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The tryouts for the official drill team will take place in the rodeo arena at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2024.
Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD), the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration, announces tryout dates for the 2025 Dandies drill team. Tryouts are open to young women from Wyoming and Colorado ages 14-19 and will be held in the CFD arena at 1230 W. 8th Avenue, Cheyenne, WY on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 1 p.m.
“We’re thrilled to hold this tryout each year. We welcome returning Dandies and new girls in the horsemanship community who want to be a part of this prestigious team,” said Dandy Director, Halley Redman. “Being a Dandy is an incredible experience for these young ladies. The skills they learn – from horseback riding to public speaking – will benefit them beyond the rodeo world.”
Young woman interested in joining the team must own or lease a horse and be willing to travel. Tryout requirements include:
The young women selected for next year’s Dandies will serve as good will ambassadors for Cheyenne Frontier Days. They represent CFD at rodeos, fairs, and events throughout the Rocky Mountain Region – including Casper, Estes Park, and Greeley. During the annual 10-day event, which will take place July 18-27, 2025, the Dandies participate in the rodeo performances and each of downtown parades. Additionally, they will attend the Coronation Ball, the Western Art Show and Sale, pancake breakfasts, and the USAF Thunderbird Aerial Demonstration.
“Being a Dandy is a commitment,” said Redman. “The Dandies and their families dedicate a large amount of time throughout the year to practices and meetings along with the CFD functions, parades and rodeos. You’re all in as a Dandy. We’re excited to meet the young women interested in joining the team.”
A makeup tryout will be Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 6 p.m. for those who are unable to attend on September 29.
For more information, please email dandies.director@cfdrodeo.com.
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.
Sunup to sunset, the 2024 edition of Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) was filled with entertainment options, great stories, and a boost to the local economy.
The “Daddy of ’em All” has a 128-year history, and while events have been added, the legacy lies in the rodeo. This year’s theme, “Year of the Cowgirl,” showcased women in and out of the arena. On June 28, CFD dedicated a bronze statue named “How ’Bout Them Cowgirls,” by Wyoming sculptor D. Michael Thomas. It is in a place of honor next to the Chris LeDoux statue. Miniature versions of the bronze were awarded to the Women’s Ranch Bronc Riding, Breakaway Roping, and Barrel Racing champions this year.
The rich history of the event started in 1897. None of the celebration would be possible without the 3,000-plus volunteers who put in countless hours to make it happen.
Over 1,500 rodeo contestants made their way to Frontier Park to be part of the $1.2 million rodeo. Their competition started early with qualifier rounds where Chet Weitz, a 23-year-old tie-down roper from London, Texas, set an arena record at 9.1 seconds.
The rodeo’s qualifying rounds were July 13-17. The Quarter Finals began on July 19, where contestants were vying for a spot in the Semi-Finals, July 26-27. Championship Sunday featured the top contestants in nine events.
There was a big race for the all-around championship between 18-year-old rookie Wesley Schalla and Coleman Proctor, who is twice his age. Both qualified for the Finals in two events. Schalla, from Arapaho, Oklahoma, competed in bareback riding and bull riding. Proctor came out of Chute 9 in steer roping and team roping. Proctor, from Pryor, Oklahoma, earned the All-Around Champion for the second time in his career–he also won in 2022.
Through nine rodeo performances, 115,494 fans were in attendance, compared to 116,960 last year. The Quarter Finals, Semi-Finals, and Finals were broadcast live on The Cowboy Channel. Additionally, qualifying rounds were available on The Cowboy Channel+ app. The final Saturday celebrated National Day of the Cowboy with a sold-out rodeo performance.
Other on-site attractions that are a traditional part of the Western celebration include the Indian Village, concerts, trade shows, and carnival. Behind the Chutes Tours were a popular free activity where nearly 4,000 attendees got a close look at the rodeo arena and livestock.
CFD officials continued their quest to bring attention to suicide prevention and awareness through the Pick-Up Man Initiative, which aims to combat suicide. Yellow feathers on cowboy hats were prevalent across Frontier Park, encouraging people to “pick up” someone in need.
