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World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo, world record in Cheyenne, Wyoming

Nov 10, 2023
World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration, world record in Cheyenne, Wyoming

Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States--Cheyenne Frontier Days, an outdoor rodeo and western celebration in the United States, held annually since 1897 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, draws nearly 200,000 annually; it has a full-time staff of 18 people year round, and an estimated 3,000 volunteers, of whom a small number are paid; the event draws top professionals cowboys, competing for more than $1 million in cash and prizes and sets the world record for being the World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration, world record in Cheyenne, Wyoming

"Cheyenne Frontier Days is an outdoor rodeo and western celebration in the United States, held annually since 1897 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It bills itself as the "World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration." The event, claimed to be one of the largest of its kind in the world, draws nearly 200,000 annually. Lodging fills up quickly during the peak tourist season throughout southern and eastern Wyoming, into northern Colorado and western Nebraska. The celebration is held during the ten days centered about the last full week of July. In 2008, Cheyenne Frontier Days was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.


"The rodeo draws visitors from different parts of the United States as well as internationally. These visitors generally stay in hotels, motels, or in recreational vehicles. High temperatures around 81 °F (27 °C) and fair weather are normal for the time of year when this event is held; the elevation is approximately 6,150 feet (1,870 m) above sea level. Cowboy style bars and country and western themed establishments scattered throughout the city of Cheyenne are popular with many rodeo fans and participants, and they file in with large numbers after the night shows.


"Cheyenne Frontier Days has a full-time staff of 18 people year round, and an estimated 3,000 volunteers, of whom a small number are paid. There is preparation before the event and cleanup after the event as well as all of the work that needs performed during the actual event."  (Wikipedia)

World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration, world record in Cheyenne, Wyoming

"The Daddy of 'em All has been kicking up dust since 1897 with the world's largest outdoor rodeo and Western Celebration. The first Frontier Days was held as a cowboy roundup that featured bronco busting and steer roping contests as well as pony races," the Visit Cheyenne says.


"Cheyenne Frontier Days includes PRCA rodeo & slack events, concerts, Professional Bull Riders, USAF Thunderbirds, parades, pancake breakfasts, Western Art Show & sale, carnival, Old West Museum, and an Indian Village.


"Cheyenne celebrates its Authentic West roots each year with the world's largest outdoor rodeo. The event draws top professionals cowboys, competing for more than $1 million in cash and prizes. Besides the PRCA event, which is called The Daddy of 'em All because of the prizes, you can catch the finals of the Championship Bull Riding season, as they crown their champions. Not sure how rodeo works or is scored? Find out about all the rodeo action here!"

World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration, world record in Cheyenne, Wyoming

"In 1897, Frederick W. Angier, Traveling Passenger Agent of the Union Pacific Railroad, suggested to the editor of the Cheyenne Daily Sun-Leader, a festival similar to Greeley, Colorado’s “Potato Day,”  the official website says.


"As a result of that suggestion, plans for the first “Frontier Day”, were formulated in the Tivoli Saloon at the corner of 16th Street and Carey. Events included pony races, bronco busting, and steer roping among others. At the time, these events were seen as a test of a cowboy’s skill.


"The inaugural event was so successful that the next year it was expanded to two days and a parade was added. The rodeo expanded as the years went on and more affiliated events were added. Its reputation increased as well. And today it is one of the most authentic and largest rodeo events in the world."

World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration, world record in Cheyenne, Wyoming

"Frontier Days, celebrating its 107th year, attracts a half-million people to see championship bull riding, barrel racing, country music stars, Western art shows, Native American festivities and more. I saw license plates from around the country, including Alaska, California, Iowa, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma," the Chicago Tribune says.


"Cheyenne Frontier Days – this 10-day event is always the last week in July – showcases its long-held traditions at the Old West Museum adjacent to Frontier Park. Enjoy plenty of free Western music, including at the pancake breakfasts, during the day at The Garden and in the evening, at the Buckin’ A Saloon for those 21 and older (got your dancing boots on?)


"In case you are wondering, the first record of a chuckwagon was in 1866 and it was pulled by 10 oxen, 27 men, 2,000 cattle and 100 horses who traveled 600 miles from Fort Belknap in Texas to Fort Sumner in New Mexico to supply the military, Native Americans and settlers."

World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration, world record in Cheyenne, Wyoming

"The world’s largest outdoor rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days, has a history that stretches all the way back to 1897," Reuters says.



"Today, professional competitors compete for more than $1 million in cash and prizes. There is also an array of “Wild West” activities and attractions, including square dancing, pancake breakfasts, an art show, an air show, parades with antique carriages and cars, and a carnival midway."

World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration, world record in Cheyenne, Wyoming

"Known in these parts as the “Daddy of ‘em All,” Cheyenne Frontier Days is the largest outdoor rodeo in the world and runs for 10 days at the end of July every year," the UC Health says.

"You don’t need to be a real cowboy or cowgirl or even dress the part to enjoy this historic event. Just sidle on up a few miles north of the Colorado border into Wyoming and enjoy a western tradition that has celebrated rodeos and western culture since 1897.


"The fun of attending is seeing plenty of real cowboys both at the rodeo events and on the adjacent grounds. Big money is at stake. So, Cheyenne Frontier Days attracts about 1,800 top competitors with up to $1 million in cash and prizes on the line."

