2012 Crystal Classic Press Release
Sweetwater County, Wyo., Hosts Crystal Classic Winter Festival Feb.17-18
–Family-friendly event includes world-class ice carving competition, human sled-dog race, 5K run/walk–
Sweetwater County, Wyo. (January 3, 2012) – Sweetwater County Travel & Tourism today announced the dates for its Crystal Classic Winter Carnival. The carnival, hosted by the Green River Parks and Recreation Department, will be held Feb. 17-18 at and around Expedition Island in Green River.
The festival features an ice carving contest that is sanctioned by the National Ice Carving Association (NICA) and boasts a prize purse totaling $11,000 for professional and amateur divisions. The contest draws contestants from all over the U.S and Canada and will be held on Green River’s Expedition Island. The people’s choice ice sculpting contest will be held Friday evening and the individual competition will take place on Saturday afternoon.
There are a number of family-friendly activities associated with the event in addition to ice sculpting contests. The Frostbite/Crystal Classic 5K Run/Walk takes place at 10 a.m. on Saturday and is open to participants of all ages. The course will wind around the ice sculpting exhibits and along the Greenbelt Pathway, providing a bird’s eye view of the contestants’ work. Participants will receive a stocking cap, as well as the chance to win gift certificates from the chamber of commerce.
Also on tap – a soup cook-off, the human dog sled competition, a pancake breakfast, s’mores stations, kids’ games, an ice cube hunt, an ice bar, musical entertainment and food. The Crystal Classic Winter Banquet, which is open to the public, will be held on Feb. 18 to celebrate the competitors and present awards.
For more information on the event call 307-382-2538 or visit the Sweetwater County website.
About Sweetwater County (www.tourwyoming.com)
Sweetwater County, located halfway between Yellowstone and Canyonlands National Parks in southwest Wyoming, is home to 10,500 square miles of pure, high desert adventure. Known as ‘Flaming Gorge Country” the area is characterized by the 91-square-mile Flaming Gorge Lake, the famed Green River, expansive deserts and rugged mountains. Activities include camping, hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, hunting dinosaurs, shopping, and just plain getting away from it all. A perfect place to explore American history, Sweetwater County is also home to petroglyphs, pioneer trails and historical museums.
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Contacts:
Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970.812.8733, [email protected]
Jenissa Bartlett, Sweetwater Travel & Tourism, 307.382.2538, [email protected]
December 8, 2011 Category: Industry, Visitor Tags:Sweetwater Fact Sheet
Web site: www.tourwyoming.com
How to reach us: Physical address: 404 N Street, Suite 304 Rock Springs, WY 82902
Phone number: (307) 382-2538
Location: Sweetwater County is conveniently located in southwestern Wyoming off the I-80 corridor and along the popular travel highways of 191 and 530 in Flaming Gorge Country. Sweetwater County is halfway between Yellowstone and Canyonlands National Parks, making it a convenient stopping point for visitors traveling to the national parks.
Getting Here :
- Drive: Sweetwater County is located on highways 191 or 530 off the I-80 corridor
- Fly: Salt Lake City International Airport – 2 ½ hour
Denver International Airport – 5 hours
Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport – 7 miles east of Rock Springs
History: A hub of the history of the American West, Sweetwater County was originally inhabited by dinosaurs whose remains are on display at the Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) Natural History Museum. Native American tribes, mostly Shoshone and Ute, claimed the land thousands of years later. Their petroglyphs are visible on White Mountain. White men came to the area in the early 1800s. Several major emigrant trails passed through the county, including the Oregon, California, Mormon, Overland, Cherokee and the Pony Express Trails. Today, Sweetwater County has more miles of still-visible pioneer trails than any other area in the United States. The transcontinental railroad came to the county in 1868, leading to the development of Sweetwater County’s two major population centers, Green River and Rock Spring.
Attractions :
Community Fine Arts Center: features a changing exhibition schedule of local, regional and national painters, sculptors, printers, photographers and fine artists
Expedition Island: a National Historic Site located in the middle of Green River; recognized as the starting point for two expeditions down the Green and Colorado Rivers led by Major John Wesley Powell in the 1800s that led to the discovery of the Grand Canyon
Flaming Gorge Lake: Part of Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, 
the 91-square-mile Flaming Gorge Lake boasts world-class fishing & is the largest reservoir in Wyoming.
