CHECK OUT OUR NEW VIDEO SERIES 125 YEARS OF HISTORY

First Airfield

The Cheyenne Frontier Days arena was Wyoming’s first airfield. In April 1911, Guy Stoddard attempted to fly a plane that he constructed himself from the arena floor. Local newspapers asked the Cheyenne Frontier Days Committee for permission to use the arena so spectators could watch the event. Unfortunately, Stoddard’s flight was not successful. Later that year, Harold Brinker, renowned local race car driver, did fly his plane from Frontier Park and used it as his airfield until 1913.

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Bill Pickett

Bull dogging was introduced to CFD by renowned black cowboy Bill Pickett of the 101 Ranch in 1904. Spectators were amazed at his skill and daring. Unlike today’s steer wrestlers, early bull doggers grabbed the head of the steer and bit the lip of the animal with their teeth until the startled animal stopped and dropped to the ground. Other riders imitated Pickett, but for some reason, decided grabbing a steer by the horns was preferable for both the steer, and the contestant.

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Buffalo Bill

Buffalo Bill Cody brought his Wild West Show to run concurrently with the second Cheyenne Frontier Days. Bringing daring riders from around the world, his famed troupe of Sioux Indians and a massive parade including an original Cheyenne to Deadwood stage coach and its drivers. Coming to CFD several times, he helped set the tone for CFDs next 100 years of celebrating the American west.

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Chris LeDoux

A graduate from Cheyenne’s Central High School, LeDoux entered his first CFD at the age of 19. He rode several times at our rodeo, missing becoming the bareback champion by only one point in 1974. In between his rides, he and his family sold music out of a booth under the grandstands. After attaining stardom, LeDoux performed at CFD six times in alternating years between 1993 and 2003.

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The Military

The first CFD committee asked Captain William Lewis Pitcher for help. Capt. Pitcher was left in command of Fort D. A. Russell while General Van Dorn was out on maneuvers. Pitcher pledged the 8^th Infantry to march in formation, set up camp and have a sham battle for the first Cheyenne Frontier Days. He did this without authorization from the War Department, but the military has been a part of Cheyenne Frontier Days ever since!

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Mr. T

Considered one of the meanest and toughest bulls in rodeo history, Mr. T was a welcome guest at CFD for many years. At 1,500 pounds, Mr. T was unridden after 187 tries in rodeos around the country. That changed when Marty Staneart defeated the legendary bull on his 188th ride on July 30, 1989 here at Cheyenne Frontier Days. Before he retired, only two other cowboys ever rode him; Ty Murray and Raymond Wessel.

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Sally Rand

Sally Rand was a renowned performer who entertained thousands. Her act consisted of her dancing with two large fans of ostrich feathers, and nothing else. Cheyenne Frontier Days brought her to our night show in 1935. While visiting, she wore a beautiful white buckskin dress. The CFD Committee liked the ensemble so much that it became the official uniform of Miss Frontier the next year. The outfit has changed to meet the tastes of each Miss Frontier.

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Steamboat

From 1901 to 1914, the legendary horse from Wyoming was infamous for throwing riders in spectacular fashion in rodeos across North America. Named for the noise he made after a bone in his nose was removed after an accident as a colt. A fierce animal, many cowboys attempted and did ride him, but that didn’t lessen his mystique. Most Wyomingites believe Steamboat is the horse in their state logo, but arguments continue as to who the rider is.

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Union Pacific & F. Angier

Frederick W. Angier was a ticket agent from the Union Pacific Railroad. Seeking to draw travelers out of Denver during the depression of the 1890s, Angier helped found several events in Colorado including Greeley’s Potato Day. For Cheyenne, he struck upon the idea of a fair celebrating the skills and legend of the cowboy and the Western history of Cheyenne. With support of the brand new Cheyenne Industrial Club, the first Cheyenne Frontier Days was born!

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The First Miss Frontier

The first Miss Frontier was selected in 1931 when the CFD committee sponsored a contest. All six of the girls who entered were sponsored by a civic organization. Each girl was judged based on the number of tickets sold be her sponsoring organization. Miss Jean Nimmo Dubois had the honor of becoming the first Miss Frontier when the Cheyenne Post of the American legion sold the most tickets to the show. The role of Miss Frontier has evolved through the years.

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The Dandies

The Dandies of the “Daddy of ‘em All” serve as goodwill ambassadors for the world’s largest outdoor rodeo celebration. They represent Cheyenne Frontier Days at rodeos, fairs and other celebrations throughout the Rocky Mountain Region visiting a total of nine states.

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Miss Frontier

In 2021, the legacy of Miss Frontier has been celebrated for 90 years. Past Miss Frontiers share the history of Miss Frontier and their personal experiences representing the Daddy of ’em All.

WATCH MISS FRONTIER