For those of you who do not know of Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) is also known as the Daddy of 'Em All, the largest outdoor rodeo in the world! It triples the population in Cheyenne for 10 days! It started in 1897 When a man named Frederick W. Angier came to Cheyenne from Denver. His business was to get towns along the railroad to host festivals or fairs making the towns become destinations for excursions on the train. The idea for a rodeo came from watching some cowboys at work. The ranch hands where trying to get a horse into a stock car for shipment and the horse did not want to go! They had three weeks to put together the first ever Cheyenne Frontier Days! This year was the 125th anniversary! It sure has grown. There is so much going on it takes all ten days just do or see it all. We did not see it all but here is some of what we did get to do!
Saturday July 24 Fort D. A. Russell opened to the public for two days for the Fort D. A. Russell Days. We went to see the living history camp presentations and demonstrations.
The kids participated in the Camp Carlin Supply Run, a stick mule race to historic forts.
Finally on Saturday we watched the "Buffalo Soldiers of the American West Presentation" highlighting mounted Calvary riding and weapons drills but most importantly educating the people watching about the African American Calvary regiments of the U.S. Army.
Sunday we returned after church to catch the Historic Homes Tour.
Tuesday July 27 We got to be in the Parade! We had to check out historic clothing from the Historic Cheyenne Club. We rode on the Mud Wagon! We joined some families from church. It was a fun experience! Dalton was pretty shy though.
Tuesday evening we went to the Professional Bull Riding - Last Cowboy Standing! It was the second evening and we got to see some amazing rides! This was the kids first ever rodeo! They loved it!
Wednesday morning really early we had company come in! Cousins from Oklahoma! We all went over near Pastor Scheer's home, which is near the Air Force Base, to watch the Thunderbirds fly!
Thursday we actually took our cousins to Lions Park to play and to the aquatic center. That evening we got a double date night thanks to the Scheer girls watching all 5 kids! We ate at the Nipa Hut! We strongly recommend it to anyone visiting Cheyenne. And as all good dates end, we ended at the hardware store... Menards!
Friday was a big day. We went down to where all the action was and walked around Old Frontier Town, the Indian Village and of course went to the rodeo! We got to see Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc, Bareback, Rookie Bronc, Steer Wrestling, Tie-Down Roping, Barrel Racing, Women's Breakaway Roping, and of course the crazy Wild Horse Race, and so much more. The kids did great. Parker even napped through the first part.
Saturday we went downtown to watch the final Parade! When you are in it you don't get to see it! We also went back to the Old Frontier town so the kids could do the pony ride (which we missed Friday). In the evening we took the kids to the park and the kids ran out their extra energy.
Sunday Bryan preached and after church our Cousins headed home. This was a fun filled week!
Oh my gosh.. That was an amazing adventure!! So glad you did so much.. Great memories were made! Getting to share that with cousins was even more exciting!!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a great time. I am happy for you and your family.
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