A Fabulous New Addition to Frontier Park
To help kick off CFD's 2024 year's theme, "Year of the Cowgirl", a striking new bronze statue titled "How 'Bout Them Cowgirls" was unveiled on June 28th, 2024, at Frontier Park. Crafted by Wyoming native D. Michael Thomas, the same artist behind the nearby "Just LeDoux It" statue honoring Chris LeDoux, this new statue holds profound personal significance. Thomas revealed that the statue is modeled after his mother, a cowgirl from the 1930s.
Be a Pick-Up Man: MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The statue features notable brands, including the Diamond Tail on the left hip, associated with Doug and Susan Samuelson of Warren Livestock, and the 7 XL jaw brand. Susan and Doug Samuelson, alongside Bryan and Peaches Tyrrell (Peaches being a former CFD Dandy and accomplished cowgirl) were proud to gift this artwork to CFD.
“We honor the cowgirls who inspire us through their strength, courage and grace” remarked Tyrrell, affirming that the resilience and spirit of Western women will endure.
#1 Properties proudly supports the CFD's Pick-Up Man Suicide Prevention Awareness campaign, which was just launched two years ago. "Suicide touches everybody. It's critical we all become a Pick-Up man for someone else or reach out to our Pick-Up man when life feels overwhelming. Yellow feathers help start the conversation of bringing awareness to suicide prevention and highlighting the need to reach out when needed," said Renée Middleton, Executive Director of the CFD Foundation. We encourage anyone who is struggling – or sees someone struggling – to reach out for help or text/ call 988 to connect with the crisis hotline.
We invite everyone to wear yellow feathers during CFD. Visit any one of the #1 Properties offices to receive your complimentary yellow feather and join us in raising awareness for suicide prevention. #CowboyCole
Cowgirl Strong: Tales of Legendary Western Women
In 1897, Cheyenne, WY. sought to boost its local economy by showcasing cowboy talents as a tourist attraction, leading to the creation of the very first Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD). This inaugural event drew around 8,000 attendees from across the U.S.
The following year, CFD expanded to include horse racing competitions open to both men and women. Women, who worked alongside men on ranches, proved they could compete equally in the rodeo arena. These cowgirls demonstrated remarkable skill and determination, participating in various events such as bronc busting, steer roping, bulldogging,
horse racing, trick riding, and rope tricks. They performed daring stunts, including jumping over automobiles, and many achieved champion status in bronc riding and horse racing. Women’s participation in rodeo was inconsistent in its early years, with no events from 1908-1914. The ladies world championship saddle bronc competition returned until the 1920’s. Sporadic cowgirl involvement continued through 1948-1971. Today, women compete in barrel racing and in breakaway roping, which CFD featured for the first time in 2019.
The Trailblazing Irwin Sisters: Pioneers of Cheyenne Frontier Days
The Irwin Sisters, Joella, Frances, and Pauline, daughters of CB Irwin (contestant at CFD and stock contractor), were a formidable presence at CFD. Raised in a ranching family, they honed their riding and roping skills through practical experience. These powerhouse cowgirls dominated the Ladies Relay Race, a thrilling event featuring four riders and four horses. Every quarter mile, riders would unsaddle and saddle the next horse before continuing the race. From the late 1800s to the 1930s, the Irwin women secured an impressive 19 titles at CFD, captivating audiences with their daring feats and exceptional skills.
Photo: True West Magazine
Photo: Doubleday 1926
Miss Wyoming: Helen Bonham's Famous Ride
In 1919, the UP Railroad initiated a campaign to increase train travel by having a young woman represent CFD nationwide. Initially, UP sought a cowgirl from across the U.S. However, the President of the Wyoming YWCA insisted that a Wyoming native be chosen, even riding her horse up the steps of the state capitol to make her case.
Helen Bonham, Cheyenne rancher, horse racer, steer roper, and known as “champion woman bronco buster”, was selected as CFD's ambassador. Traveling by rail, Bonham promoted CFD at each stop. Her most famous stunt was in New York City, where she rode her horse into the McAlpin Hotel, took the elevator to the 26th floor, and posed on the roof.
gasoline, lawn furniture, a toaster, and an airplane trip.
Did you know the first four Miss Frontiers had no official outfit? It was not until 1935 when Sally Rand, a renowned performer known for her controversial ostrich fan dance, appeared at CFD. During a parade, she wore stunning white buckskins, which inspired the iconic outfit for Miss Frontier and her Lady-in-Waiting. This ensemble has since become a lasting symbol of the Miss Frontier image.
In 1931, CFD held a contest inviting all civic organizations in Cheyenne to nominate a woman from a Wyoming pioneer family. The American Legion's nominee, Jean Nimo Dubois embodied the spirit of the West and became the first Miss Frontier. Her prize included an outfit, fine clothing, candy,
Three Exciting Ways to Learn More About Cowgirls!
* Cowgirls of the West Museum , 203 & 205 W. 17th ST. Downtown Cheyenne, Open Tuesday - Saturday.
* The Old West Museum, 4610 Carey Ave, Open Daily.
* Scan the QR code to listen to CFD's 4-part podcast series celebrating The Year of the Cowgirl.
