AUTHENTIC WESTERN ADVENTURES Cheyenne Frontier Days TOP 5 THINGS to do at Cheyenne Frontier Days PRCA RODEOS Cheyenne Frontier Days began in 1897 as a humble affair, but it has since turned into the largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration in the world. Every summer (July 21–30, 2017), visitors get a true taste of the Old West as the “Daddy of ’Em All” delivers 10 days of thrilling rodeo competitions, down-home food, carnival fun and world-class entertainment. The event draws some of the nation’s top talent from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, all vying for a piece of the million-dollar purse — the largest regu-lar-season payoff in pro rodeo. Rodeos take place daily and include events like bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, steer roping, steer wrestling and wild-horse racing. 1 horse-drawn vehicles and historic floats. See famous floats that have been in the parade since 1926, including Dazee’s Dance Hall, named after the event’s original float designer, Dazee Bristol. From the famous pancake breakfasts (more than 100,000 flapjacks are made annually!) and the impressive Chuckwagon Cookoffs to the mouthwatering portable delights at the Carnival Midway, CFD brims with ways to satisfy your appetite. 4 IRRESISTIBLE EATS 2 NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT Some of the biggest names in country music perform at the CFD Arena (past performers include Kenny Chesney, Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean). And a giant carnival featuring traditional rides, line dancing and merchants selling everything from elaborate silver belt buckles to huckleberry barbecue sauce keeps visitors smiling all night long. Four Grand Parades journey past the State Capitol in downtown Cheyenne, giving spectators the opportunity to see some of the state’s best marching bands, 5 CULTURAL EXHIBITS CFD PLANNING TOOLS Download the Cheyenne Fron-tier Days app to use on your smartphone at the event — it’s the best way to keep track of everything there is to see and do. Go to p. 42 to learn about rodeo lingo, attire and other useful tips for newbies to Wyoming’s rodeo scene. — Seth Hardwick Wyoming “The faces, smells and sights — all indicative of a particular culture that I could immediately tell was something meaningful, and for those around me, heavily entwined with heritage. A culture I had never per-sonally known, but suddenly desired to experience.” — Sarah Koo California 44 Wyoming Official Travelers Journal FROM TOP: CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS RODEO, MATTHEW IDLER; NATIVE AMERICAN DANCE, MILES/ANDREA BUROLLA. 3 PARADES The event offers so many opportunities to explore the heritage of the American West. Experience Native American dancing, music and storytelling in the Indian Village, trace the history of the rodeo at the Old West Museum and interact with frontier merchants, craftspeople and artisans in the Old Frontier Town. WY INDEED: VISITOR SOUND BITES “CFD is great because it’s such a large and historic rodeo. It’s a priority for both rodeo contestants and fans to attend every year. I’ve met people from around the world who come to Wyoming on vacation for the sole purpose of the event. It’s big and cool, but offers very laid-back atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.”
Wyoming Official Travel Guide 2017 Wyoming OTJ: Page 44
