News briefs

Ethnobotany class

The Red Dirt Master Gardeners and the University of Wyoming Extension are hosting a class open to the public by Danita Sayers on Ethnobotany. This is an introduction to Wyoming Edible and Medicinal Plants. The event will be on Monday, July 15, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Hot Springs County Library. The topics include ethics of wild foraging, safety concerns, and basic plant identification and uses. 

Also, as part of the Hot Springs County Fair, the Red Dirt Master Gardeners are hosting their Fashion Show on Wednesday July 31 at 3 p.m. with the theme: Wild West Days. Refreshments are afterwards. Applications are available at the Extension Office, Farmer’s Market and the HSC Library.

Additionally, the Red Dirt Master Gardeners have a 501c3, for those that might want to donate to their shed fundraising efforts.

HSCHS Reunion

The Hot Springs County High School Reunion is set for the third weekend in July. According to committee member Shasta Shaffer, the classes registered through the committee are 1969, 1974, 1984 and 1994.

Plans are in the works for a live band to perform at the VFW and a picnic in the park hosted by the Masons.

For more information, contact Shasta Shaffer at (307) 258-9861.

Wyoming Discovery Days

Wyoming Discovery Days will be held on August 3-4 in Hot Springs State Park. They are calling out to vendors to participate in this year’s event, designed to promote Wyoming artists and crafts people.

To participate in the Folk Arts Invitational Show, work for sale must be produced by the artist or as an art collaboration by one artist and partner/s. You should be able to demonstrate and/or talk about you work.

To participate in the Fine Arts Invitational Show, work for sale must be produced by the artists or as an art collaboration by the artist and partner/s. The Trading Post will include work for sale by individuals or a group representing multiple artists (i.e., galleries, museums, representatives); includes perishables and “usable” items (food, soaps, lotions, herbal products). Brand name products may also be sold. For each 12’x15’ booth, the fee is $65. Entry deadline is July 15. Entries accepted after July 15 will be charged an $80 late fee. For more information, visit http://www.wyomingdiscoverydays.org.

Gift of the Waters Pageant

The Gift of the Waters Pageant will also be held August 3-4 at 6 p.m. in Hot Springs State Park at the Big Spring. In 1896, members of the Shoshone and Arapahoe Nations entered into a treaty with the US Government and ceded land which includes the Hot Springs. In commemoration of this event, Marie Montabe, who had lived with the Shoshone people on the Wind River Indian Reservation, wrote “Gift of the Waters: Historical Indian Pageant”. It was first presented at Hot Springs State Park in October, 1925. This Pageant continues today and is produced every year on the first Saturday and Sunday in August. Native Americans participate and dance in this moving and colorful presentation.

All are invited to watch this free performance which is located on the lush grounds in front of the Big Spring. Besides the Pageant, other activities include the Pageant Parade, 5/10K Pageant Run, Cowboy Church Services and other fun things to do.

For more information, contact Shasta Shaffer at (307) 258-9861.