The Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Western Art Show is an invitational show which features the nation’s top Western artists presenting original art that celebrates the heritage and the future of the American West. Over the last 40 years, this high-caliber Art Show has contributed over $3 million and has become the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum’s largest fundraiser supporting Arts Education, Exhibits, Collections, and Operations.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of social outings and the world at large, we are determined to bring the experience of the Western Art Show into your living room, while keeping the safety and well-being of the viewers and participants as our number one priority.

This year’s Western Art Show Opening Reception will be on Facebook Live, and promises to bring the same intensity as past opening spectacles with events such as Jump the Gun, Ticket Holder Only Purchase Hour, Artist Interactions, and more.

While it is free to view the Virtual Opening Reception on Facebook Live, audience members who wish to purchase artwork during the Virtual Opening Reception will need to purchase a ticket to the event. Tickets for the Virtual Opening Reception are $160 for Non-Members or $130 for Members. Ticket holder benefits are listed at www.cfdartshow.com.

Ticket holders may Jump the Gun starting on July 9 online only at www.cfdartshow.com. Ticket holders may begin purchasing art at the regular price starting at 7 p.m. on July 16. During the Virtual Opening Reception, the Museum will have a phone bank for those who need assistance.

On July 17 at 9 a.m. MDT, non-ticket holders may purchase art at the Museum, online, or over the phone. All artwork is sold on a first-come, first serve basis. Buyers interested in a commissioned piece from one of our artists can contact the Art Show Coordinator, Cameron Green, at (307)778-7289 or cameron.green@oldwestmuseum.org.

For more information, to purchase a ticket, or to make a donation please visit: cfdartshow.com

All Museum visitors are required to wear a mask and maintain a six-foot social distance from others outside their household.

Quick Facts:

What: Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show & Sale Opening Reception

Where: FaceBook Live, @cfdoldwestmuseum

When: Opening Reception – Thursday, July 16, 2020; The show can be seen through Sunday, August 16, 2020 at the CFD Old West Museum – 4610 Carey Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001

Time: Opening Reception – 6-8 p.m.; Museum hours (Monday and Tuesday: 1-4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Cost: Opening Reception: $160 per person or $130 per person for CFD and Museum Volunteers and Museum Members

CHEYENNE – Fire up the barbecue and plan to party on your patio this Fourth of July!

Cheyenne Frontier Days^™ has partnered with ANB Bank, Union, Cheyenne Beverage, Cowboy Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, First Interstate Bank, Swire Coca-Cola and Black Hills Energy to host the annual fireworks display for the City of Cheyenne.

The 2020 fireworks show is designed to maximize aerial displays for visibility from locations all over Cheyenne. Frontier Park will not be open as viewing locations this year, so plan to enjoy the show from your own neighborhood or other open, flat areas.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation and the Laramie County School District have offered their parking lots for those who wish to view the fireworks. Carey Avenue will be closed and Lions Park will be open to foot traffic only.

Tune in to local radio station KFBC at 1240 AM and 97.5 FM to hear the patriotic broadcast accompanying the fireworks display.

We know entertainment options are limited this year, and we would like for you to enjoy a bright spot with an evening of aerial entertainment. We are pleased to be able to offer the fireworks show and accompanying music where it can be enjoyed from your own backyard, porch, patio, or wherever you choose to watch this great Cheyenne tradition.

The fireworks display will begin at 9:35 p.m.

For more details please go to cfdrodeo.co/July4th

F.E. Warren Air Force Base will be hosting the Wings Over Warren Airshow on July 22, 2020.

Headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the show will also include demonstrations from the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II demonstration teams and appearances by the B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit, C-130 Hercules and B-52 Stratofortress.

“This year’s airshow is not only an opportunity to highlight United States Air Force airpower and the capabilities of all our military services, but to say ‘thank you’ to our neighbors in Cheyenne and throughout Wyoming,” Col. Peter Bonetti, 90th Missile Wing commander said. “The community has always provided incredible support for F.E. Warren’s mission and our Airmen.”

For more information on the airshow and access to base, please visit warren.af.mil or the F.E. Warren Facebook Page.

