CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Your first rodeo? No worries.
Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo can be an overwhelming experience for newbies, according to Bill Gentle from the CFD Public Relations Committee. The last day of rodeo semi-finals will take place from 12:45 to 4 p.m. The rodeo championships will take place at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 30. Below are five interesting things people can expect to see at the Frontier Park stadium. The following information is provided by Gentle and the Cheyenne Frontier Days team.
1. Western attire
CFD spectators are encouraged to get into the rodeo spirit by wearing Western apparel. The ideal rodeo outfit consists of a long-sleeve shirt, preferably plaid; a cowboy hat; long blue jeans; and cowboy boots. People also like to add accessories including intricately designed belt buckles, fringes and turquoise jewelry.
2. Emergency Personnel
A designated medical area may not be seen in the rodeo arena, but doctors and nurses are readily available to handle any injuries, Gentle said. An emergency room is located on the lower east side of the stadium. Muscle sprains and head injuries are some of the most common injuries at the rodeo. There is even a designated entrance and route to direct ambulances into the arena if needed.
3. “Pickup men”
During bull riding, saddle bronc and bareback riding, several people named “pickup men” are stationed near the contestants. Their role is to help get riders off their horse or bull safely and direct the bucking animals back into their designated area. The pickup men play an important role in keeping the rodeo safe for contestants, animals and spectators, Gentle said.
4. The rodeo continuing on, despite rain, shine or hail
Wyoming weather can change at a moment’s notice, going from sunshine to rain to hail all within a matter of minutes. When that happens, the spectators might move out of their seats and take cover, but the rodeo still goes on, Gentle said. Riders and their animals are used to competing in the heat or cold. Gentle can only recall one time during his decades-long stint as a CFD volunteer that the CFD temporarily halted rodeo events. Heavy rain had made it “impossible” for people to see, he said.
5. A rodeo clown
CFD has a special rodeo clown that entertains the audience in between events. An Arkansas-based professional rodeo clown for more than 15 years, Cody Sosobee preforms various light-hearted tidbits, including dances and skits. During bull riding events, he is known for getting inside a padded barrel in the middle of the arena. The barrel is supposed to assist the bullfighters in distracting the bulls after the riders have gotten off.
