July 4, 2015 marked the start of the 75th year of Laramie Jubilee days.
The event was first celebrated in 1940 to mark Wyoming achieving statehood on July 10, 1895.
This community oriented weeklong event takes place in the heart of downtown offers opportunities to residents, tourist and local business.
“We are trying to make everything special this year and create a week of fun for Laramie’s hometown celebration,” Vice Chair of Jubilee Days Zoe Curtright, said.
However, not everyone sees Jubilee Days a fun community event.
“Last year it was a lot of drunk people…lots of rain, was a horrible event,” Hui Tsao, UW chemical engineering sophomore, said.
Despite this people, such as Pedal House owner Dewey Gallegos, see Jubilee Days as an event that brings the community together to celebrate Wyoming achieving statehood.
“It’s awesome, nice community event that brings people together,” Gallegos said.
Jubilee Days also provides a variety of activities for residents and tourists. For example, a Jalapeño eating contest will take place today on the main stage downtown and walking and bike tours will begin the tomorrow starting at 11 a.m.
After the parade on Saturday, the chili cook-off will begin and is followed by Laramie Brewfest. The festivities will conclude Sunday with the final PRCA Rodeo starting at 1 p.m. at the Albany County Fairgrounds
“It’s a good way to get involved and learn about the community, and it draws people downtown to the stores, restaurants and bars. I think it helps,” Curtright, said.
The Downtown events start today and begin with live music every night through Saturday.
“This year everything is based around 75 years of celebrating statehood,” Kelly Wolfe, downtown chair, said. “This year we are making it very family oriented and are expecting larger crowds, in addition to having a couple bigger name bands for Friday and Saturday night. We are hoping to step it up a tad from last year.”
Many residents see Jubilee Days as an opportunity to get involved in Laramie’s local culture and community, Wolfe said.
“I am new to Laramie. It’s a good way to get involved and learn about the community,” she said.
People interested in participating in the events or volunteering can find more information on the Laramie Jubilee Days website.
