News briefs

HSCHS Reunion hits town this weekend

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

Blackwater will perform at the VFW Saturday night and on Sunday there will be a picnic at the Hot Springs State Park Kiwanis Shelter. The Masons are catering and will be serving tacos.

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

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.

Be prepared for upcoming influx of people

Gillette will be hosting the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee at the Camplex August 5-11. Hot Springs County Emergency Management Coordinator Stephanie Conrad wants to remind residents and businesses to be prepared for a busy time, during and after the event for several weeks.

Around 60,000 guests are anticipated to attend the event in Gillette. According to Conrad, locally we can expect traffic congestion and possible difficulty in our supply of consumable goods.

The Camporee is occurring at the same time as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. In addition to the excessive traffic due to those events, we will see our regular tourism numbers, Pageant Days, Discovery Days, HSC Fair, the Search and Rescue Poker Float and more.

Conrad mentioned that Gillette residents will be visiting and traveling around the state to avoid the influx of people in Campbell County.

Businesses and residents are reminded to stock up on items you may need, including fueling their vehicles.

Understand this influx of people will be temporary.

Visit camporee.org for more information on the event, contact Conrad at 864-4649 or HSC Public Health Response Coordinator Sady Mounts at 864-8047.