Jackson Day Photography - Wyoming State Fair

The 2024 Wyoming State Fair

When I covered the 2023 Wyoming State Fair, I was by most definitions a novice photographer. Because of this, I didn't feel too much pressure. I mean, as long as I was doing my best, learning and ended up with few half-decent shots, it was a success in my mind.

When I went back to Douglas the next year, my editors expected more of me and, in all honesty, I probably expected more of myself than they did. Knowing the sequel's nearly always worse, I was worried I wouldn't be able to top the previous year's coverage — or worse, my own expectations.

As I got to the fairgrounds the first day and jumped into the work though, my anxieties quickly dissipated. I realized my skills, abilities and technical knowledge had greatly improved and the 2024 Wyoming State Fair would be the best yet.

The Carnival

Last year, I introduced myself to the carny behind the ticket counter and asked if there was anyway I could get a few free tickets to take pictures from the rides. I didn't expect much, but there didn't seem to be any harm in asking, right? With an annoyed look, they bluntly told me no and, without much thought, I asked if there was anyone else I could talk to. Again, they told me no.

I went one ticket counter over and asked the same questions. This time, however, the carnival manager was called. When he got there a few minutes later, I explained the situation and he told me I could have a free unlimited ride wristband. It just so happened the first carny I spoke with was the only one with V.I.P wristbands and, needless to say, they were surprised when the manager told them to give me one. As I walked away, the manager said, "if anyone gives you problems, tell 'em Dale said you're okay."

Going back the next year, I wasn't sure I'd be able to haggle myself another free wristband. Given all the rides were the same, I assumed it was the same carnival and walked up to a ticket counter. Again, I introduced myself, this time casually mentioning how Dale gave me a band the previous year. A few minutes later, I was talking with Dale. This time, he was on the phone and pretty much as soon as I started talking, he told the carny to give me a wristband and waved us away.

Long story short, Dale is a super cool guy.

The Douglas Volunteer Fire Department's Demolition Derby

For the last 41 years, the Douglas Volunteer Fire Department's hosted a Demotion Derby during the Wyoming State Fair. It's a fundraiser for the force and, without a doubt, the highlight of the fair. While the grandstands were at most three-fourths full at any other event, they were packed to what felt like over captivity during the demo derby.

Last year, I really struggled with the derby. You see, I just couldn't figure out how to make the action seem action-y in the still images. Looking at the single frames, it wasn't really clear the cars were actually moving.

This year, I focused on capturing the smoke, dust and dirt that'd make it obvious the cars were moving — and moving fast. It seems silly, but it made a huge difference. I mean, in a single frame the car isn't really all that cool, but the trail of exhaust billowing behind it or the rocks it's throwing up sure are.

Cars don't read the paper though. So, I wanted to look past the cars, the exhaust, the dust and the crashes and see the people. During the derby's 25-minute intermission, pit crews were invited into the arena to repair as much as they could, as fast as they could and I took the opportunity to get up close and personal. I ended up with what's probably my favorite shot of the whole fair: a driver holding his steering column steady as a member of his pit crew welded it back in place.

PRCA Rodeo

Feeling they were cheated after their entry fees weren't added to the rodeo's total purse, a group of cowboys chose to walk out of a rodeo in 1936. Their strike was successful and the rodeo met their demands. From this, the Cowboys' Turtle Association, named in reference to cowboy's slow, but powerful reaction, was founded. Eventually, this group became what's know today as the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association or the PRCA.

In my opinion, the rodeos are especially fun to watch because unlike in other professional sports where athletes leave the arena with a paycheck regardless of the game’s final score, cowpokes put their money, and often livelihood, on the line, pay to enter rodeo and only get paid if they win.

The rodeo's eight events — bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, steer roping and barrel racing — kept me on me moving. As each event started, I'd scout the arena for the best view point, then get there was quick as possible, taking shots of action as I went.

Ice Cream Party with Gov. Mark Gordon

In late 2023, the Wyoming Legislature pledged to contribute $500,000 to the Wyoming State Fair Endowment fund, but only if the fair could scrounge together a matching $500,000 of their own through donations. Hoping to meet this goal, the fair asked 4-H Clubs and FFA chapters from across the state for help.

The Douglas 4-H Wild Bunch Club saw the need, got to work and raised over $2,500. As a reward for raising the second most funds of any club or chapter across the state, the club was honored with an ice cream party with Wyoming Gov. and First Lady Mark and Jennie Gordon during the fair.

From what I could tell, it didn't really seem the kids understood what a governor actually does, but they were all super excited to meet him. I thought the governor and first lady were sweet with the kids. Although the party was only about 30 minutes, they took time to answered the kid's questions in one-on-one conversations and intently listened as the club's president briefed them about how they raised the money.

Later that day, the governor told me, “I never expected to be governor and so it still feels a little bit odd that anybody would take (meeting me) as anything other than just meeting Mark, but to see that and see how much they just appreciate the office, I think that’s something that we need to remember in this country — there’s value in these positions (and) the value is in the position, necessarily the person.”

One kid in particular was disappointed to learn the governor doesn't have a Secret Service.