“What is there to do in Laramie during the summer? Nothing?” This is what I heard from a student about a week ago as classmates were discussing summer plans.
That guy is crazy.
Laramie is a thriving community during the summer and throughout the entire year.
Laramie is more than just the University of Wyoming; though its staff and faculty positions provide about 6,000 jobs for the community there are about 24,000 other permanent residents that help build this charming town.
All of these residents and a few straggling students who stick around for summer classes or a job have plenty to do during the summer months and good weather to enjoy as well.
Yes, there is good weather in Laramie. It’s like the first 2 weeks of fall classes but for a solid 3 months with scattered thunderstorms.
There are several activities and the parks offer great locations for recreation. Not to mention the amazing Farmers’ Market that takes place on a weekly basis right in the heart of down town.
I admit I did not know how amazing Laramie was in the summertime until last summer when I would come every other weekend to visit friends who had stayed here for classes.
I believe that students do not appreciate this town enough. They rag on it in during the school year because of the less than ideal weather, and then also say there is nothing to do because they never leave campus.
Although I will confess, I think there is plenty to do on campus if you just look at the bulletin boards.
Students who spend their time in the dorm do not get out of them enough, they may leave to go get Fro-Yo or eat out once a week, but the younger students do not even get a taste of what they are missing.
I can’t blame anyone for the fact of disliking it here because of the weather, but if you stick around for the summer this community comes together.
The parks come to life with their beautiful trees and several people.
Frisbees fly everywhere and anyone who has a dog bigger than a Chihuahua goes out for a walk with their beloved animal. I often see people going on picnic dates to the parks, as well.
If you’re looking for some cheap entertainment it seems there is always someone skating at LaBonte Park, or you can head to Spring Creek park to play some disc golf.
On Fridays, July through September, you can head down town and see what is offered for local food and crafts. The community comes together and shows off what they are all about.
One time that the community truly comes together is Jubilee Days, which is the first weekend in July this year. It’s at least one event I suggest students come back for. A full carnival, food vendors, live bands and dancing take over the streets during the weekend, along with a beer festival.
The irony of this whole article trying to convince readers that Laramie is awesome in the summer is that what makes Laramie awesome is the under abundance of students.
There is a significant relief in population when it is not a full blown school year and the students committed to classes at the university is about a whopping 12,000 people. With students abandoning the college town, it makes Laramie feel extremely breathable.
It’s like community members come out of their shells to share with Laramie what they are all about. This town literally blooms at the same time the trees do, mid-May, right after all the students leave.
