Wyoming Discovery Days planned

Wyoming Discovery Days, which takes place Saturday and Sunday, August 3 and 4 in Hot Springs State Park, celebrates Wyoming’s unique cultural heritage through stories, music, food, art, and demonstrations. “There will be lots going on both days and there will be new things added too,” according to Audra Dominguez, Festival Director. 

Dominguez reminds the public there will be both a Percheron horse team and a mule team pulled wagon shuttle ride from the highschool to the State Park this year. Wagons run continuously during the festival and are provided by the Flom Family. This relieves the parking congestion in the State Park.

Due to its popularity, the Weenie Dog Race and costume contest is back, and will be a blast for the whole family.

Live music will be played throughout the event and includes: Jalan Crossland, Christian Wallowing Bull, Connie Dover, Aaron Davis, Issac Hayden and more.

Captain Les Bennington of the Pony Express will have eight Pony Express riders this year. 

The lineup of demonstrators showcases a multitude of talent from Wyoming’s hands-on traditions. There will be demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. There will be a variety of demonstrators and something for everyone to enjoy.

Back again the infamous Whiskers Jail House. If you are caught clean shaven, the local sheriff will “arrest” you and a $5 bail donation will get you out of jail. It is a fundraiser for Discovery Days.

Bring your own beverage to the Paint & Sip, sponsored by Audra’s Copper Coo, led by Artisan Alley at the Art Activity Tent. There is a minimal cost on Saturday of $25 for the canvas and $15 Sunday for wood on which to paint.

The Tipi Retreat is providing a tipi again this year to the children’s activity area to paint a tipi, at no cost.

Ongoing demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday will include Kevin Mosser with a display about the geology of Hot Springs County. Rockhounds are invited to come and look at his rock and fossil collection. Worland Wyoming Woodturners will showcase the art of woodturning and how to make bowls, vases, and other items from wood.

The festival is open to the public without charge. Wyoming Arts Council, Wyoming Humanities Council, and the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund have provided special funding to help with the event. There is additional funding from local and state sponsors including the public and private sector. 

 The festival is held the same weekend as the Gift of the Waters Pageant. The Pageant tells how the hot springs were given to the state by the Native Americans from the Wind River Reservation. It will be performed starting around 6 p.m. in the area around the Big Spring on Saturday and Sunday evening. 

A complete schedule will be available at wyomingdiscoverydays.org. Contact info@wyomingdiscoverydays.org for specific inquiries or visit wyomingdiscoverydays.org.