World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration, world record in Cheyenne, Wyoming

"Every year, thousands travel to Cheyenne, Wyoming for the infamous Frontier Days. The ten-day festival, which runs July 21st-30th, is the “World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration” hosting major touring artists headlining the stages, the PRCA Rodeo, a Chuckwagon Experience, a carnival, and more. Visitors get just a taste of what makes Cheyenne special during the summer festivities," the Cowboy Lifestyle Network says.


"Cheyenne is uniquely situated in the southeast corner of Wyoming, making it a quick drive to major metropolitan areas while maintaining the small-town feel. Being a railroad town since its birth, Cheyenne is a melting pot of Western tradition, outdoors culture, and frontier attitude.


"Beth Gunthardt, a local who’s actively involved with Frontier Days, says “My favorite thing about living in Cheyenne is the people here: the locals who make this town a welcoming and warm place (even in the winter) where neighbors still look out for one another. Strike up a conversation with a stranger when you’re visiting and you’ll more than likely find someone who becomes a new friend!”

World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration, world record in Cheyenne, Wyoming

"Just two hours north of Rocky Mountain National Park, stop in Cheyenne, Wyo., on your way to Yellowstone. If you’ve timed it right, you’ll arrive in town for the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration where top professionals compete for more than $1 million in cash and prizes. Celebrating its 125th year in 2021, Cheyenne Frontier Days offers more than daily rodeo action," the Colorado National Park trips says.


"Order brisket, beans, potatoes and cobbler at the Chuckwagon Experience. Stop by Indian Village where Native Americans have been performing since 1898, returning each year to entertain and educate visitors about American Indian heritage and culture with dances, handicrafts and storytelling.


"Rounding out the festivities is a carnival with rides, an air show, top-name entertainment like Blake Shelton and Eric Church, Professional Bull Riders, and several parades that include antique carriages and automobiles."

World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration, world record in Cheyenne, Wyoming

"Cheyenne Frontier Days is an annual rodeo and western event that has been celebrated since 1897. It is quite the event and one of the best roadside attractions in the state. In fact, this festival has earned the moniker, "The Daddy of 'em All" due to its long history and the fact that it is the largest in the world," the Only In Your State says.


"The event draws around 200,000 people, worldwide, every year. The majority of the activities are held at Frontier Park, while others, such as the pancake breakfast, take place in other parts of the city. The main attraction is the world's largest outdoor rodeo, drawing top professionals who are competing against each other for more than $1 million dollars in cash and prizes.


"Other happenings over the several-day period include behind-the-chutes tours, truck riding, a wild horse race, a Native American Village, a saloon, dancing, an old frontier town, a chuck wagon cook-off, an air show, entertainment, professional bull riding, and parades."

World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration, world record in Cheyenne, Wyoming

"If you’ve been following us here at Visit USA Parks for some time, you know we are big fans of Cheyenne, Wyoming and their colossal Western celebration, Cheyenne Frontier Days! This 10-day festival is home to the world's largest outdoor rodeo, adoringly referred to as the Daddy of 'em All. For those experiencing Frontier Days for the first time, here's our guide to the festival and a few tips for the rest of your time in Cheyenne," the Visit USA Parks says.


"Visitors from near and far flock to Cheyenne during Cheyenne Frontier Days. This 10-day festival is an annual event that celebrates all things American West. Cheyenne Frontier Days features a Grand Parade, Old Frontier Town, Family Fun Days, live music, and the biggest attraction of them all—the Daddy of ‘em All Rodeo. This is the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and is a sight to behold for rodeo newbies and experts alike!


"Kick off the festivities the following morning with the Grand Parade. The parade starts at the capitol building and is old-fashioned fun for the whole family. Enjoy watching Miss Rodeo America, colorful floats, and marching bands stream by in succession. The parade also features the world’s largest collection of historic wagons! Next, you might consider taking a “behind the chutes” tour. This is a rare opportunity to learn about the inner workings of the world’s biggest outdoor rodeo. You’ll even be able to have your photo taken in the chutes!"

World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration, world record in Cheyenne, Wyoming

"Cheyenne Frontier Days began in 1897 as a humble affair, but it has since turned into the largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration in the world. Every July, visitors get a true taste of the Old West as the “Daddy of ’Em All” delivers 10 days of thrilling rodeo competitions, down-home food, carnival fun and world-class entertainment," the Travel Wyoming says.


"The event (held at the end of July each year) draws some of the nation’s top talent from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, all vying for a piece of the million-dollar purse — the largest regular-season payoff in pro rodeo. Rodeos take place daily and include events like bareback riding, barrel racing, steer roping, steer wrestling and wild-horse racing.

"In addition to rodeo events, this Wyoming rodeo features performances from some of the biggest names in country music, a carnival, line dancing, cultural exhibits and more. Want to know more? Check out list of the top five things to do at Cheyenne Frontier Days."

Related world records:


World's Largest Amateur Rodeo: world record in Pawhuska, Oklahoma

World's Oldest Rodeo: world record in Prescott, Arizona

World’s Largest Belt Buckle: world record in Abilene, Kansas

World’s Largest Watercolor: world record in Craig, Colorado
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