The public will have the chance to get in on fun in the Alcova sun, thanks to recent changes in the Natrona County Commission's land lease lottery system.

From now until June 1, anyone - including people outside of Natrona County - can enter into the redesigned lottery for the opportunity to purchase one of six available trailers.

The privately-owned trailers sit on federal property leased by the county every year. And while current holders have the first chance to renew their leases, this year is the first in which the lottery will offer people a real chance at open lots.

"In the past, there haven't even been enough names to present a really good opportunity for current lessees and often the public in general has been unaware that there are any lease sites available," county commissioner Barb Peryam said. "What we're trying to do this year is let people know they can put their names in for one of these spots."

Five names will be drawn for each open lot, so the commission hopes to gather at least 30 names total, Peryam said.

Once names are drawn from the lottery, the 30 people chosen enter into a limited, free enterprise market. Each person will work with any or all of the six current lessees to purchase one of the trailers on the six open lots.

If at the end of the free enterprise period any trailers remain unsold, the trailer owner is required to remove the trailer from the site. The first person drawn from the lottery who has yet to purchase a trailer is given the lease on the property.

Generally, Peryam said, people look to buy the existing trailers because that is more cost-effective than leasing the property and buying a trailer separately.

Peryam called the Alcova area "a true jewel for the entire region," and said she and the commission hope the public takes advantage of the land lease opportunity.

"The trailer park is an absolutely wonderful place for folks who are looking forward to retirement, but it's also a terrific place for families," she said. "And it's such a fun place to be."

Casper resident Ed Cardinal began visiting Alcova about 20 years ago, when he purchased a trailer on a rented lot near the lake.

Cardinal took his young family to fish, swim and water ski and picnic on the beach. When they tired of the outdoors, the family had only to return to their nearby mobile home for naps or meals or shade.

Even though his children are grown now, Cardinal still spends time at his trailer, fishing the summer days away.

"We usually go out in April or May and then go back and forth to Casper," he said. "We spend a week or 10 days at a time, then go back out on weekends."

Although the leases are active for a full year, the grounds are open only from April 15 through October 15. Leased sites, which cost $2,000 per year, come equipped with electricity, water and sewer. Garbage pickup is available for an extra $100.

"As a commission, we want to make this the best experience we can for everybody involved," Peryam said.

Put your name in the lottery

*In person at Natrona County Roads, Bridges and Parks. Give your name, address, phone number and signature to Glenna Nash at 538 SW Wyoming Blvd. in Mills.

*By mail. Send your information and signature to Nash at the above address.

*By phone. Call Nash at (307) 235-9311 and ask to have your name added to the Alcova lottery. You will need to follow up by sending a signature by mail.

*By fax. Fax your information and signature to Nash at (307) 265-2743.