MeadowAnn King has been named the Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) 2026 Lady-in-Waiting after a selection process that included a written application, an accomplishment book, a horsemanship skills demonstration and an interview.

MeadowAnn is the daughter of John and Ginger King. She is a 2024 graduate of Cheyenne Central High School, where she was involved in wrestling, softball, cheerleading, volleyball, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FFA, 4-H and multiple leadership roles. She is currently attending Laramie County Community College, pursuing degrees in elementary education and kinesiology.

Her family has proudly served as CFD volunteers for decades. King and her siblings, Wyatt and Bella, have carried on the volunteer tradition in roles such as mounted marshals, ticket committee workers, mare and colt race competitors, night show security, and outriders for the parade. One of King’s most meaningful high school experiences was serving as a CFD Dandy, a dream she had since childhood.

“For me, this role is not about standing in the spotlight but about riding for the brand, doing everything I can to make the committee, my community and our volunteers proud while celebrating and advocating for the growth of rodeo,” King said. “I want to be a small part of the incredible machine of volunteers who make Cheyenne Frontier Days possible, carrying forward the same spirit of service and dedication my family has lived by for generations.”

King will work with Miss Frontier Katherine Olson in 2026 to represent Cheyenne Frontier Days.

The leadership of Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) has named new General Committee members for the 2026 celebration.

The Board of Directors has selected Hans Ritschard to be the next General Chairman. Ritschard is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who now directs improvement work at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. He served as Military Chairman from 2014 to 2016 and was a member of the CFD Board of Directors from 2018 to 2024, including two years as board chairman.

Jenny Lakin has been selected as the new Concessions Chairman. Lakin is a manager in provider relations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming. She has volunteered on the Concessions Committee for 17 years. Lakin was named Concessions Committee Volunteer of the Year in 2014 and was inducted into the HEELS in 2021.

Richard “Bull” Singhas has been selected as the new Parades Chairman. Singhas is a construction manager for the U.S. Air Force and holds a master’s degree in management. He has volunteered on the CFD Parades Committee for 21 years and was named Volunteer of the Year in 2014. Singhas was inducted into the HEELS in 2018.

Jimbo Tanner has been selected as the new Rodeo Chairman. Tanner is the general manager at B&W Glass Inc. He has volunteered on the Rodeo Committee since 2003, was named Rodeo Committee Volunteer of the Year in 2014 and was inducted into the HEELS in 2016.

“It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve Cheyenne Frontier Days as the next General Chairman,” General Chairman Hans Ritschard said. “It is also humbling to succeed those leaders who have built such a strong foundation. St. Bernard of Chartres compared us to dwarves perched on the shoulders of giants. He said that though we might see more and farther than our predecessors, it is not because we have keener vision or greater height, but because we are lifted and held up by their giant size. I would like to thank outgoing General Chairman John Contos, along with Chairmen Woody Acord, Jason Bain, Byron Matthews, and Jim VanCise for their longstanding dedication and commitment to our organization.”

The General Committee has already begun planning for the 130th Cheyenne Frontier Days in 2026 — the Year of the American Indian — which will feature the grand opening of the Morning Star American Indian Village and the reconstruction of Chute 9.

Cheyenne Frontier Days™ General Committee Names Katherine Olson 2025 Lady-In-Waiting

Katherine Olson has been named Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) Lady-In-Waiting 2025 after a selection process including submitting a written application, an accomplishment book, a horsemanship skills demonstration, and an interview.

Katherine is the daughter of Mike and Sheri Olson. She is a 2023 graduate of Burns High School. Olson has been involved in many agricultural pursuits through 4-H, FFA, and competitively exhibiting livestock on a local, state and national level. Currently, she is attending the University of Wyoming, where she is pursuing a degree in Animal Science with an emphasis in production.

Katherine considers herself a first-generation Cheyenne Frontier Days volunteer. Her passion for horses, the rodeo lifestyle, and western values made the Dandies an ideal fit. Katherine’s dedication as Cheyenne Frontier Days Dandy team member, drill leader, and most recently as Assistant Director demonstrates her commitment to excellence in the arena and in the community.

“As the new CFD Miss Lady-In-Waiting, I am ready to promote the esteemed reputation of Cheyenne Frontier Days, champion the traditions of our western heritage, and hold true to the volunteer spirit that has enabled Cheyenne Frontier Days to prosper for 128 years and counting. I am ready to be part of the legendary Daddy of ‘em All that hosts, educates, inspires and entertains a global audience,” Katherine said.

Katherine Olson will work with Miss Frontier, Haylie Turley in 2025 to represent Cheyenne Frontier Days

The Cheyenne Frontier Days™ (CFD) General Committee has named its new committee members for the 2025 celebration.

Following Contract Acts Chairman Scott Lewis is Mike “Wilkie” Wilkinson. Wilkinson is a Risk and Safety Officer for the City of Cheyenne. He has volunteered on the Contract Acts Committee for 12 years and has been a committee lead for three years. Wilkinson was nominated as Volunteer of the Year in 2018, and he was inducted into the HEELS Organization in 2022.

Bill Oates will be replacing Mariah Johnson as Indians Chairman. Oates is a Senior Network Engineer at the Wyoming Department of Transportation. He has been a volunteer on the Indians Committee since 2003 and has been a committee lead for six years. Oates was nominated Indians Committee Volunteer of the Year in 2017.

“We are excited to have Mike and Bill join the General Committee, both individuals are very accomplished within their respective committees; and they will help lead CFD into the future,” John Contos, CFD General Chairman said. “Thank you to Scott Lewis and Mariah Johnson, outgoing chairmen, for their long-standing commitment to our organization.”

The Cheyenne Frontier Days General Committee has already begun the planning process for the 129th Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Cheyenne Frontier Days™ is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Lady-In-Waiting. Applicants must be a resident of Laramie County, and a high school graduate at the time of the application. Applications are available at Cheyenne Frontier Days Headquarters, 1230 W 8th Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001, or on their website

Submitted applications must be accompanied by a notebook/portfolio that details the applicants’ accomplishments and background. Applications and portfolio/notebooks are due at Cheyenne Frontier Days Headquarters by 4 p.m. on Friday, August 23.

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 25 and participate in a personal interview on Monday, August 26.

2025 Lady-in-Waiting Application

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.