Cheyenne Frontier Days - 125 Years Celebrating Our Western Roots
Written By: Sarah Reish
Photos By: Cheyenne Frontier Days
This event is big and looking better than ever! Live WYld wishes Cheyenne Frontier Day’s the happiest of birthdays! 125 never looked so good. There is a rich history that surrounds this rodeo and there are some big names associated with it as well. More than a rodeo, this event is a celebration of Wyoming, family, and the west.
The history
The very first Cheyenne Frontier Days was in 1896, this is known because in 1917 CFD Secretary T. Joe Cahill sent a letter inviting Mr. Frederick Angier to the 21st annual Cheyenne Frontier Days. The concept started after a Potato Day celebration in Greeley when Colonel E.A. Slack asked Warren Richardson if Cheyenne could put together an event. Richardson’s response, “Cheyenne didn’t raise much of anything except hell.” But the ideas stuck. The person who greatly shaped the creative direction of the event is Union Pacific Railroad Agent Frederick W. Angier who was, in 1917 named the father of the frontier.
The past meets the present
I had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Smith who is Chairman of Public Relations for CFD and learned so much about this event. One fact that really stood out to me was that the Thunderbirds have a public show and CFD is their longest running show appearance. They have the largest horse drawn carriage parade.
Celebrating Chris Ledoux
This year CFD is celebrating 125 years which they have dedicated to legendary entertainer and rodeo world champion Chris Ledoux. A bronze statue of Ledoux is being placed in Frontier Park. Festivities include a sold out concert with Garth Brooks and Ned Ledoux. The legend himself made waves on both the rodeo circuit and on stage celebrating Wyoming Cowboys.
Special things to do
CFD will be kicked off with an CFD Invitational Art Show & Sale. Guests can head to downtown Cheyenne for a free chuck wagon pancake breakfast on July 26, 28, 30 from 7 am - 9 am. Over 100,000 flapjacks are served during CFDs! Guests can also participate in Behind the Chutes tours. Get an inside look of this year's rodeo.
The rodeo
The CFD PRCA Rodeo runs July 24th - August 1st and is from 1 pm - 4 pm daily. It is a tournament-style rodeo format. CFD is an award winning rodeo having received the Large Outdoor Rodeo Of The Year award for the 11th consecutive time and for the 16th time overall. Best known for the fast pace and the large number of contestants.
What you need to know
CFD has a packed schedule, which you can explore here because it is extensive. There are some changes that you need to note before attending. There is a clear bag policy and attendees need to be sure to review the health policies that are now in place. Parking and shuttles are provided and the shuttle ride is only 5 minutes to the event grounds.
Hit the Road!
You won’t want to miss this year’s event celebrating 125 years! Please share you photos on social media and tag us @liveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld