Chuckwagon Days, Fourth Celebrations Fill Weekend

by Tiffany Turner

It’s pretty easy to miss some of the great events happening in the area considering they could be taking place almost anywhere within the 4,883 square miles that make up Sublette County.

With the summer in full swing and Fourth of July weekend kicking off today, there is plenty to keep everyone busy. Big Piney will have its 74th Annual Chuckwagon Days, Pinedale will host its yearly picnic and both towns have plans to put on terrific firework displays.

Big Piney/Marbleton Chuckwagon Days Rodeos

Co-approved IMPRA and WRA, therodeo starts at 6 p.m. on July 3 (slack that morning) and at 1 p.m. on July 4. All activities will be held at the Sublette County Fairgrounds. There will be plenty of rough stock bull, saddle bronc and bareback riding, team roping, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, junior barrels and calf scrambles. Admission is $5 for everyone over 12 and concessions will be available.

Ivy Porter’s Lemonade Stand

Open for business in front of Los Cabos Restaurant in Big Piney, Ivy Porter’s Lemonade Stand offers a nice cold drink with proceeds going to Ivy’s Cancer Wagon, which will benefit Primary Children’s Hospital.

“(Ivy) had leukemia when she was 3,” said her aunt Cyd Jaskolski. “She is in remission now and has been for a couple of years.” “She started doing the lemonade stand last year to raise money to help provide wagons for the kids at Primary Children’s Hospital,” Jaskolski added. “When she was in the hospital, she rode in a wagon when she had to go somewhere. Alot of the kids can’t walk during chemo and the wagons are not only functional transportation but cheerful as well.”

Ivy decided to give back to the hospital that helped her get better.”

According to her aunt, Porter has delivered several wagons of goodies to the children in the hospital and the lemonade stand helps fund the items that fill it.

The stand is freewill donation only and the stand will be open from just before the parade Saturday at 10 a.m. until it sells out.

“Our community has been very generous in supporting Ivy’s goals,” Jaskolski said. “We couldn’t do it without everyone’s help.”

Pancake Breakfast

St. John’s Episcopal Church will be hosting its first-ever pancake breakfast before all of the 4th of July events. The breakfast will run from 6-9 a.m. at the church on Smith Street in Big Piney.

“This is the first year we are holding the pancake breakfast, so we are hoping for a really good turnout,” said Stacey Hovinga. “We thought it would be a fun activity for the community to take part in before the parade starts –we will be serving pancakes, bacon, coffee and juice.”

Donations will be accepted.

Chuckwagon Chug

This five- or 10-kilometer walk or run race begins and ends at the Big Piney High School Parking lot. The race begins before the parade, at 8 a.m. on Friday. Prizes will be awarded for all the top finishers and a portion of the proceeds will go to Multiple Sclerosis of Wyoming.

Parade

The annual Chuckwagon Days parade will take place on the Fourth and will make its way down Budd Avenue in Big Piney. The parade starts at 10 a.m.

“We never know how many entries we have until the morning of the parade,” said Big Piney Deputy Clerk Linda Morton. “Last year we had from 15 to 20 entries.”

Town BBQ

After all of Friday’s festivities, a free community barbecue will take place at the Sublette County fairgrounds after the parade and before the rodeo gets going in full swing. There will be lots to choose from, and the town says it’s sure to be a good time for all.

Pinedale Picnic in the Park

Pinedale’s annual Fourth of July celebration will once again be held in American Legion Park. The event, from 4-7 p.m., will supply the burgers, hotdogs and drinks and asks that everyone bring a sidedish to share. Don’t forget blankets and chairs.

Fireworks

The shows will start after dark for both towns in celebration of the Fourth of July. Look towards the Pinedale BallPark or the Marbleton Town Hill for the big show.

“The Sublette County Chamber of Commerce encourages both visitors and residents alike to get out enjoy their holiday weekend,” said Sublette County Chamber director Terrie Swift.

“Whatever activities you choose please do so responsibly. Please take advantage of all of the attractions that Sublette County has to offer and be sure to enjoy the 4th of July!”