Cheyenne Frontier Days announced plans today for its 125th anniversary celebration, along with Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins, at a news conference at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center. The festival will return to Frontier Park from July 23 to August 1.
Organizers are working closely with and taking guidance from the Governor’s Office and public health officials, including the Global Center for Health Security at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. While they are prepared to implement COVID procedures for cleanliness and sanitation, and will make adjustments as health and safety circumstances dictate, they do not expect any attendance limitations for concerts, rodeo or other CFD outdoor events.
“We are excited to get back to fulfilling our mission of economic impact to the community, and we look forward to safely welcoming our fans back to Frontier Park this summer,” said Tom Hirsig, CEO of Cheyenne Frontier Days. “It’s been a difficult year for our volunteers, staff, and the entire community. We hope this news will bring some optimism that we can finally see the light at the end of tunnel.”
Last year the pandemic forced the first cancelation in the iconic Western celebration’s long history, resulting in a significant emotional and economic toll on Cheyenne and the State of Wyoming. Hundreds of thousands of people attend CFD concerts and rodeo performances each year, contributing $28 million to the local economy. In 2019, Cheyenne Frontier Days created over 300 jobs resulting in $5 million in wages and salaries and generated over $1 million in local and state taxes.
“This is welcome news for Wyoming, and people from around the country and the world, who have a trip to Cheyenne Frontier Days on their bucket list,” said Governor Mark Gordon. “Our big message that we want people to hear loud and clear today is that Wyoming is back and we are open for business.”
“We are proud to welcome rodeo fans and visitors back to Cheyenne this July,” said Mayor Patrick Collins. “Our businesses look forward to hosting guests and locals alike as we work together to support our summer season.”
Cheyenne Frontier Days takes place each summer during the last full week in July, including the world’s largest outdoor rodeo that draws top professionals competing for more than $1 million in cash and prizes. In addition to the daily rodeo action, fans can also enjoy Frontier Nights concerts featuring the biggest names in country music, the Native American Village, the old frontier town, free pancake breakfasts, an art show, a carnival midway, professional bull riding shows and downtown parades featuring antique carriages and automobiles.
“We are working continuously to safely and responsibly entertain our fans and put on a 125th “Daddy of ‘em All” that they will never forget,” said Hirsig.
CFD will reveal details about ticket sales and concert performers tomorrow evening, April 8.
For more information on the 2021 Cheyenne Frontier Days event, visit www.cfdrodeo.com.
See the Cheyenne Frontier Days Attendee Health & Safety Protocols
After the pandemic forced its cancellation, CFD worked on lending a hand
As Cheyenne Frontier Days looks ahead to celebrating its 125th anniversary in July, the organization released its 2020 Report to the Community, which looks back at how CFD’s volunteers and staff turned their focus toward supporting the community after the coronavirus pandemic forced the historic cancellation of the iconic western festival in 2020.
“We were all pretty deflated after the cancellation, but we decided to look at it as an opportunity to use the downtime to do what we could to help our community,” said Tom Hirsig, Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO.
The report recaps how CFD donated its facilities and volunteer manpower to help a variety of community organizations in Wyoming.
“We are grateful for the chance to give something back to the community,” continued Hirsig. “It was important for our staff, volunteers and sponsors that we made good use of our time and facilities during the summer instead of letting them sit idle.”
The public is invited to join Cheyenne Frontier Days™ volunteers, friends and staff at a blood drive on December 21 and 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Event Center.
According to Vitalant, the nonprofit community blood service provider coordinating the drive, the community is facing a critical need for blood donations this winter. Healthcare systems are stretched thin and many blood drives have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Vitalant protects donors by following CDC safety guidelines, and all donors will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Even someone who has already had COVID-19 and recovered can make a difference, since their plasma can help someone who is currently fighting the virus.
“We are eager to do our part to help our community,” said Tom Hirsig, Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO. “It’s not often that we get a chance to give someone the gift of life. The more of us who donate, the more lives we can potentially save.”
Everyone who donates during the CFD Blood Drive will be entered into a drawing to win Two VIP Passes to the PRCA Rodeo Performance of their choice during the 125th Cheyenne Frontier Days™ in July. The package includes a special pre-rodeo lunch.
