Cheyenne Frontier Days has decided not to pursue a proposal to host parimutuel horse racing at Frontier Park. The proposal from Accel Entertainment offered to lease and make substantial upgrades to CFD’s infrastructure and facilities in return for CFD agreeing to host 16 days of live horse racing at Frontier Park.

The proposal to bring parimutuel horse racing back to Cheyenne was met with passionate opposition from neighbors and others concerned about issues related to noise, traffic, gambling and negative reports about animal safety at other horse racing venues. If CFD had decided to move forward, the proposal still would have needed approval from the Laramie County Commissioners, the Wyoming State Gaming Commission, and the Cheyenne City Council.

“A lot of people don’t realize that unlike many other sports venues, we are not subsidized by taxpayers. We rely entirely on privately generated revenue,” said Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO Tom Hirsig. “It’s our responsibility to consider reasonable options that could allow us to remain a premier bucket list event that draws hundreds of thousands to Cheyenne every year.”

CFD officials estimate needing in excess of $150 million over the next 20 years to repair or replace Chute 9, the aging west side grandstands, restroom facilities, and other areas that need upgrades. Revenue from horse racing could have contributed to addressing those needs, but the organization will now look for other potential options.

“We have always managed to meet big challenges by working with our community to arrive at creative solutions,” said Hirsig. “Cheyenne is our home and we take great pride in the CFD brand. We are committed to continue delivering a world class show that preserves and promotes Cheyenne’s history, culture and tradition.”

About Cheyenne Frontier Days

Since 1897, Cheyenne has celebrated its Old West roots with this eye-popping festival. The centerpiece of this Western celebration is the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, which draws top professionals who compete for more than $1 million in cash and prizes. Complementing the daily rodeo action are behind-the-chutes tours, trick riding and a wild-horse race. A Native American Village, an old frontier town, a saloon, dancing, a chuck wagon cook-off, pancake breakfasts and an art show carry through the frontier theme. Rounding out the program are a carnival midway, an air show, top-name entertainment, professional bull riding shows and several parades that include antique carriages and automobiles. Cheyenne Frontier Days takes place each summer during the last full week in July.

The Cheyenne Frontier Days™ (CFD) General Committee has named its new committee members for the 2024 celebration.

Following Grounds Chairman Wally Reiman is Doug Finch. Finch is the Chief Executive Officer at Finch Enterprises, Inc. He has volunteered on the CFD Grounds Committee for 17 years and was inducted into the HEELS Organization in 2017. Finch has also served on the Cheyenne Frontier Days Board of Directors for 4 years.

Byron Mathews will be replacing Brian Rico as Operations Chairman. Mathews is the State Fire Marshal and Director of the Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety. He previously worked with Cheyenne Fire Rescue for 24 years, serving as a firefighter through the ranks of Division Chief. Mathews has been involved with CFD for 20 years with the Parades Motorized Division.

Following Mike Smith as Public Relations Chairman is Shellie Hardsocg. She is a special educator at Laramie County School District #1. Hardsocg has been a volunteer on the Public Relations Committee since 1993 and has been a committee lead for 9 years. She was nominated PR Volunteer of the Year in 2009 and inducted into the HEELS in 2013.

The Cheyenne Frontier Days General Committee has already begun the planning process for the 128th Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Cheyenne Frontier Days is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Lady-In-Waiting. Applicants must be a resident of Laramie County, and a high school graduate at the time of application. Applications are available at Cheyenne Frontier Days Headquarters, 1230 W 8th Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001. Completed applications are due at Cheyenne Frontier Days Headquarters on Friday, August 25 by 4 p.m.

The Lady-In-Waiting will be under the direction of the Cheyenne Frontier Days Indians Committee. Miss Frontier will assist the Lady-In-Waiting in learning her role as spokesperson for Cheyenne Frontier Days.

In addition to submitting a written application, candidates will need to demonstrate horsemanship skills on Sunday, August 27 and participate in a personal interview on Monday, August 28.

2023 Application

2023 Schedule of Events

Cheyenne Frontier Days will host it’s annual Daddy of ‘em All® Volunteer Challenge Blood Drive on Monday, June 5 at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Community and Cheyenne Frontier Days Volunteers are urged to participate in the blood drive.

Anyone who donates will be automatically entered to win one of several prizes including: two V.I.P. Rodeo Passes, two tickets to the SOLD OUT Zach Bryan Concert on July 23, CFD branded merchandise, and more.

Donors are encouraged to make an appointment to donate blood at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Blood Drive by visiting donors.vitalant.org  and using the blood drive code: CFD. Donors can also call Steve Moehr at (307) 262-6222 to get scheduled for the June 5 Cheyenne Frontier Days blood drive. Walk-ins are welcome.

Frontier Park is an 88-acre testament to generations of volunteerism. There are over 125 years of hard work, time, talent, and pride on these hallowed grounds. We have cared for this home that celebrates the culture and history of the American West so that future generations can experience them.

We now have a way to honor family members, and volunteers past and present, with the donation of a Memorial Bench through the Cheyenne Frontier Days Foundation. This new program will place 50 memorial benches throughout Frontier Park.

The benches are steel park benches, 6 feet in length, with a back and arm rests. An optional, engravable cast bronze plaque will allow for three lines of text to formally acknowledge an entire family or an individual. These benches will give guests a place to rest while honoring those who have given time and talent to the celebration.

Benches are available for $5,000 and support the Cheyenne Frontier Days Foundation. The CFD Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit set up to support the philanthropic activities and educational opportunities of Cheyenne Frontier Days for its continued growth and relevance as the preeminent Western celebration.

Honor family and volunteers past and present with the donation of a Memorial Bench at: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/CFDMemorialBench

The CFD Foundation is uniquely qualified to tell the stories and provide the economic platform to facilitate growth for today and the future of the Cheyenne Frontier Days, Western Heritage, and Western values. The Foundation is the advocate for the educational needs across all aspects of the event to ensure its sustainability. The Foundation supports the philanthropic activities of the event in a way only CFD can. The Foundation provides a powerful collaboration connecting the CFD events and the people who care for them to stimulate interest in the enduring legacy of the American West. We are the keepers of Western heritage through the stories we tell and how we help others.

Registration Fee: $50

Entries will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis, and are limited to the first 30 entries.

Open to boys and girls residing in Laramie County only. Participants must be under 13 years of age as of August 1, 2023.

For further information, contact Janet Vossler (307) 421-2840.