The Women Who Transformed the "Daddy
Bertha Kaepernick: Defying the Odds
In 1904, Bertha Kaepernick, a young ranch woman, silenced doubting cowboys on a rainy, muddy day at CFD. Despite concerns about safety, Bertha, wearing a skirt, rode a bucking horse to a standstill, setting the stage for women bronc riders for the next 30 years in the rodeo world. Bertha continued her rodeo career at CFD as a pick-up rider, using skills honed on her ranch to ensure the safety of her fellow competitors.
Prairie Rose Henderson: A Vibrant Trailblazer
Prairie Rose is recognized as the winner of the first women's horse race at CFD, earning a $45 silver saddle. Rose soon joined the Irwin Brothers Wild West Show, where she became an instant sensation. Famous for her "Turkish Trousers," she transformed her bloomers into a unique costume and loved to wear ostrich feathers and leather fringe. Her vibrant personality and exceptional riding skills captivated audiences, solidifying her status as a legendary cowgirl.
Mabel Strickland: The Quintessential 1920's Cowgirl
Mabel Strickland was a beloved figure in rodeo history, known for her elegance, toughness, and versatility. Competing in trick riding, horse racing, and steer wrestling, she was the All-Around Champion Cowgirl in 1922. She thrilled audiences with daring exhibitions. On her white Arabian, Buster, she could expertly pass under the belly of the galloping mare or jump her over an automobile.
of Them All"
Rose was a venerable Oglala Lakota elder and a passionate advocate for women's and Native rights. Serving as the Lakota Liaison with CFD, she was instrumental in shaping the Indians Committee. In the 1930s, Ecoffey brought dancers from the Pine Ridge Reservation to perform at the Indian Village. In recognition of her contributions, she was inducted into the CFD Hall of Fame in 2002. Her legacy was just commemorated with a statue at 21st and Carey Avenue.
Photo: Wikidata
Photo: Doubleday
Photo: VOGT
Rose Nelson Ecoffey: Princess Blue Water
Photo: WTE
Sally Rand
#1 Properties' Own Jamie Fox Hunt Miss Frontier 1997
Official White Buckskins Outfit
Photo: burlesquehall.com
Photo: River Crossing Inc.
Years
There's Only One #1
"In the Cheyenne region, #1 Properties is the finest example of a locally owned and operated business there is. Not only are they the best, they give back to the community through many different sponsorships. Guess that builds good karma, that makes them #1 in this region, way to go #1 Properties!" –T/SG
Calendar July
18th -Aug.11th/CFD'S WESTERN ART SHOW, CFD Old West Museum cfdartshow.com
18th/UB40, The Lincoln Cheyenne, 8pm thelincolncheyenne.com
19th, 26th /FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS, Frontier Mall, 2-7pm
19th - 21st/FORT D.A. RUSSELL DAYS, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, 9am4pm, warren.af.mil/fort_darussell_days
19th- 28th/CFD AFTER PARTY, Outlaw Saloon, 6pm - 2am, cheyenneoutlawsaloon.com
19th/FRIDAYS ON THE PLAZA: NEON UNION, Cheyenne Depot, 5:30 - 9:30pm, cheyennepresents.com
19th/TURNPIKE TROUBADORS W/ RED CLAY STRAYS, CFD Arena, 8pm, cfdrodeo.com
20th, 23rd, 25th, 27th/CFD GRAND PARADE, Downtown Cheyenne, 9am, cfdrodeo.com
20th/JASON ALDEAN W/CHASE MATTHEW, CFD Arena, 8pm, cfdrodeo.com
20th/LANE-LIFE | LEGEND | LECACY, Cheyenne Civic Center, 4pm, cheyennepresents.com
20th/COWBOY MARKET, Ice & Events Center, 10am-3pm
21st/JELLY ROLL W/ WARREN ZEIDERS, CFD Arena, 8pm, cfdrodeo.com
22nd, 24th, 26th/CFD PANCAKE BREAKFAST, Downtown Cheyenne, 7-9am, cfdrodeo.com
23rd/TUESDAY FARMERS MARKET, Frontier Mall, 3-6pm tuesdaymarket.org
24th/FRIDAYS ON THE PLAZA: THIRD RAIL, Cheyenne Depot, 5:30pm - 9:30pm, cheyennepresents.com
24th/MACHINE GUN KELLY CFD Arena, 8pm, cfdrodeo.com
24th/WINGS OVER WARREN AIRSHOW, WAFB, 8am-11am
25th/T-PAIN & LUDACRIS, CFD Arena, 8pm, cfdrodeo.com
26th/FRIDAYS ON THE PLAZA: INNER CIRCLE, Cheyenne Depot, 5:30pm9:30pm, cheyennepresents.com
26th/LAINEY WILSON W/ FLATLAND CAVALRY, CFD Arena, 8pm, cfdrodeo.com
27th/THOMAS RHETT W/ DYLAN SCOTT, CFD Arena, 8pm, cfdrodeo.com
31st -Aug.10th/LARAMIE COUNTY FAIR, LCF at Archer, laramiecountyevents.com/fair/