All military branches were honored on Military Monday with active personnel and veterans receiving free admission. Special opening ceremonies featured the Leapfrogs Navy Parachute Team. Volunteers carried in a giant American flag, a parade on the track of military vehicles, and recognition of Gold Star families. Additionally, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds returned to the Wyoming skies on Cheyenne Day.
Frontier Nights saw 119,793 in attendance compared to 134,134 last year. Two nights of entertainment included Professional Bull Riders-Last Man Standing. In addition to rodeo and night show tickets, there were 28,353 gate admission tickets sold, bringing total attendance to 263,640.
Approximately 6,500 head of livestock were on the park for the rodeo, parades, and bull riding. On-site veterinarians thoroughly inspected animals multiple times daily. Twelve animals required treatment, and unfortunately two did not recover. Additionally, this year, an off-site pasture was provided for the bucking horses, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the new 150-acre “Horse Haven.”
Four parades and three pancake breakfasts were part of the celebration in downtown Cheyenne. Fans lined the streets for the parades featuring horse-drawn wagons that depict the history of transportation. The Kiwanis, CFD, and various community volunteers fed 19,076 people at the free pancake breakfasts.
The Native American Indian Village on Frontier Park had activities for all ages, including storytelling, hoop dancing, and flute playing. Approximately 35,948 people made their way through the village.
“We had an amazing year in 2024,” said John Contos, CFD General Chairman. “I’ve been involved here in a lot of different capacities, and it never ceases to amaze me. We couldn’t do it without our volunteers, support from the community, and our sponsors. We have a 128-year history of celebrating the West, and we don’t ever want to forget everyone that has been a part of this in the past to make it what it is today. The Year of the Cowgirl gave us extra inspiration this year. We are so grateful to everyone involved and we are ready to start planning for 2025.”
Cheyenne Frontier Days ™ (CFD) has initiated a project to reconstruct and relocate the Native American Indian Village on Frontier Park grounds. CFD revealed preliminary sketches of the new facility named Morning Star American Indian Village today, celebrating a donation from the Hughes Charitable Foundation.
Today’s announcement reflects years of planning on ways to improve the portion of Cheyenne
Frontier Days that features Native American Indians during the 10-day show. The donation will
allow for full construction of a new facility located near the Old West Museum. CFD will raise
the funds necessary to complete cultural features.
“Since the beginning days of CFD, we have featured Native American Indian dancers,
performers and storytellers,” Tom Hirsig, CFD CEO said. “This contribution allows us to begin
construction on a facility that will serve as a cultural destination and a showcase for all of
Cheyenne and Wyoming.”
CFD released architect drawings at an event ending with a cedar ring blessing conducted by Pat
Iron Cloud, a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe, and a prayer by Sandra Iron Cloud, member of
the Northern Arapaho Tribe.
The goal of this project is to shine a brighter spotlight on the role of Native American Indians at
CFD. The new space will offer a much-improved venue for Indian performers, as well as an
upgraded space for craftsmen who travel to CFD and sell their goods in the village. Beyond the
10-day show, CFD will work to provide the venue for various cultural events.
“The Hughes Charitable Foundation is active in many Wyoming communities, and their projects
always lift up the people and projects that support our Wyoming values,” Renée Middleton, CFD
Foundation Executive Director said. “This new village will reach hundreds of thousands of
visitors who come to Cheyenne Frontier Days, and it will focus on a part of our western story
that deserves more attention. We are proud to celebrate Native American Indians and bring an
exciting cultural facility to the community of Cheyenne.”
Morning Star American Indian Village Fact Sheet
The Morning Star American Indian Village is a planned cultural facility that is dedicated
to the heritage of the American Indian.
The existing village is 1.2 acres. The new village will be roughly 3.8 acres.
The existing Dance Arbor holds 600, the new Dance Arbor will hold 800-1000 with
shade.
The new site will feature improved amenities for our American Indian performers.
Improved vendor space as well as more intimate stages featuring Native artists, crafts
people, and storytelling are part of the new design.
The new facility is planned to be open year-round.
The village will serve as a Memorial for our American Indian veterans and service
members.