Flaming Gorge Country: located along the 91-mile Flaming Gorge Reservoir and the famed Green River; characterized by expansive deserts and rugged mountains. The Flaming Gorge-Green River Basin Scenic Byway showcases this area and the dramatic landscapes surrounding Lake Flaming Gorge. The landscape quickly evolves to high desert and open shrub vegetation as it leaves the mountains of Utah. This vast open country is home to large herds of Mule deer, pronghorn antelope and bands of wild horses.
Historic South Pass: a cornerstone in the history of U.S. westward migration in the 19th Century, this area houses more than 20 original structures, thousands of artifacts and the Gold Mining Interpretive Center
Killpecker Sand Dunes: area’s biggest sand dune field, which begins several miles east of the town of Eden, also home to a herd of rare desert elk found nowhere else in the U.S.
Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop Tour: offers opportunity to see the 2,500 wild horses living in the Rock Springs district, as well as other wildlife and scenic views
Pioneer Trails: Sweetwater County has more miles of still-visible pioneer trails than any other area in the U.S.
The Reliance Tipple: Constructed by the Union Pacific Coal Company in 1936; was one of the largest and most mechanically advanced coal tipples in Wyoming
Seedskadee Wildlife Refuge: established in 1965, the refuge encompasses more than 26,000 acres along the river between Fontenelle Dam and Green River
Sweetwater Events Complex & Speedway: named one of the top 10 small town barrel racing destinations by Barrel Horse News magazine, hosts events ranging from stock car racing to BMX races, moto-cross racing and more
White Mountain Petroglyphs: more than a dozen panels display petroglyphs dating back 1,000 years
Activities:
- Camping
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Driving tours
- Events
- Fine arts
- Fine dining
- Fishing
- Golf
- Hiking
- Historic sites
- Hunting
- Ice Fishing
- Jeeping/4-Wheeling
- Kayaking
- Mountain Biking
- Museums
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Sledding
- Snowshoeing
- Snowmobiling
- Tubing
- Wildlife Viewing
Photos: Available for download at http://www.tourwyoming.com/adventure-gallery.html.
Media Contact: Gaylene Ore | Ore Communications | (970) 812-8733 | [email protected]
About Sweetwater County (www.tourwyoming.com)
Sweetwater County, located halfway between Yellowstone and Canyonlands National Parks in southwest Wyoming, is home to 10,500 square miles of pure, high desert adventure. Activities include camping, hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, sightseeing, hunting dinosaurs, shopping, snowmobiling, and just plain getting away from it all. A hub of American history, Sweetwater County is also home to petroglyphs, pioneer trails and historical museums.
Summer Activities
In the summertime Sweetwater County is a thriving outdoor-lover’s paradise, with more than 10,500 square miles for hiking, biking, fishing, sightseeing, golfing, hunting dinosaurs, shopping, or just plain getting away from it all. Here’s just a sample of summertime in Sweetwater County.
Camping: Sweetwater County is home to 17 campgrounds and RV parks, allowing plenty of opportunity to get out and enjoy the countryside. Most of the land in Sweetwater County is designated to the public with unlimited access, offering plenty of elbow room. Check out all of the camping/RVing options by visiting http://www.tourwyoming.com/things-to-do/activities/camping.html.
Fishing: In Sweetwater County anglers have their pick of tailwaters, man-made lakes and reservoirs, mountain lakes, streams and rivers that all lead to one place – some of the best coldwater fishing in the country. Four types of cutthroat trout are native to Wyoming rivers and golden, brook, brown mackinaw and rainbow trout, as well as burbot, have recently been introduced.
Golfing: Sweetwater County’s two golf courses are available from about the end of March through October, weather permitting. White Mountain Golf Course in Rock Springs has a 27-hole golf course, driving range, pro shop and clubhouse. There is also a small fishing/boating lake onsite, as well as a ball field complex. Rolling Green Country Club in Green River runs along scenic Green River. It’s not unusual for golfers to encounter moose, deer and waterfowl around this course.
Canoeing/Kayaking/Tubing: The Green River, which runs through the city of Green River and can be accessed from many points, is a water-lover’s dream. Don’t miss the newly constructed Whitewater Park and North Channel Tubing section at Expedition Island Park. Near the outdoor Splash Park there’s a lazy river/tubing channel that features a series of drops and three large pools. The Castle Falls Feature, a state-of-the-art whitewater park and play feature is located at the southeast tip of Expedition Island Park.
Killpecker Sand Dunes: This area north of Rock Springs was once dotted with active volcanoes, but what remains today are flat-topped buttes and spires and a huge sand dune filed that spans 100 miles from east to west and heights of up to 100 feet. The Killpecker Dune Field boasts the biggest dunes. A herd of rare desert elk that are found nowhere else in North America, as well as wild horses also make their home here. The dunes are a popular spot for recreationalists who enjoy hiking and exploring the area in off-road vehicles.
