities available at the state fair this year and for years to come. 

“Already this year we are bringing livestreaming of the shows, equipment like a skid steer and an ice machine, $50,000 worth of additional power to the livestock barns and a scholarship fund for high school seniors to apply to go to college or trade school,” shares Wyoming State Fair Foundation Executive Director Rindy West.

Further, West notes the concert will be the foundation’s biggest opportunity to raise funds right out of the gate.

Sponsored by Navajo Transitional Energy, the concert will take place on Aug. 15 at the Ford Grandstand, with gates opening at 6 p.m. 

Local Wyoming band Tris Munsick and the Innocents will open at 7 p.m., and Micky and the Motorcars, a Texas-based red dirt band known for their “rough-hewn” mix of country rock, bluegrass and folk, will headline at 8:30 p.m.

West points out one of the most exciting features of this year’s event is a shuttle system to and from the concert to the town of Casper. 

“We are providing bussing tickets, which are available at wystatefair.com for $10 to and from the concert,” she explains. “The buses will leave the Hat Six parking lot at two different times and return after the concert. If hotels in Douglas fill up quickly, as they sometimes do, save yourself the drive and parking and stay in Casper. Anyone can purchase a bus ticket.”

General admission concert tickets are $30 each or $50 for “Dancing in the Dirt” – dancing room right in front of the stage in the grandstands arena. There are also $200 VIP tickets available, which include first-pick seating and access to food, drinks and the VIP Tent.

All proceeds benefit the Wyoming State Fair Foundation and projects for WSF in coming year.

For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit wystatefair.com or call West at 307-751-3430.