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July 19-28, 2024
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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 is an action-packed 10 day festival, celebrating Wyoming’s western roots. From bucking broncos to country music stars, you’ll truly have a hard time deciding where to start. These 5 attractions provide you a great sampling of Cheyenne Frontier Days, the “Daddy of ’em All”. Most of the following events are accessible every day throughout the 10 day celebration, so check out the schedule for Cheyenne Frontier Days to make the best plan for yourself.
If you can only attend one event at Cheyenne Frontier Days, make sure you check out the rodeo! You can catch the action 9 out of the 10 days the festival is in town; the adrenaline from the cowboys (and cowgirls!) to the crowd is surely unmatched. The tradition of rodeo runs deep in American roots, dating back to the 1800’s. Get the most out of your experience by visiting the Cheyenne Frontier Days website for information geared towards rodeo newbies and experts alike.
The Old West Museum has a wonderful collection of art and western artifacts. The Cheyenne Frontier Days celebration has been a part of the Wyoming culture for over 120 years, and this museum spans the decades with a great combination of art and history. A looping rodeo video plays in the heart of museum, bringing the viewer right into the history of rodeo. Additionally, rotating art installations show the vibrancy of western culture portrayed through a variety of mediums. The museum is open year-round as a permanent fixture in Cheyenne, Wyoming, with extended hours during Cheyenne Frontier Days.
National touring acts and local musicians alike perform at Cheyenne Frontier Days, bringing the best in folk and country music. Big country stars take the main stage in the fairground most nights during the celebration. The music reverberates through the concert, and creates an energy that gets everyone stomping their boots. For the 21+ crowd, the Buckin’ A Saloon is a great place to enjoy smaller, yet highly entertaining acts. Music in the Buckin’ A Saloon is free with admission into the fairgrounds, and a great place to show off your two-step.
Experience a real taste of authentic Native American culture in the Indian Village at Cheyenne Frontier Days. There are scheduled dance performances daily that are truly mesmerizing! An inspiring display of colorful clothing, drumming, and impressive dance routines will keep you on the edge of your seat. Additionally, there is a great Indian taco stand (a must try!), and of course fantastic shopping featuring Native American handicrafts. Visiting the village is a fun and informative way to explore American Indian heritage and culture.
The Grand Parade in Cheyenne, Wyoming combines top marching bands, horses, antique carriages, vintage bicycles, and everything in between. Announcers along the parade route provide commentary for each float, so you’ll get a great sense of the history and culture of Wyoming. Fortunately, the Grand Parade takes place 4 times during Cheyenne Frontier Days, so you’ll have multiples opportunities to attend.
This article has been created in partnership with Herrmann Global (Publisher of Visit USA Parks)
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