WYOMING’S RODEO WOMEN

Laramie, WY:  Historically, women have long participated in rodeos.  On Sunday August 19, 2012, Melanie O’Hara will present a free program that will explore the athleticism of these early women rodeo competitors. O’Hara’s talk, “Wyoming Rodeo Gals,” is presented by Wyoming Humanities Council and sponsored by Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site.

O’Hara’s presentation investigates the unique social forces that evolved as a result of Wyoming rodeo gals, the new type of woman in the late nineteenth century who moved out west, rode a horse astride, and became Wyoming’s first woman athletes.

The program begins at 3:00 p.m. in the historic prison’s dining hall and is an installment of the annual May Preston Slosson Lecture Series hosted during the summer months by the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site located in Laramie, WY.  The general public is invited. For more information contact Misty Stoll, Curator at (307) 745-3733.

O’Hara’s presentation is offered by the Wyoming Humanities Council through its Humanities Forum.  The Wyoming Humanities Council provides public humanities-based programs in partnership with local organizations and is funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, 975 Snowy Range Rd., Laramie WY.  Open daily 8am-7pm. For more information go to http://www.wyomingterritorialprison.com

“Wyoming Statehood Celebration” to be held at Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site

See a schedule of the day’s events here.

Laramie, WY.    Since July 10, 1940 the City of Laramie has celebrated Wyoming’s Statehood.   The Wyoming territory was admitted into the Union as the 44^th state when President Harrison signed the Statehood Bill on July 10, 1890.  Over the years, Laramie Jubilee Days has evolved into a week-long hometown celebration to include a number of different events; many of which are still in existence today.

With its mission to “provide a family celebration of Wyoming Statehood throughout Laramie and Albany County in order to preserve, promote and protect our western heritage” the Laramie Jubilee Days Committee works diligently to create activities that are entertaining.   “Most people don’t understand why Jubilee Days is scheduled over the 10^th of July…it’s because Wyoming Statehood is our reason for celebrating.  This year the board wanted to emphasize Wyoming Statehood in a way that will enhance the celebration and become part of the tradition.  It is the only Statehood Celebration in the state.” Says Guy Warpness, Laramie Jubilee Days General Chairman.

Laramie Jubilee Days has partnered with the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site to create a new event this year… “Wyoming Statehood Celebration”.  It will be held on Tuesday July 10, 2012 at the Wyoming Territorial Prison from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm.  Governor Matthew Mead will open the Statehood Celebration event at 11:10 a.m. followed by Dave Walsh, voice of “Wonders of Wyoming” and the “Wyoming Cowboys”.  The event will be full of musical entertainment; historical character actors; displays showcasing the history of Banking, Railroad, Logging, and Agriculture; as well as kids’ games and activities.

“Statehood celebration is about sharing memories, taking a look at Wyoming’s history and how we’ve grown.” Says Deborah Amend, Site Superintendent.  “It’s about celebrating our heritage and that special tie we have to this land.  Join us for the festivities; there will be something for everyone…even Bingo!”

Admission to the event will be free and at 11:30 a free hot dog lunch will be served to the first 300 people.  For more information call 307-745-6161.

Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, 975 Snowy Range Rd., Laramie, WY.  Open daily 8 am-7 pm.  May 1 – Oct. 31 

Butch Cassidy Festival, 2012: June 9, 2012

Old favorites are back and some new activities will debut at the 2012 installment of the Butch Cassidy Festival.  The Rocky Mountain Kite Association, an Affiliated Club of the American Kitefliers Association, will demonstrate their high flying art in the dependable winds of Laramie, Wyoming.  Kite stunts, kite fighting, and brief lessons on the flying and REINFORCING of basic kites.  Festival attendees can still “hunt” for Butch’s treasures in the annual favorite “Money Toss” and try their hand at surviving 8 seconds on a bull in the  ”Stick Horse Rodeo”. Stay tuned for more information as the event draws closer.  View a more in-depth description (and photos!) of the festival here.  Find a schedule of the day’s events here.

If you missed it, check out some highlights here!  (And be sure to stay tuned for performances in 2013.)

Horse Barn Dinner Theater: June 1, 2 and 3 

Unexpected Theater Company Presents:

“Fables, Foibles, and Follies of Laramie 1860 to 1900″

Significant characters from Laramie’s past illustrate the color and importance of many of our citizens of the old West through music and humor. The musical will open on June 1 at 7 p.m., then they will have performances on June 2 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. before closing on June 3 with a 3 p.m. show.  Tickets can be purchased at the Laramie Plains Museum Gift Shop, First Interstate Bank reception desk and Eppson Center. Costs are $15 for those over 12 and $10 for 11 and under and include admission to the Wyoming Territorial Prison museum exhibits on the day of the performance.  For more information visit:  http://laramielive.com/musical-about-laramie-history-presented-by-the-unexpected-company/

Leave No Trace- Enjoying the Outdoors Responsibly June 4, 1-3 p.m.

Science on the Range Exhibit Grand Opening: Saturday, April 28

Windy Wyoming Horse Trials: Sept. 15 and 16

Pumpkin Walk: October 6

Ghost Tours of Laramie City: TBA

May Preston Slosson Lecture Series: 3rd Sundays at 3 in the Historic Dining Room of the Prison – where “Mother May” originally held her popular lectures

June’s lecture is cancelled – please mark JULY’s on your calendar: QUILTS and QUILTING!