Cheyenne Frontier Days is back after first ever cancellation

‘Daddy of ‘em All’ took a year off because of pandemic

Cheyenne Frontier Days announced plans this week for its 125th anniversar y celebration

The annual celebration, nicknamed “The Daddy of ‘Em All,” was cancelled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first such cancellation in the CFD’S histor y.

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Col

lins made the joint announcement at a news conference at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center on Wednesday. The festival will return to Frontier Park from July 23 to August 1.

Tom Hirsig, CEO of Cheyenne Frontier Days, said 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, Hirsig said 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,” Hirsig said. “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’s cancelation resulted 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,” Gov. Gordon said. “Our big message that we want people to hear loud and clear today is that Wyoming is back and we are open for business.”

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 countr y 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,” Hirsig said.