Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Frontier Days
The biggest event in Cheyenne—the biggest in Wyoming—is
Frontier Days
(
www.frontierdays.com
)
, an affair that has been defining Wyoming's capital city since
1897. The largest outdoor rodeo in the country today, the celebration's origins are rather
humble. Union Pacific passenger agent F. W. Angier and the editor of the local Cheyenne
newspaper claimed to have dreamed up the idea based on Greeley, Colorado's “Potato
Day.”
The first Frontier Days was held on September 23, 1897, and drew a substantial crowd
for events that ranged from a bucking horse contest to a mock stagecoach robbery and mock
hanging. The troops from Fort Russell lit cannons, and the crowd quickly followed suit by
firing their own guns, sending horses and other livestock into a panic. No one was killed,
and the event only reinforced Wyoming's reputation for rowdiness.
By far the most popular event at early Frontier Days was the bucking bronc contest,
which allowed ranchers to pit their cowboys against each other to determine who had the
best ones. Although riders could use a saddle, they had to wait until the horse came to a
complete standstill before finishing their ride. They weren't allowed to hold on to any part
of the saddle, but they could fan the horse with their hats, whip it, or use their spurs.
More than 100 years later, Frontier Days carries on with much the same spirit. It is now
a 10-day event spanning two weekends. In recent years nearly 200,000 people have shown
up to attend events that include parades, major rock and country music concerts, free pan-
cake breakfasts, tours of an Indian village, a Western art show, a carnival, dances, and nine
days of PRCA rodeo. This event has clearly earned its nickname, “the daddy of 'em all.”
The event is held annually the last two weekends in July at the rodeo grounds (4610
Carey Ave.) and around town. For more information, contact the Frontier Days Office (307/
778-7222 or 800/227-6336).
Other Events
Happening over a weekend each year in mid-June, Cheyenne gathers on the beautiful Depot
Plaza to celebrate beer at the
Wyoming Brewer's Festival
(
www.wyobrewfest.com
)
. The
event includes a delicious Taster's Party, which pairs beer with food from Cheyenne's var-
ied culinary scene. There is also live music both nights and plenty of festivities. The pro-
ceeds from this event benefit the Cheyenne Depot.
For eight days in early August, the
Laramie County Fair
(3967 Archer Pkwy., 307/
633-4670,
www.laramiecountyfair.com
)
, which calls itself the oldest and largest county fair