For any questions regarding this release, please contact the 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs Office at (307) 773-3381.

The Cheyenne Frontier Days^™ (CFD) General Committee announced that Miss Frontier, Bailey Bishop, and her Lady-in-Waiting, Savannah Messenger will continue their roles into 2021 for the 125^th celebration. The annual event, known as the “Daddy of ‘em All^®,” will not take place in 2020.

“While I am saddened that we will not be having Cheyenne Frontier Days^™ this year, I understand the importance of keeping our community safe and healthy. I am honored the General Committee is allowing me the opportunity, and think highly enough of me to continue through next year as Miss Frontier 2021 for the 125^th celebration,” Bishop said.

Bailey, the daughter of Todd and Jan Bishop, is a 2016 graduate of Burns High School. Bishop spent two years at Laramie County Community College. Currently, she is enrolled at the University of Wyoming. Bailey has been involved with CFD most of her life. She has participated in the Grand Parades, competed in junior barrels, and was a Dandy throughout high school.

“I’m confident in the opportunity to represent the Daddy of ‘em All for an additional year with my Miss Frontier and best friend, Bailey Bishop, by my side once again,” Messenger said. “I had the best year building up to the 124th celebration, and I look forward to another successful year getting ready for the unforgettable 125th. The community of Cheyenne is like no other – strong and courageous. We all ride for the brand because that’s the cowboy way. I’m excited to keep doing what we love.”

Savannah is the daughter of Kirk Messenger, Raedene Messenger and the late Mark Messenger. She is a 2016 graduate of Cheyenne Central High School. Currently, Savannah is a dental assistant at Grand Avenue Dental Center, and she is pursuing a degree in Communications at Laramie County Community College. Messenger has participated in the Grand Parades, and she was a Dandy in high school. She volunteers as an outrider on the Parades Committee, and also volunteers on the Public Relations Committee as a coordinator for the visiting state royalty.

Miss Frontier and her Lady-in-Waiting will work together in 2021 to represent Cheyenne Frontier Days^™ in both the United States and Canada.

The nomination forms for the 2020 Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Hall of Fame Class are now available. Don’t miss your opportunity to nominate the person or entity that you believe has helped shape Cheyenne Frontier Days into the “Daddy of ‘em All.” All nominations must be postmarked by January 15, 2020. Nominations are open to the public (you don’t have to be a member of the CFD Old West Museum to nominate) and are limited to past and present Cheyenne Frontier Days contestants, contract personnel, entertainers, livestock, families, organizations, and volunteers.

Cheyenne Frontier Days plays an important role in the community and it’s time to honor those that have helped make it what it is today.

The Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame showcases individuals, livestock, families, and organizations whose distinctive contributions to CFD have helped grow a dream into “The Daddy of ‘em All.” Whether contestants, contract personnel, entertainers, livestock, families, or volunteers, those voted into the Hall of Fame represent the wonderful competitive and cooperative spirit that has remained the hallmark of Cheyenne Frontier Days since 1897.

Nomination forms are available at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, online at www.oldwestmuseum.org, or send a letter explaining why your candidate is the best choice for the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame.

Call the CFD Old West Museum at (307) 778-7290 or visit us online for more information.

Quick Facts:

Who: The CFD Hall of Fame Nomination is open to the public.

What: The CFD Hall of Fame honors those who have made a distinctive contribution to Cheyenne Frontier Days.

When: Nomination forms are available now. Nominations are due by January 15, 2020.

Where: Find your nomination form at the CFD Old West Museum or online at www.oldwestmuseum.org.

How: Fill out your nomination form and either mail it or bring it to the CFD Old West Museum. You can also send a letter explaining why your candidate is the best choice for the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame.

