HYATTVILLE — After suspending the 2020 Hyattville Cowboy Carnival as an abundance of caution due to COVID-19, the Hyattville Cowboy Carnival is back.

The annual fundraiser for the Hyattville Community Center is updated, revamped, and ready to go this Sunday. 

Besides the regular events from each year, 2021 offers two new special events:  Keller Performance Horse Demonstrations, information, and question and answer followed by Music by Dave Munsick, the Songteller (singer, songwriter, storyteller). 

Tickets are still $10 for adults, $5 for kids, or $25 for an immediate family, and they still include a ranch barbecue meal.

Here’s what else you can expect this Sunday

•Kids’ events span the day throughout the activity areas.

•9 a.m. This year there is in-person 5K and Kids K with registration at 9 am. Registration is required, and can also be done online for an additional fee. Awards will be granted for the first place men’s and women’s finishers. The 5k Run/Walk starts at 10 a.m., and the Kids K race starts at 11 a.m. 

•10 am: This year, the Sharpshooter Contest begins at 10 a.m. at the old air strip on the south side of town, on the gravel road that heads to Ten Sleep.  It will be marked and obvious.  Bring your own gun; some events have entry fees.

Also kicking off at 10, at the Community Center Building: the Book Sale, Quilt Show and Photo Contest and the start of the 5K Run/Walk. There will be Hyattville History displays and area ranch history. Dozens of handmade quilts from all over the Big Horn Basin will be on display in the main building, and these works of art are treasures to see. Anyone interested in entering a quilt can drop it off at a designated location one week before the Carnival, where they will be returned afterward.

•10:30 a.m. Another new addition to Cowboy Carnival this year - the Keller Performance Horse Demo. Bruce Keller, National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) pro and National Champion, will provide horsemanship demos focusing on the progression of a young horse through multiple stages. Ask him your horsemanship questions.  

•Noon. Music by the Songteller Dave Munsick runs from noon to 2 p.m. Munsick is a Wyomingite and renowned storyteller and songwriter.

•12:30 – 2 p.m. Lunch is served at 12:30 and includes beef, lamb, pork, and a selection of side dishes that always includes corn on the cob. This is also the perfect time to enjoy live music by this year’s entertainer. After lunch and maybe a dance, take time to view the items for the Live Auction, or enjoy a serving of those wonderful entries from the Pie Contest for dessert in the cafeteria.

•1 p.m. The Chauncey McMillan Memorial Sheep Dog Competition is slated for 1 p.m. on the main grounds and always draws a big crowd. Competitors bring their dogs from across Wyoming and Montana, and it features two classes: one for ranch dogs who have never entered a sanctioned dog trial before, and another for dogs who have previously competed.  Entry fees are $35 per dog, and only dogs entered in the competition will be allowed on the grounds with a leash. 

•3 p.m. Live Auction featuring items and prizes from the whole region. Anyone wishing to donate an item for the auction is encouraged to email the Cowboy Carnival Committee at [email protected], or call Bob Herman at (307) 469-2247.