If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be one of the Dandies, or what it takes to earn your spot in their ranks… have we got a treat for you!

What defines a Wyoming cowgirl?

It’s the way she approaches the world with strength, confidence, and resilience.

It’s in her passion for the Western way of life.

It’s a definition as vast and ever-evolving as the West itself—even into the newest generation of Wyoming cowgirls, out blazing their trails as we speak.

The bold, barrier-breaking women you’ve met in our past three “Eras of Western Women” episodes aren’t always the typical “cowgirl” you’d expect… and yet, each represents her own brand of cowgirl authentically, unapologetically, unequivocally.

For generations, Women of the West have been trailblazers, shaping history with each step. Today, that pioneering spirit lives on as countless remarkable women continue to make their mark on the world.

Today, you’ll get to meet even more.

With the rise in popularity of Western films in the late 1920s and early 1930s, our nation was enamored by the romance and intrigue of the American West.

It was no longer enough to simply watch the action on a screen; people wanted to have an authentic, boots-on-the-ground Western experience for themselves.

And where better than Cheyenne Frontier Days?

Between 1930 and 1960, both Cheyenne and Frontier Park played host to a wide array of women breaking barriers left and right—and it’s their stories we celebrate today.

Welcome to the era of the cowgirl:

A ground-breaking time in Western history that saw women stepping boldly into the world of rodeo… and never looking back.

The women whose stories you’re about to hear are more than celebrated names from Wyoming’s history; they’re women whose strength, confidence,
and resilience exemplify the spirit of the Wyoming cowgirl… and whose impact shaped the West as we know it today.

When you get two veterans of Frontier Nights together, chances are… they’re going to have some pretty great stories to share. 

Today, you’ve got a seat at the table to hear some of the best, straight from Wyoming country music artist Chancey Williams and Bob Romeo of Romeo Entertainment Group—the agency responsible for bringing everyone from Garth Brooks to Post Malone to our legendary Frontier Nights stage. 

Stories are the heart of Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD), and sharing them with one another is as rich a tradition as our event itself. 

From nostalgic looks back at where CFD has been, to exciting conversations about where we’re going next,
you’ll hear it all first—right here on the Official Podcast of Cheyenne Frontier Days, recorded live in historic Cheyenne, Wyoming! 

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.

Rodeo, PBR, Carnival Armbands, and Gift Cards on sale December 7

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.

The 17^th Annual Dinner and Auction to benefit the Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) volunteers through the CFD Volunteer Crisis Fund (VCF) will return, February 17, 2024, at Little America in Cheyenne, Wyoming.  Ella Langley will be providing entertainment at the dinner, her music kicks like a smooth Alabama whiskey. Her dyed-in-the-wool country storytelling and anthemic hooks go down easy, while moments of attitude-laden rock ‘n’ roll might just knock you on the floor. Flexing show stopping vocals, a razor-sharp pen, and no filter whatsoever, Ms. Langley formally introduces her signature style on her 2023 debut EP, Excuse The Mess [Columbia Records/Sony Music Nashville], introduced by the single “That’s Why We Fight” [feat. Koe Wetzel].

“Never let your lack of experience hold you back.  Set a high standard.  If you think big, you win big.” states Jeremy Lopez, President Volunteer Crisis Fund.  The VCF Board of Directors are thinking big to make the upcoming banquet a moment in time you will not forget!

The board of directors are in the process of gathering items to be auctioned off for the event. All the proceeds will benefit the CFD volunteers.

“Each of the board members would like to thank the donors and businesses who contribute items to the auction. Your contributions make such an incredible impact every year, the event would not be the same without you” said Dawn McDonnell, Director of Marketing.

Tickets go on sale Black Friday, November 24, 2023, online through VCF website at www.cfdvcf.com.

The CFD Volunteer Crisis Fund is a non-profit established for the purpose to provide emergency monetary assistance to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Family when they are faced with a tragic or catastrophic loss. For more information, the VCF can be reached at info@cfdvcf.com.