To register for the CFD blood drive, call (307) 638-3326 or go to www.vitalant.org.
CHEYENNE – The Cheyenne Frontier Days™ (CFD) General Committee has named its new Grounds Committee Chair.
The new Grounds Chairman is Wally Reiman. He is a long time CFD volunteer, and he has served 36 years on the Grounds Committee, and was inducted into the HEELS organization 28 years ago.
Reiman brings a wealth of knowledge to the Grounds Committee and Frontier Park. He is a local general contractor and Executive VP at Reiman Corp. He was President of Associated General Contractors of Wyoming (formerly known as the Wyoming Contractors Association) and he is a past winner of the Contractor of the Year.
The Cheyenne Frontier Days General Committee has already begun planning for the 125th Daddy of ‘em All.
The General Committee spent some time on what would’ve been the final Saturday of Cheyenne Frontier Days™ visiting downtown businesses and thanking them for making Cheyenne Legendary
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The Cheyenne Frontier Days™ (CFD) Foundation kicked off the 365 to 125 Campaign on July 22, 2020. This campaign will support initiatives for the 125th celebration, which is scheduled for July 23 – August 1, 2021.
The CFD Foundation is dedicated to supporting the charitable and educational aspects of Cheyenne Frontier Days™. The campaign will focus on two major projects to mark the 125th anniversary of Cheyenne Frontier Days™.
A bronze statue of Chris LeDoux will be added to the sculpture collection on Frontier Park. This sculpture is by D. Michael Thomas from Buffalo, Wyoming and memorializes the tie of Chris LeDoux to the rodeo and music worlds and his place in CFD history.
In addition, work will begin to refurbish Barn 15 to house the world-class carriage collection. These rolling pieces of history are displayed in the CFD Old West Museum galleries until they are used in the Grand Parades in July. The improvements to Barn 15 will allow the carriages to be stored in a protected environment and will keep these artifacts out of the elements between parade runs, when they are not on display.
Legendary country music entertainer Garth Brooks talked about his memories of performing with Chris LeDoux at CFD in a video he created. Brooks asked CFD organizers to supply a 125th buckle to match the buckle from the 100th annual celebration.
Donations to the 365 to 125 Campaign will be matched up to $200,000. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit cfdrodeo.co/foundation or email Roger Schreiner at foundation@cfdrodeo.com
The CFD Old West Museum and the Western Art Show Committee are pleased to announce that Jump the Gun for ticket holders only begins July 9 on https://cfdartshow.com/.
All artwork purchases are made on a first come, first serve basis. All available artwork on the website will be priced at Jump the Gun (JTG) (25%) + $160, the cost of a ticket. Ticket holders will receive a coupon code to remove the added ticket price to each piece of art. JTG buyers receive an additional tax-deduction on top of the standard 35% rate during regular and public buy. From July 9 until July 16 at 7 p.m. MDT, buyers may jump the gun either online or call during the Museum at (307) 778-7289.
Kickoff for the 40th anniversary of the Western Art Show will be on Thursday, July 16 with the Virtual Opening Reception on Facebook Live with appearances from our artists, and some special guests. While the opening is free to view on Facebook, audience members who wish to purchase art during the event must purchase a ticket to the event.
Please support the Museum and purchase a ticket by visiting: https://visitcheyenne.regfox.com/2020-cfd-art-show
For additional information about the show please visit: https://cfdartshow.com/
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Museum relies heavily on donations, admission to the Museum, events admission, and art sales. Ticket sales alone for the Western Art Show & Sale normally raise enough funds for the Museum to pay for nearly a month of operating expenses.
Since 1981, the Committee has raised over $3 million in support of the CFD Old West Museum’s day-to-day operations through the Western Art Show. Today, this high-caliber art show has become the Museum’s largest fundraiser, supporting nearly a quarter of our operating expenses.
For additional information please contact Art Show Coordinator Cameron Green at cameron.green@oldwestmuseum.org or by calling (307) 778-7289.
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
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 125th 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 125th 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.