Contact: Daniek Long, Registrar, at daniek.long@oldwestmuseum.org

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (July 29, 2018) – When an agent of the Union Pacific Railroad suggested Cheyenne have a festival to the editor of the newspaper in 1897, they had no idea of the legendary event that it would grow into.
With less than ideal weather during several of the 10-days of activities, attendance at this year’s Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) was beyond what might have been expected. The loyalty of fans is very gratifying for the nearly 3,000 volunteers who work year-round for the “Daddy of ‘em All.”
Fans from across the United States and a variety of foreign countries make their way to Wyoming to attend Cheyenne Frontier Days. While the rodeo is the centerpiece of the celebration, patrons also take in parades, pancake breakfasts, visit the Indian Village, and go to night shows along with other activities. It all adds up to the “World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo & Western Celebration.”
This year’s activities kicked off on July 20 with a Wild West Show that was reminiscent of the events held years ago. All of the activities including a ladies’ ranch bronc riding was broadcast live on RIDE TV. Rodeo performances started the next day where over 1,200 contestants were vying for CFD championships and $840,031 in prize money. The largest money winner was steer wrestler Levi Rudd from Chelsea, Oklahoma. He left Wyoming with an additional $21,395 in his bank account.
New and a fan favorite at the rodeo this year was mini bareback and mini bull riding for aspiring competitors. Throughout the competition, with parades and all the activities over 6,000 animals come through Frontier Park.
Approximately two-thirds of them were part of the rodeo. A team of veterinarians checked those animals before and after each performance. Reports showed that 121 of animals were examined. Treatments were provided to 41 of them with all but two expected to make a full recovery.
Rodeo attendance saw a big gain at 101,462, an increase of 7.6 percent over last year. Cheyenne/Laramie County Day’s rodeo was the second largest Wednesday crowd in history. The night show featuring Eric Church the same day was sold out.
Professional Bull Riders returned to Frontier Park for the first time since 2010. They brought their riders on Monday night, then produced a second night of bull riding featuring Championship Bull Riders. It was the first time in the organizations’ history where they partnered on an event and had competitors riding against each other. The action was broadcast on PBR’s RidePass.
Other numbers were in line with previous years. Four parades were estimated to have 90,700 visitors. Three pancake breakfasts saw 23,138 meals served and 47,611 visited the Indian Village. With expanded entertainment options around the park and enhancements to the Western Experience, total attendance for 2018 was 543,705 a slight increase from 2017.
The final rodeo on Championship Sunday, July 29, had 12,401 fans on their feet when local favorite Brody Cress won the saddle bronc riding title. The highest attended rodeo was on Saturday, July 28 at 14,138. The Behind the Chutes Tours gave 2,608 fans an up close and personal rodeo experience.
Military Monday continues to be popular. All branches of the military were honored with active personnel and veterans receiving free admission. The U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Leapfrogs, thrilled rodeo and night show fans by jumping into the arena at Frontier Park and the USAF Thunderbirds were another hit. A new attendance record was set for the Thunderbirds performance at Laramie County Community College on July 25 at 18,876. The previous record was 16,100 in 2014.
A partnership with Colorado State University’s (CSU) Equine Clinical Services program provided comprehensive care for the second year. The CSU Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation veterinarians provided care similar to athletic trainers for contestants. Onsite services included digital radiographs, ultrasound, acupuncture, chiropractic care and shock wave therapy.
The Justin Sportsmedicine Team was on site and along with local medical personnel provided over 400 treatments. A bull rider was transported and had surgery after getting hit in the face during the PBR. He has been released and is expected to make a full recovery.
The Bureau of Land Management in cooperation with Mantle Ranch Wild Horse and Burro Training presented wild horses and burros that were all adopted. Demonstrations were provided by the Mantle family.
RFD-TV broadcast their popular Western Sports Roundup on Rural Radio. Their broadcast reached over 70 million fans. The final three performances were webcast on the Wrangler Network. Over 300,000 people from 52 countries enjoyed the global coverage.
Night shows were once again a popular attraction. Total night show attendance was 115,214 compared to the record set in 2016 of 118,123.
“Despite the weather, our awesome fans showed up to support Cheyenne Frontier Days,” said Bill Berg, General Chairman of Cheyenne Frontier Days. “Our volunteers stepped up to the plate in every case. We couldn’t do any of it without the loyalty of our sponsors. Everybody got a little dirty this year, but it was worth it.”