September 12, 2022
There’s something special about every season in Wind River Country, and fall is wonderful for a number of reasons. The days are cooler, colors are changing and there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy what our communities have to offer. There are a wide variety of harvest and fall-themed events happening in Wind River Country; don’t miss out!
Farmers Markets
It’s that time of the year when harvesting is in full swing. Stop by the last few summer farmers’ markets of the season and enjoy fresh locally grown produce, regionally sourced fruits, breads and pastries and canned goods.
Riverton Saturday Farmers Market — September 17, 24
Local businesses and families want to bring the goodness of local products to your home. Riverton City Hall parking lot. 9 to 11 a.m. 816 N. Federal Blvd., Riverton.
Lander Valley Farmers Market — September 17, 24 and October 1, 8
Join us every Saturday morning at Lander City Park. 9 to 11:30 a.m. 405 Fremont St., Lander. www.landervalleyfarmersmarket.com
Lander Local Food Market — September 17, 24
Every Saturday morning. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. South 2nd St. and Main St., Lander.
Riverton Wednesday Farmers Market — September 14, 21, 28
Offering a wide variety of locally grown and locally made foods from the first Wednesday in May through mid October. 5 to 7 p.m. Riverton City Park.
Dubois Summer Farmers Market — September 15, 22, 29 and October 6, 13, 20, 27
Every Thursday. Fresh local produce and food bank contributions. 4 to 6 p.m. (307) 455-2313. 202 E. Ramshorn St.
Wind River Farmers Market — September 15, 22, 29 and October 6, 13, 20, 27
Every Thursday at the Frank B. Wise Business Center. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 3 Ethete Rd., Fort Washakie.
Riverton Saturday Farmers Market (Winter Location) — October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Local businesses and families want to bring the goodness of local products to your home. Little Wind Center at the Fremont County Fairgrounds. 9 to 11 a.m. 1010 Fairground Rd., Riverton.
Lander Local Food Market (Winter Location) — October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Every Saturday afternoon. 1 to 3 p.m. 11 Tweed Lane.
Fall Festivals and Annual Traditions
There are a number of events that take place every fall in Wind River Country that are near and dear to our communities. Check out the vendors at the annual craft fairs, enjoy the local cuisine at harvest festivals and round up the kids for some fall fun.
Pioneer Museum’s 3rd Annual Apple City Festival — September 17
Lander was known as the “Apple City” for the high number of orchards and the apples that were produced here. Apples were an important part of the agricultural economy in this area for many years, and the Apple City Festival pays tribute to this part of history with Speakers programs, an apple pie contest (with cash prizes), local apple cider and apple samples, kids crafts and a petting zoo. The Pioneer Museum hosts this event in honor of Lander’s long history as a hub of apple orchards. 1 to 3 p.m. Free. 1443 W Main St., Lander.
Riverton Fall Harvest Festival — September 24
The Riverton Downtowners Association presents their annual Fall Harvest Festival. Vendors and food trucks, car and bike show, games and activities and contests such as a cakewalk, a cupcake contest and the popular Chili Cook-Off on Riverton’s Main Street. 2 to 6 p.m.
Fiber Art Festival — October 8
Fiber Art Festival at the Fremont County Fairgrounds Fremont Center. The Fremont Fiber Arts Guild is proud to host the 2022 Fiber Arts Festival. There will be vendors with their wares, demonstrations, fiber animals, kids activities, learning opportunities, shopping and plenty of fun to be had. Stop by for a great experience for the whole family. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1010 Fairground Rd., Riverton.
Fall Craft Fair — October 21 to 22
Fall Craft Fair at the Lander Community Center. Up to 60 unique vendors. Supporting local and small businesses. Friday 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 950 Buena Vista Dr., Lander.
8th Annual Fall Fun Fest — October 29
Join us on our 8th annual Fall Fun Fest at the Riverton Museum. This is a great day to get out and visit the Museum. We’ll be making harvest and Halloween themed crafts and snacks, and we’ll have some of our classic Kid’s games. This event is free and is a Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series program. 2 to 4 p.m. Contact the Riverton Museum at (307) 856-2665 for details. 700 E. Park Ave., Riverton.
