Cheyenne Frontier Days Sets New Records

By Nicole Gamst
Posted Tuesday, July 28, 2009

CHEYENNE, Wyo. --- Cheyenne Frontier Days, the premier celebration of the Western Lifestyle was once again a huge success.

The 113th Annual “Daddy of ‘em All” surpassed expectations on several fronts. Total attendance at Frontier Park was 191,754, the highest in 10 years. The opening Saturday, July 18, boasted the largest crowd on record for the first day with 13,308 fans at the rodeo. The George Strait concert is the largest ever held in the state of Wyoming with 22,736 people watching the superstar. Saturday’s total number of participants in the celebration, including parade, carnival and other activities was estimated at more than 100,000. Thursday’s Taylor Swift concert set a new record for a female artist at Cheyenne Frontier Days with 20,043 concert goers.

The Behind the Chutes tours, which give fans a chance to get on the arena dirt and learn about the rodeo, were up by over 1,000 people. In 2008, there were 4,226 guests. This year, 5,348 took the tour which gives fans an up-close, in-depth look at the sport of rodeo. New in 2009 was having rodeo contestants participate in many of the tours answering questions and signing autographs.

This year’s rodeo featured nearly 1500 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association competitors vying for championship buckles and saddles along with prize money. Money and prizes totaling $1,036,349 was awarded to contestants at the rodeo and the Professional Bull Riders.

Throughout the 13 days of competition including slack and the rodeo, nearly 4,300 animals were used. Veterinarians treated a total of seven animals. Of those, four are being rehabilitated.

The Justin Sports Medicine Team treated an average of 40 contestants per day. Three contestants were transported to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center with no serious injuries.

The Pancake Breakfast, held downtown on Monday, Wednesday and Friday saw the Cheyenne Kiwanis and Boy and Girl Scouts feeding 30,400 patrons. Nearly 50,000 people toured the Indian Village with the largest group of 6,341 coming in on Wednesday, July 22.

“We are excited about the success of this year’s events,” said Charlie West, General Chairman. “There are so many people that have contributed, the volunteers, the rodeo contestants, all of our committee chairmen and of course the fans. It’s a pleasant surprise to see these numbers in this economy. We put together ticket packages and tried to make it an affordable entertainment option for the whole family. I think it was a great show and hope everyone will be back next year.”