By Carol Harper
There are many wonderful places to visit in Fremont County–Sinks Canyon, South Pass, Atlantic City, Dubois. So many things to do–hiking, camping, fishing, boating, hunting, off-roading, scouting the high desert and buttes. There are mountain passes, lakes and rivers, the wide-open spaces… but on some days, when you step outside the hotel doors or unzip that tent, you may want to venture into town with the thought: “What are the locals doing today?”
Riverton has become known for its events and gatherings (sometimes even spur of the moment), and the month of July is filled with more than enough to give this dynamic Americana hometown a real good look-see. Fairs, festivals and fundraisers… all a part of what makes and keeps Riverton’s families, neighborhoods, schools and community vibrant and connected.
Riverton Happy Days
Happy Days are Here Again!
2nd Weekend in July
Friday and Saturday, July 8 and 9
Riverton City Park
Even a global pandemic couldn’t keep the Riverton spirit down. For the past two summers, Riverton Happy Days have brought the community together at the crossroads of town for a day of fun and entertainment in City Park. Food trucks, craft and festival vendors, bounce houses for the kids and local community groups and organizations host a variety of fundraising activities. Add tethered balloon rides, a Skatepark Demo/Expo, a talent show, a fashion show and a farmers’ market… all are makings for a “Happy Day” for the entire family.
This year, there will also be a Friday “Happy Nights” event that includes the annual Cornhole Tournament, food and drinks, and a concert at the City Park bandshell featuring the ZZ Top tribute band El Loco Fandango.
So bring the family and tell your friends… Happy Days are here again!
Above and Beyond:
Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally
3rd Weekend in July
July 15, 16 and 17
Central Wyoming College
The Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally is the iconic event that ignites the spirit of Riverton with a host of hot air balloons launching from the field at Central Wyoming College and floating wherever the Wyoming breezes take them. Balloonists from around the state and country (and sometimes the world) have participated in this annual event of 42 years.
The festivities kick off on July 15 with a Friday Night Car Cruise, Street Party and Candlestick Glow on Main Street.
CWC is the place to be for Saturday’s activities. Balloons lift off on both Saturday and Sunday mornings at 6 a.m. at the soccer fields (near the white water tower), so wake up bright and early, bring your coffee and lawn chairs (or sit on the tailgates) and watch in awe as they rise from the ground to meet the sky. Locals have been known to get on their bikes and go “balloon chasing,” and if you’re a photographer, the Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally provides a unique opportunity to get some truly spectacular shots.
Stick around for the Rocky Mountain Rebels Car & Bike Show and Autocross Timed Trials, but also don’t miss Arts in Action’s “Day in the Park” in City Park, showcasing art and handcrafted items by Riverton’s local artists.
There will be a Balloon Glow at CWC that evening, and the day wouldn’t be complete without going above and beyond with a grand Fireworks Show on top of Airport Hill.
Goin’ Hog Wild
2022 Fremont County Fair
July 30 to August 6
Fremont County Fairgrounds
What comes to mind when you walk through the entrance of a county fair? Carnival rides. Exhibits and vendors. Music, magicians and entertainment. Livestock and agriculture shows. Rodeos. Competitions and contests. Cotton candy, hot dogs, funnel cakes… experience all of these and more as Riverton goes “Hog Wild” at this year’s Fremont County Fair.
Who loves a parade? The Fremont County Fair Parade goes down Riverton’s Main Street on Saturday, July 30 at 10 a.m., and that evening kicks off the Fair’s theme with the popular Hog N’ Mud Wrestling in the Grand Arena.
Evening highlights this year include Weiner Dog Races, Wind River Rodeo Roundup (PRCA) Rodeo, Ranch Rodeo, the annual Timmy Challenge Bullriding, Monster Truck Insanity Tour and Figure 8 Races. Horse, dog, rabbit and swine shows… art, craft and quilt exhibits, a wide variety of food and dessert competitions, and yes… there is a hot dog eating contest!
Special days are designated throughout Fair Week. Bring the family out on Sunday, July 31 for “Family Day,” where all events are free to the community. Monday, August 1 is Military Appreciation Day. Dress in pink for Cancer Hero Day on Tuesday, August 2. Law Enforcement Officer Day is Wednesday, August 3. Thursday, August 4 honors our EMS First Responders. Friday, August 5 is Firefighters’ Day, and Saturday, August 6 is Agriculture Day and the Junior Livestock Sale.
The Fremont County Fairgrounds in Riverton come alive each year with fun and excitement for all ages. Keep up on the details by visiting their website at: fremontcountyfair.org.
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So this July, whether you wander into town for a cup of coffee or a hearty meal, have a hankering for some donuts or ice cream, stroll the downtown shops or local farmers’ markets… Riverton welcomes you. There’s bound to be something going on where that traditional hometown feeling strikes a chord in the heart that rings: “Now that’s Wyoming.”