29th Annual Bighorn Bash: Wildlife on Whiskey — November 5
Join the National Bighorn Sheep Center for their largest single fundraising event of the year. The Bighorn Bash is held at the Headwaters Center. Meet the locals, enjoy fine dining, live and silent auctions, games and more. Dinner is catered by Arcady Ridge Ranch and includes options of prime rib, chicken cordon bleu, roasted vegetable galette and cardamom sweet potatoes, salad, rolls and plated desserts. Tables for six are available for $360 or dinner costs $60 per plate to support conservation education. Call (307) 455-3429 for dinner tickets and reservations. 5 p.m. 20 Stalnaker St., Dubois. https://bighorn.org/2022-bighorn-bash.
Fall Craft Fair — November 12
Come to the Riverton Senior Center and enjoy a wide selection of craft items available for sale. Admission is free. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact the Riverton Senior Center at (307) 856-6332 for more information. 303 E Lincoln St., Riverton. www.rivertonseniorcenter.com.
Fall Outdoor Recreation and Celebrations
Wind River Country has some exciting outdoor adventures and treks that take place every fall. From hunts to races to treks, there are multiple opportunities to get outside and enjoy the weather before the snow flies.
One Shot Antelope Hunt — September 14 to 17
Every September, hunters gather in Lander and compete in the One Shot Antelope Hunt—a competitive hunt that pits eight three-man teams against each other. The task of each team member is to harvest a pronghorn antelope with one shot. This is a ticketed event held at several locations. The public is welcome at the Friday night blessing of the bullet ceremony by Shoshone Indian Tribal Elders. https://oneshotantelopehunt.com.
Explore the Badlands in Our Backyard — September 14 & 17
Central Wyoming College’s Explore the Badlands in Our Backyard. 2 Part Program – Indoor Program and Field Class Hike of the Dubois Badlands. Indoor Program: History, Habitat, Home. Increase your understanding of the geographic and geologic background to the Dubois Badlands area. Gain pride and appreciation for this seemingly baron and often misunderstood landscape. It is one of our region’s best kept secrets. Dubois Badlands Hike: Join natural science educator Bruce S. Thompson for a rare guided visit into the wilder and less visited portions near Dubois Badlands’ Mason Draw. Explore the secrets the rocks, plants and animal tracks have to tell us about life in this unique landscape. $10 includes both classes. Wednesday 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Indoor Program, Cyber Center) and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Field Class Hike, King Fisher Trailhead.) Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/explore-the-badlands-in-our-backyard-tickets-328941802787.
Run The Red and Wyoming Public Lands Day — September 24
Trail runs of a half marathon, 50k and 100k races. The Red Desert is a uniquely Wyoming Landscape—one blanketed with sage, carved with colorful badlands, rich with wildlife and steeped in cultural and historical significance. The day will be filled with live music and celebrations including food trucks, beverages, tours of the Carissa Mine, nature trails, gold panning and an Oregon Trail presentation. 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. runthereddesert.com.
Fremont Therapy Group’s 2nd Annual Glow Run 5K — October 8
Join Fremont Therapy Group for the 2nd Annual Glow Run 5K benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of Riverton and Eagles Hope Transitions. Wear your best 80s/glow attire. Additional glow swag will be provided at the event. Walk, run, jog, bring your kiddos and furry friends. Get active and have some fun giving back to the community. Glow Party after the 5K. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Register here. Discount pricing for participants who register before October 1. Discounted group rate (up to five people).
Halloween Events
Our local museums like to go big for Halloween. They provide haunted tours and stories, costume events for kids and pumpkin walks, to name a few. Stop by and enjoy the spooky season and celebrate Halloween with the Dubois Museum, the Pioneer Museum in Lander and the Riverton Museum.
Fremont Haunts by Alma Law — October 5
Come to the Riverton Museum for one of the most popular annual talks. Local educator and collector of ghost stories, Alma Law, presents some of the most eerie, interesting and entertaining stories and urban legends from Riverton and the surrounding areas. 6 p.m. 700 E Park Ave., Riverton.
Halloween Masquerade — October 14
The Indigenous Land Alliance of Wyoming is hosting the Halloween Masquerade at the Fremont Center of the Fremont County Fairgrounds. There will be cake walks, trunk or treat contest, tiny tots costume contest, cash prizes, concessions and a spooky dance contest. 5 to 10 p.m. 1010 Fairground Rd., Riverton.
