Those who live in Southeastern Wyoming's Upper North Platte River Valley – Saratoga, Encampment, Riverside, Ryan Park and Snowy Range – and enjoy the good times there know how lucky they are .... they also know it is a magnificent place to visit for the many great events and festivals.
Three mid-winter events to enjoy:
The annual Ice Fishing Derby on January 18 and 19 attracts ice anglers from several states to Saratoga Lake hoping to make “the catch of the day”. Cash prizes are awarded, including $2,000 cash for the largest game fish caught during the derby and $100 cash for the largest fish caught each hour. The weekend (always the third in January) includes a special Small Fry Derby for children under age 14. (The Derby is sponsored by the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce.)
Enjoy the annual winter fun in Encampment at the Sierra Madre Winter Carnival on January 24 to 26. Lots of family-friendly activities are planned, including a treasure hunt, "Build Your Own" sled race, a snow sculpture contest, chili and bread cook-offs, a "Sixth Street Sprint" snowmobile race, and a brand new event - Human Saucer Bowling. Saturday night is "Casino Night" at the Grand Encampment Opera House with door prizes, silent auction, Chicken Bingo, cash bar, and more. (The Winter Carnival is sponsored by the Town of Encampment.)
Held every Presidents Day weekend (February 15 and 16 in 2014), the Don E. Erickson Memorial Chariot Races are among the most exciting events in Saratoga (sponsored by the Saratoga Lions Club). The races feature two-horse teams pulling chariots at top speed down a quarter-mile track. The weekend's activities include Calcutta betting and a banquet. Races are held on Saturday and Sunday at Buck Springs Rodeo Arena.
Click on Upper North Platte River Valley or call the Chamber of Commerce 307-326-8855 for more details.
For more information about top events in Wyoming take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual festivals and events in Wyoming.