Specialty Crop

The number of entries in specialty-crop-related categories at the Albany County Fair has increased sharply in 2022 and 2023, as more 4-Hers, older youths, and adults are gardening and canning their own foods—in part to save money, but also to produce healthy foods, beautify their yards, and participate in an enjoyable hobby, says fair manager Taylor Haley. “Part of this is learning how to grow vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers in the challenging high plains, and learning how to can.”

The number of indoor entries, which include specialty crops and many other categories, has doubled over the past couple of years, reaching about 4,000 in 2023. “We’re seeing the most growth in visual arts and photography, but the other indoor categories are also way up, including fresh vegetables, fruits, and cut flowers, and canned foods like preserves, jellies, salsas, honey, pie fillings, fruits, and vegetables,” Haley says.

The Laramie Garden Club sponsors some of the 4-H and Open class garden awards. They are named after long-time Laramie residents the late Eileen and Jack Routson, who devoted much time helping others with successfully growing produce and flowers in the challenging climate.

The county fair is held around the first week of August each year. Those participating in the Open, FFA, and 4-H contests can compete at the state fair, and prizes are awarded at both the county and state levels.