WESTERN WONDERS BEST OF THE WEST: CAN’T-MISS RODEOS. 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 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. 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. MEET TEAM WYOMING Here are just a few of the skilled contend-ers 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 Team Wyoming Barrel Racer JUNE Cody Nite Rodeo 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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. 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. FOCUS PRODUCTIONS/BOB WOODALL. CODY NITE RODEO 67
Wyoming Official Travel Guide 2019 Wyoming Official Travel Guide: Page 67