Mountain Biking: There is nothing like exploring the beauty of the high desert on two wheels. For an exceptional experience check out the system of singletrack trails weaving throughout Sweetwater County. Brent & Mike’s Trail, Fast Exit, Pick Poison and Draino are just minutes from Green River and offer a variety of terrain for all skill levels. The new Green River Bike Park features trails and dirt jumps, an elevated trail with ladder bridges, a pump track and a beginner skills area. The Loop Trail is a nice easy ride for families. One of the newest and most adventurous mountain biking trails is the 20-mile long Cherokee Trail/Currant Creek Ranch Loop.
Pioneer Trails: Sweetwater County has more miles of still-visible pioneer trails than any other area in the country. The Oregon Trail, Pony Express Route, Cherokee Trail, Overland Trail, Parting of the Ways, and Old Emigrant Trail all pass through Sweetwater County. In fact, Highway 28 parallels the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, Pony Express and California National Historic Trails. Intact trail ruts are visible at the False Parting of the Ways, Simpson’s Hollow and Pilot Butte sites. A high-clearance, 4×4 vehicle is recommended for exploring the backcountry. Download the National Historic Trails Guide for more information.
Sweetwater Events Complex & Speedway: Nearly every weekend is filled with events ranging from motocross, BMX racing, stock car races and demolition derbies. Visit www.sweetwaterevents.com for a full lineup.
December 8, 2011 Category: Visitor Tags:Winter Activities
The fun doesn’t end in Sweetwater County once the snow falls. Winter visitors are invited to experience amazing outdoor recreational activities, including snow sports, snowmobiling and ice fishing. Warm up by spending time at Sweetwater County’s many fine cultural attractions.
Community Fine Arts Center: Located in Rock Springs, this cultural gem is a unique joint-effort of the City of Rock Springs, Sweetwater County and the local school district. The multi- arts center was founded by a local science teacher in 1965. The center includes more than 500 pieces of original works from well-known local, regional and national artists such as Norman Rockwell, Edward Chavez, Grandma Moses and Loren McGiver. In addition to a changing exhibition schedule of local and regional artists, the center also features national traveling exhibitions.
Cross-Country Skiing/Snowshoeing: Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is managed by the USDA Forest Service, Ashley National Forest and USDI Bureau of Reclamation. Here, there are more than 200 miles of trails to explore on cross-country skis or snowshoes.
Ice Fishing: The Flaming Gorge is renowned ice fishing destination for burbot, rainbow and lake trout. In general the fish get bigger toward the south end of the reservoir. The Firehole on the Green River arm, Halfway Hollow on the Black’s Fork arm, and the Confluence area are all popular with ice fishermen in search of lake trout. Most of the burbot in Flaming Gorge are on the upper end of the reservoir in the Blacks Fork and Green River arms.
Rock Springs Historical Museum: The Rock Springs Historical Museum illustrates the town’s historic past with many different exhibits on life in a western coal town. Many miners immigrated to Rock Springs from Europe to mine coal, making it one of the most diverse ethnic melting pots west of the Mississippi. Rock Springs was also home to the outlaw Butch Cassidy. The outlaw Calamity Jane is also reputed to have had a dugout on what is now M Street.
Scenic Drives: Scenic drives are an easy way to experience Sweetwater County’s beauty. In fact one of the best ways to see the area’s famous wild horses is to look right out your car window! Most of the county’s highways are designated state scenic byways, including the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway. Side trips, like the Sheep Creek Geologic Loop Tour, offer exciting views of bighorn sheep.
Another option – drive to the Reliance tipple to see the influence of the mining and railroad industries on Wyoming’s landscape. Built entirely by the Union Pacific Coal Company, the town of Reliance was founded in the first decade of the 20th Century. The railroad built a tipple – an apparatus used to unload coal – to handle the massive amounts of coal being mind in the area.
Sweetwater County Historical Museum: Discover the rich cultural heritage of southwestern Wyoming at the Sweetwater County Historical Museum in Green River. Established in 1967 to preserve and present the history of Sweetwater County, the museum is housed in a 1931 post office building and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Long- and short-term exhibits, a large photograph collection and local history materials trace the story of Sweetwater County from 1820 to the present.
Wildlife Viewing: Flaming Gorge Country provides the contrast in scenery for which the West is famous, from the rugged Uinta Mountains to the expansive Wyoming deserts. This spectacular combination provides a roomy habitat for a variety of big-game animals, including moose, Rocky Mountain elk, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep and wild horses.
Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs reign at this museum that houses five life-size replicas of the beasts that thundered across the open space of Wyoming tens of millions of years ago. The museum also displays several wall-mounted fossils of fish, huge leaves and reptiles that have been discovered in the area. Prehistoric pottery and smaller fossils are also on display.
December 8, 2011 Category: Visitor Tags:History of Sweetwater County
Information courtesy of Sweetwater County Historical Museum
Sweetwater County’s history began long before written records. In prehistoric times the landscape was swampy and inhabited by great dinosaurs. Some of the floral and fish fossils still visible today date back about 45 million years. Thousands of years later Native Americans, mostly Shoshone and Ute, claimed the land. Petroglyphs on White Mountain preserve the pictorial language of the prehistoric people from the region.
The first white men moving through the area with regularity were the mountain men. The first Rocky Mountain Rendezvous (an annual gathering held by a fur trading company at which trappers and mountain men sold their furs and hides and replenished their supplies), was held in Sweetwater County in 1825. A later gathering in 1834 is said to have been the largest rendezvous ever.
Several major emigrant trails passed through the county, including the Oregon, California, Mormon, Overland, and Cherokee Trails, as well as the Pony Express Trail, 1861 transcontinental telegraph line and Ben Holladay’s Central Overland Express stage line. Today, Sweetwater County has more miles of still-visible pioneer trails than any other area in the United States.
Vitally important to the history of the county was the coming of the transcontinental railroad in 1868. This was instrumental in the creation and development of Sweetwater County’s two major population centers, Green River and Rock Springs. Green River was the major railroad town due to the near proximity of a water supply, while Rock Springs became the coal mining center of the county.
Rock Springs Historical Museum: The museum itself was built in 1894 and first used as the City Hall. The building is the museum’s largest artifact.
Sweetwater County Historical Museum: Established in 1967 to preserve and present the history of Sweetwater County, the museum is housed in a 1931 post office building.
Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) Natural History Museum: In addition to five dinosaur replicas, the museum displays several wall-mounted fossils of fish, huge leaves and reptiles that have been discovered in the area. The museum also houses interesting artifacts, such as prehistoric pottery, smaller fossils, and items associated with the earliest known humans who lived in the area.
December 8, 2011 Category: Visitor Tags:2012 Signature Events Calendar
Burbot Bash, Jan. 25-28 (Flaming Gorge Reservoir)
The Burbot Bash is an ice fishing derby aimed at ridding the Flaming Gorge of the predatory burbot fish, which has recently made its way into the reservoir and threatens the local fishery. There is $7,000 up for grabs in prize money for categories like catching the most burbot, as well as the largest and smallest fish caught.
Crystal Classic, Feb. 18-20 (Green River)
This event showcases the artistic talents of professional, semi-professional and amateur ice sculptors who compete for $11,000 in cash prizes.
Flaming Gorge Days, June 21-23 (Green River)
This is one cool way to kick off the hot summer days. Events include the Festival in the Park, rock-and-roll and country music concerts, a golf tournament, a three-on-three basketball tournament, horseshoes, and a dodge ball tournament, just to name a few. It’s fun for the whole family! For an updated schedule of events visit www.flaminggorgedays.com.
National High School Finals Rodeo, July 15-21 (Rock Springs)
Dubbed the largest rodeo in the world with 13 performances spanning seven days, the National High School Rodeo Finals features more than 1,500 competitors from all over the world. Enjoy the action-packed competition as these future pros show off their stuff.
Sweetwater County Fair, “Wyoming’s Big Show,” July 26-Aug. 5 (Rock Springs)
Kick up your heels southwest Wyoming style! The Big Show beckons visitors from all over for fun with rodeo action, carnival rides, delicious food, evening concerts and 4-H and livestock exhibits.
14th Annual International Day (Rock Springs)
This popular, one-day festival celebrates Sweetwater County’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. This event features ethnic entertainment, children’s activities, food and vendor items.
Mountain State Circuit Finals PRCA ProRodeo, Oct. 25-27 (Rock Springs)
Rodeo and Sweetwater County go hand in hand! Each year the Sweetwater Events Complex, only five minutes away from downtown Rock Springs, hosts the Mountain State Circuit Finals PRCA ProRodeo. For three nights rodeo fans can cheer on their favorite cowboy or cowgirl in events like steer wrestling, bareback riding, bull riding and barrel racing, among others.
