Frontier Days is first and foremost, of course, about the rodeo. I'm kind of an unlikely rodeo fan, I think; I had my introduction to rodeo at the annual Augusta Rodeo in Montana when we lived in Great Falls, and loved it every time we went. It was a very different kind of rodeo than here in Cheyenne—much smaller, much closer to the action, but very, very western. Cheyenne's rodeo is the largest outdoor rodeo in the country, and there are grandstands instead of close-in bleachers, but like Augusta, there is no mistaking that you are in the west. Or maybe more appropriately, The West.
We went to see slack steer roping in the morning one day...
and the second-to-last day of afternoon rodeo. We arrived just in time to see the Dandies perform.
Miss Frontier (Rachel Shutter) and her horse galloped down the track at high speed, smiling all the while. All we could think was how tired she must be after attending every single event and more. Being Miss Frontier is not for the faint of heart!
We caught some bull riding and saddle bronc riding and cheered on cowboys with names like Howdy Cloud, Buster Record, Jr., and Ora Tatum; Maddie and Gracie were riveted. Bridget was overcome by the wearies and took a little nap on me, which was a little funny in a crowd of 15,000+ with a lot of very loud activity and announcing going on, constantly. But then again, I once took a 10 minute snooze in Ohio State Stadium in a crowd of 90,000+, so she can't be blamed : )
Can't forget the trick riders. I only got a few pictures after Bee's arena nap, but I can assure you that Maddie and Gracie will forever remember the girls who look a whole lot like gymnasts performing gymnastics tricks on the backs of lightning fast horses. You could see the wheels turning, much to Matt's and my dismay. We just have to make sure they never see this Flickr stream. Ha.
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A few other favorite photos from the week:
I've been plotting this picture for months at a building downtown! This building hasn't always had the Willis sign up, and I'm not sure what the story is behind the change. Now we'll have to take a photo at the old Sears Tower, too...
There were many interesting things to see (and buy) in Wild Horse Gulch (on the grounds of Frontier Park). Grandma purchased a cool quilted table runner and I got a Wyoming Tourism print from an ad campaign I love. You know, because what the Dillows need is more framed things for their walls.
There was a little time spent in jail. Note happy to be there-sad to be there contrast.
We've never had such good kettle corn, ever. Three full (large) bags were snarfed down (only Gracie was able to resist)(!??!) and one bag was sent to Pennsylvania so Aunt Marie could enjoy some on her birthday.
And finally, no Frontier Days could be complete without a trip to the carnival. Actually, Frontier Days could be complete for Matt and me without a trip to the carnival, but the girls had fun despite the fact we didn't stay all day. Or even two hours. No-fear Maddie rode this swing ride all by herself.
The end.