Halloween Night at the Museum — October 14 and 15
The Pioneer Museum in Lander hosts their annual Halloween Night at the Museum on October 14 and 15 as part of the Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series. The evening is filled with frighteningly cool decorations, spooky stories, crafts, hay rides, hot cocoa, treats and a campfire for roasting marshmallows. Costumes are encouraged; children of all ages are welcome. Cost is $4 per person. 6 to 9 p.m. 1443 W Main St., Lander.
3rd Annual Pumpkin Trail — October 15
Join the Riverton Museum for its third annual Pumpkin Trail. Tour around the museum and enjoy the many carved pumpkins donated from businesses in Riverton and throughout Fremont County. The museum will begin lighting the pumpkins at 5 p.m. Vote for your favorite pumpkin. Admission is free. Hot chocolate and popcorn will be available with a donation. 5 to 8 p.m. 700 E Park Ave., Riverton.
Haunted Downtown Walking Trek — October 15
In this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek, local educator and collector of ghost stories, Alma Law guides us around downtown Riverton and shows us where some of his favorite ghost stories occurred. After the walk, return to the museum and enjoy cookies and hot cocoa. This is one of our most popular treks, and spots are limited, so get your name on the list soon. 5:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per person. Warm coats and walking shoes are recommended. Contact the Riverton Museum at (307) 856-2665 for details. 700 E Park Ave., Riverton.
Halloween Bash — October 22
With the spooky season rapidly approaching, the Lander Creative Arts Club (the folks who brought you the First Annual Lander Adult Prom) cordially invites you to the First Annual Halloween Bash at the Lander Community Center. With creepy games, awesome music, a spooktacular costume contest with cash prizes and more, you won’t want to miss this epic event. All proceeds benefit the Lander Creative Arts Club and future events supporting the arts in Lander. So pick out your costumes, find a friend and join in a night of Halloween fun. 6 to 11 p.m. 950 Buena Vista Dr., Lander.
5th Annual Great Pumpkin Hunt — October 24 to 28
Find the Great Pumpkin, win the grand prize! Range will be hiding the great pumpkin (a real pumpkin, decorated with Range’s logo) at a location somewhere in Dubois from Monday, October 24, through Friday, October 18. You can get the daily clue to its location by either listening to KTAK’s morning show from 6 to 10 a.m. or visiting Range’s Facebook page (@RangeConnected.) If you find the Great Pumpkin, bring it to Range at 12 South 1st Street in Dubois and claim the 5th Annual Grand Prize valued at more than $2,500! Dubois. www.range.net/pumpkinhunt.
Murder Under the Big Top — October 28
Join the Fremont County Lander Library for a carnival-themed night of mystery. There will be appetizers and prizes. Sign up available at the main desk. 6:30 to 9 p.m. 451 N. 2nd St., Lander.
Shoshoni Recreation District #24 Haunted House — October 28 to 29
The Shoshoni Recreation Department hosts an annual haunted house in the basement of the Senior Center. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $5 per person, or $3 is you bring a canned good to be donated to the Wind River Masonic Lodge. 6 to 9 p.m. 214 E. 2nd St., Shoshoni.
Halloween at the Museum — October 29
The Dubois Museum is having its annual Halloween at the Museum. There will be games, snacks, treats and more. Dressing up is encouraged. 3 to 5 p.m. 909 W Rams Horn St., Dubois.
Halloween Cosmic Bowling & Costume Party — October 29
The Eastern Shoshone 477 Program is having a night of halloween costumes, cosmic bowling, food and fun at Silver Spur Lanes. Get your creepy costumes ready. 8 p.m. 1290 Main St., Lander.
Trick or Treat Costume Parade & Open House — October 31
Riverton City Hall. 3 to 4:30 p.m. 816 N. Federal Blvd., Riverton.
Trunk or Treat — October 31
The Riverton Branch Library presents: Trunk or Treat. Join the fun and come dressed in your best Halloween costume. There will be a prize for the best decorated trunk. If you’re looking to help out with the event, please call (307) 856-3556. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 1130 W. Park Ave., Riverton.
Trunk or Treat and Walk Thru — October 31
Join us for some Halloween fun and trunk or treating in the Eastern Shoshone 477 Program Parking Lot. 5 to 7 p.m. 104 Washakie St., Fort Washakie.