A flag promenade of the Nomadic Tribes who passed through this area of the Plains is
planned.
“State of The Art” Integrated Sound System will improve sound for visitors.
There are opportunities for locals and lovers of this village to show their support with
additional fundraising activities.
Cheyenne Frontier Days™ (CFD) announced the 2024 Frontier Nights® entertainment series this evening.
Concert tickets will go on sale March 14 at 9 a.m. MDT at www.cfdrodeo.com.
The Cheyenne Frontier Days Ticket Office will not be open for in-person or phone sales on March 14. Tickets will be sold online only that day to accommodate purchase volume.
The ticket office will re-open for in-person and phone sales at 9 a.m. MDT on March 15.
“We are excited to share the names of the artists with everyone tonight,” Contract Acts Chairman Scott Lewis said. “This year is going to be a blast and we can’t wait to see you all out here in July.”
Join us this summer for the Year of the Cowgirl, where there will be hundreds of vendors, a full carnival, artists, food and music that celebrate the history and culture of the American West.
The PBR Last Cowboy Standing will return with one of the most exciting competition formats in Western sports, showcasing the world’s top bull riders in a five-round, ride-survive-and-advance format. In addition, the 128th annual “Daddy of ‘em All®” will feature nine days of PRCA professional rodeo that will conclude with Championship Sunday, where champions are crowned, and legends are made.
Concert ticket prices range from $72 – $107, rooftop starts at $200, and Tunes on the Terrace ranges from $225 – $275. Daily rodeo tickets range from $24 – $51, rooftop starts at $100. PBR tickets range from $25 – $105.
A $3 discount is offered on rodeo tickets and $5 discount on concert tickets purchased before July 1.
Fans can upgrade to a Frontier Nights® Fast Pass for early admission to the Party Zone and a voucher for best-available same-day rodeo tickets. For a full events schedule and profiles of musical acts, go to www.cfdrodeo.com.
The CFD Ticket Office is the only authorized source of tickets for our event.
All tickets for all concerts will go on-sale March 14 at 9 a.m. MDT
2024 Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Entertainment Schedule
July 19: Turnpike Troubadours with Red Clay Strays
July 20: Jason Aldean with Chase Matthew
July 21: Jelly Roll with Warren Zeiders
July 22-23: Professional Bull Riders – Last Cowboy Standing
July 24: Machine Gun Kelly
July 25: T-Pain & Ludacris
July 26: Lainey Wilson with Flatland Cavalry
July 27: Thomas Rhett
July 20-28: PRCA Rodeo
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.
Cheyenne Frontier Days™ (CFD) will put tickets for the 2024 event on sale December 7. Tickets for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo, PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Last Cowboy Standing, Carnival Armbands and Gift Cards (redeemable for tickets or merchandise) will go on sale.
Tickets go on sale December 7 at 9 a.m. MT at www.cfdrodeo.com, and by calling (307) 778-7222.
Cheyenne Frontier Days will celebrate the Year of the Cowgirl to recognize the contributions of women to the American Frontier and Western culture. A bronze dedication is planned for Frontier Park to support this theme next summer.
The 128th annual “Daddy of ‘em All®” will feature nine days of fast-paced PRCA and WPRA rodeo culminating in Championship Sunday where champions are crowned, and legends are made.
PBR Last Cowboy Standing features one of the most exciting competition formats in Western sports, showcasing the world’s top bull riders in a five-round ride-survive-and-advance format.
There will be hundreds of vendors, a full carnival, artists, food, and music celebrating the history and culture of the American West.
Daily rodeo tickets range from $24 – $51, with VIP at additional cost. A $3 discount is offered on rodeo tickets purchased before July 1. PBR tickets range from $25 – $105. Carnival Armbands will be $40 per session or $150 for all 10 days.
Cheyenne Frontier Days partners with AXS, a global leader in ticketing for the entertainment world. Event attendees will use AXS Mobile ID technology through the AXS App which provides contactless, secure, and personalized fan experiences. Attendees will need to download the AXS App to access digital ticket purchases for 2024.
Artist Announcements are coming in March 2024. For the full range of pricing and more event information, please visit www.cfdrodeo.com.