Last week the Wyoming State Fair (WSF) celebrated 100 years. The Douglas, WY fairgrounds were buzzing with activity all week. Many young people and producers, from across the state, brought their finest animals to compete in the livestock shows.

Among the usual events of the WSF several special events were added to the schedule in honor of the celebration. They even brought the draft horse show back for the 100th anniversary.

The WSF’s motto, “Times change, traditions remain” set the theme for the annual parade on Saturday morning. Parade entries and spectators lined the streets of the small town of Douglas in anticipation.

One of the many parade entries was the Shaw/Gray Family Ranch; the Shaw’s came to Wyoming from Texas in 1879 and settled just south of Douglas near Orin Junction. Their parade entry began with a sign explaining that they came from Texas in 1879. Behind the banner, rode Bill Gray, 84-years old, on horseback and several of his grandchildren. Behind the riders was a little wagon, pulled by a pony, packed full of the necessities; washtub, shovel, chair, chickens, and a little bonneted girl and her dog. The back of the wagon read, “droughted out, head’n back to Texas.” The Shaw/Gray family placed second in the wagon group category for the parade and entertained many with their four-legged parade companions. The family has a longstanding relationship with the WSF and has contributed to a variety of events for many years.