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Celebrate our enduring traditions and cowboy spirit at these summertime events that bring out some of Wyoming’s finest athletes. Exhilarating bareback-bronc riding, barrel-racing, bull riding, calf-roping, goat-tying and steer-wrestling competitions are some highlights to look forward to. MAY Jackson Hole Rodeo The Teton Range and Gros Ventre Wilderness make for a dramatic backdrop to this annual celebration of all things cowboy in Jackson. It’s among the earliest and longest-running events of the state’s rodeo season, held most Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from May through September. JUNE Cody Nite Rodeo The longest-running nightly rodeo in the country is the family-oriented Cody Nite Rodeo series, held from June through August in the enclave known as the “Rodeo Capital of the World.” Get a photo taken with Mongo the Bull and meet the clowns and bullfighters who take center stage. Friday Night Rodeos in Dubois Those seeking a peek at northern Wyoming at its most authentic should check out the upper Wind River Valley town of Dubois, home to dude ranches, square dances and the summer Friday Night Rodeo series. Rodeos run from mid-June through mid-August. College National Finals Rodeo More than 400 cowboys and cowgirls from more than 100 universities and colleges in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association battle in Casper each year to be crowned champions in saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and other events. JULY Cheyenne Frontier Days Established in 1897 as a humble affair, Cheyenne Frontier Days has since turned into the largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration in the world. Every July, visitors get a true taste of the Old West as the “Daddy of ’Em All” delivers 10 days of thrilling Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association competitions, cultural exhibits, down-home food, carnival fun and big-name concerts. Lander’s Pioneer Days Rodeo Bronc riding is a big deal in Lander, and there’s no better evidence of that than at Pioneer Days. Don’t miss bull riding for adults and children (ages eight to 14) and the big fireworks show at this Fourth of July extravaganza that’s excited crowds since 1894. Red Desert Roundup Rodeo Held the last full weekend of July, this fun-for-all rodeo delights with nightly calf scrambles and mutton bustin’ for kids, a golf tournament, 5k run and parade through historical downtown Rock Springs. Look Sharp in the Stands Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters in Casper celebrates 100 years of outfitting locals and visitors with Western attire this year. Enhance your wardrobe in their “corral o’ famous brands,” which includes nine floors and 10,000 pairs of cowboy boots. National High School Rodeo Association Finals See champion cowboys and cowgirls in the early phase of their rodeo careers at this action-packed high-school-level event in Rock Springs. Versatility is the name of the game here, with a wide range of events that include bull riding, barrel racing, goat tying and pole bending. Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo Have a bareback ridin’, mutton bustin’ good time in Wyoming’s second-largest city every July when the Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo comes to Casper. Find carnival rides, a demolition derby and a “The Voice”-inspired concert where singers compete to be “The Voice of Casper.” Sheridan WYO Rodeo Founded in 1931, the event kicks off with a family-friendly boot-kicking contest and stickhorse races for little cowpokes and continues with an array of festivities throughout the week, including street dances, a parade and American Indian powwow. AUGUST Wyoming State Fair & Rodeo Three nights of high-energy rodeos, arm-wrestling and pig-and-mud-wrestling competitions, and a carnival with a Ferris wheel, carousel and other classic rides are just a handful of reasons why this event draws patrons to Douglas every August. WY Indeed Wyoming is such a special place to experience rodeo because we are truly the Cowboy State. We are known for having Western outlooks from in the old days, and I think our state does a great job in still continuing that tradition when it comes to us cowboys and cowgirls competing in rodeo. — CASSIDY KRUSE Team Wyoming Barrel Racer MEET TEAM WYOMING Here are just a few of the skilled contenders on Team Wyoming who represent the Cowboy State at rodeos throughout Wyoming and North America. Dusty Tuckness, Bullfighter Known for his speed, skill and grace, the Meeteetse native brings nearly 20 years of experience to the sport and is setting the standard for the next generation of bullfighters. Cassidy Kruse, Barrel Racer The only female on Team Wyoming, Cassidy is a native of Gillette and races professionally with her trusty horses, JJ and Ellie. Brody Cress, Saddle Bronc Rider Hailing from Cheyenne, Brody has competed in rodeos all over North America but loves competing at Cheyenne Frontier Days the most. JR vezain, Bareback Rider JR honed his riding skills in the small Wyoming town of Cowley and is lauded as one of the best bareback riders in the world. Nate Jestes, Bullfighter Nate is a lifelong athlete from Douglas who learned the art of bullfighting in college and is admired for his traditional and freestyle skills. Meet the rest of the team at TravelWyoming.com/team-wyoming.
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