It doesn’t always take a government-funded event to create fun opportunities for Wyomingites to gather, build memories, and do something meaningful in their own community. Sometimes, the best ideas don’t come from a formal plan. They come from a passing comment that sticks.
Sarah Penn, at a local event in Lander, heard a man mention they wished there was something a little different for families during the annual Brewfest. Not to replace anything. Just another option, especially for those with younger kids.
Lander already has a strong tradition. The Summer Brew Fest brings people together every year and has become part of what the community looks forward to. But for some families, especially with little ones, they’ve been looking for something that fits them a bit better. Instead of letting that idea pass, a group of locals decided to act on it. The Penn family, alongside Wyoming Citizens for Liberty, is hosting the first annual Family Fun Fest, right on Main Street at Centennial Park.
Saturday, June 13, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Centennial Park, Lander Wyoming
Kids can jump in a bouncy house, play carnival-style games, get their faces painted, chase bubbles, and load up on the essentials: cotton candy, popcorn, and hot dogs. The kind of day where they don’t need much direction… they just go.
There will also be a full barbecue with pulled pork sandwiches and baked beans, bringing families together a little longer, sharing a meal, visiting and enjoying the afternoon. The event is built to be accessible. There’s no cost to attend. Activities run on a ticket system—$1 per ticket, with most attractions costing just one ticket.
It’s not just about the games. There will be booths from groups in the community, including the Learning Resource Library, a volunteer library run by Amanda Shade. It’s been around for a little over a year, and this gives families a chance to learn about all the things the library offers, because it’s not just books.
The event will provide families a place to go, kids with something to look forward to, and create the kind of moments that stick longer than the day itself.
People in a community who saw a need decided to be a part of a solution. They took action and are working on creating a beautiful positive experience to create memories for years to come.