Burbot Bash Press Release
Sweetwater County, Wyoming Hosts 2nd Annual Burbot Bash, Jan. 25-28, 2012
– Fishing derby worth $7,000 in prize money –
Sweetwater County, Wyo. (Nov. 16, 2011) – Sweetwater County Travel & Tourism today announced the dates for the 2012 Burbot Bash in the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The fishing derby – with a purse totaling more than $7,000 – will be held Jan. 25-28, 2012. The derby is a joint effort between the Green River Chamber of Commerce, Rock Springs Chamber and the Flaming Gorge Chamber.
Burbot, also known as ling cod, are an invasive game fish that has recently found its way into the Flaming Gorge Reservoir in southwest Wyoming. According to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the aggressive predatory fish feed on native fish populations in the go
rge.
“Sweetwater County has some of the best coldwater fishing in the country,” says Jenissa Bartlett, executive director of Sweetwater Travel & Tourism. “This event is a way to showcase the area to fisherman, while at the same time helping rid our waters of burbot, which directly compete for food and habitat with all the sport fish for which the Flaming Gorge is known.”
Barltett adds that the event will also provide area fish and game officials with valuable information about how the burbot are moving through area waters, their population numbers and more.
The Burbot Bash kicks off on Jan. 25 at 11 a.m. (MT) at Buckboard Marina with registration, rules and a status update on the burbots. There will be a large cash prize for catching a tagged fish, as well as prizes for the team that catches the most burbot and the largest and smallest fish caught. In addition to cash, prizes will include chamber gift certificates, fishing trips, fishing gear and more. The event culminates on Jan. 28 at Manila Rodeo Grounds with a fish cleaning competition and a burbot cooking demonstration.
For additional information, including rules and registration fees, visit www.grchamber.com or call 800-FL-GORGE.
About Sweetwater County (www.tourwyoming.com)
Sweetwater County, located halfway between Yellowstone and Canyonlands National Parks in southwest Wyoming, is home to 10,500 square miles of pure, high desert adventure. Activities include camping, hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, sightseeing, hunting dinosaurs, shopping, snowmobiling, and just plain getting away from it all. A perfect place to explore American history, Sweetwater County is also home to petroglyphs, pioneer trails and historical museums.
Wyoming Game and Fish, Regional News, Green River
Wyoming Game and Fish Regional Office News-Green River, WY
Wyoming Game and Fish News
October 24, 2011 Category: Industry Tags:September 2011 Grant Hearing/Board Meeting
ROCK SPRINGS, Wyoming, September 14, 2011- The Sweetwater County Joint Travel & Tourism Board, SWCTT, discussed their marketing plan, up-coming marketing analysis research, and September’s grant applicants during their monthly board meeting on Wednesday September 14, 2011 at the Green River WWCC.
A $100,000.00 contract with Signature Advertising was approved by the board to place all the marketing for FY 2011/2012. The marketing plan includes placement in the Wyoming Visitor Guide, Yellowstone Journal, a Regional Newspaper Insert, Online-Publications, Search Engine Marketing, Online Social Marketing, Facebook Pay-Per-Click, Analysis, Fulfillment, Public Relations, Website Maintenance, and Creative.
A $3,000.00 contract for an Advertising Conversion Research Study was also approved by the board. SMARI, Strategic Marketing Analysis Research Incorporated, will be performing a more customized study than SWCTT has had in the past. The study will look at the money T&T spent in advertising and what visitors actually spent as a result. “In our 2010 study the ROI was $7 for every $1 spent in advertising so we are hoping for a similar or better outcome this year,” said Jenissa Bartlett, Executive Director.
During the grant hearing portion of the meeting, the board approved three grants for the total of $12,000.00 with an additional $1,000.00 marketing bonus. The Flaming Gorge Classic received a grant for $4,000.00. The Flaming Gorge Classic i
s a basketball tournament held at Green River High School on December 15-17, 2011. The tournament consists of 34 boy’s teams and 34 girl’s teams. This event is estimated to bring 3,500 overnight stays.
The Thoman Invitational received a grant for $4,000.00. The Thoman Invitational is a wrestling tournament held at Green River High School on January 13-14, 2012. The tournament consists of 16 teams. This event is estimated to bring 1,200 overnight stays.
The Holiday Classic Tack & Horse Auction received a grant for $4,000.00 and an additional marketing bonus of $1,000.00. The Holiday Classic Tack & Horse Auction is being held at the Sweetwater Events Complex on November 25-27, 2011. The auction will include tack, antiques, cowboy collectibles, wagons, horses, and mule. This event is estimated to bring 400 overnight stays.
For additional information on the SWCTT September board meeting/grant hearing, please call 307-382-2538.
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